7 common mistakes when installing a blind area around the house

When planning a country house, even an inexperienced developer knows what he will need for construction and is aware in advance of the necessary components of a country house (foundation, walls, roof, ceilings, windows and doors). However, there is one more component in the construction of a summer house, which is not formally included in the scope of the house and therefore is often not paid attention to.

And if they do, they leave its arrangement for a vague “later”, mistakenly believing that there is no urgency in its construction, because “there is no rain on us.” There is perhaps no more inappropriate saying when it comes to the blind area. The fact is that she’s just “dropping” on her! And if mistakes were made during construction, drops often lead to irreversible results.

If you don't have a blind area...

The editorial inbox receives letters with annoying regularity in which summer residents talk about loose foundations, cracks in the walls, and lopsided corners. As real practice shows, this problem often appears as a result of the influence of ground moisture on the “zero cycle” and the movement of heaving soils. But this disaster could definitely have been avoided if the foundation had been protected. Which is exactly what the blind area is intended for. That is, it is a mandatory technological component for most types of foundations, and not an additional item of unforeseen expenses imposed by greedy builders in an already growing budget, as many summer residents think. It becomes all the more offensive for inexperienced dacha developers, who very, very often do not pay attention to the obligation to implement it. And not only due, but not at all. As a result, the foundation is deprived of protection and becomes directly accessible to moisture, as a result... see above, where we talked about drops.

Too narrow blind area

A mistake is often made when installing a blind area that is too narrow; in this case, precipitation flowing from the roof will fall into the ground, causing shrinkage and dampness. When calculating the width, the quality and type of soil are taken into account. If the soil is reliable, then the recommended width is 800 - 1200 mm, and if it is prone to subsidence, the width reaches 1500 - 3000 mm. It is important to pay attention to the length of the eaves overhang; the structure must be wider, at least 200 mm.

We build a blind area according to the norms and rules

I hope I have convinced you of the need to arrange a capital blind area.
Then let's move on to the nuances of construction, which everyone who is to build housing must know. There are two known types of blind areas - hard and soft. When covering the first, concrete, asphalt, stone, paving slabs are used, and for the second, gravel, lawn, and light tiles are used.

First of all, I think, it is necessary to eliminate the typical technological mistakes that inexperienced builders make when constructing both types of blind area.

Preparing the site

A blind area around a house made of paving slabs can be installed at the base of both a new and an old building. In the first case, it is necessary to remove part of the soil layer. When constructing a blind area for an existing house, you should remove the old covering and clean the foundation. When performing storm drainage, a recess for the pipe is made at the edge of the blind area.

Advice! If the house was built recently, you should not immediately lay the blind area. It is necessary to wait until the soil near the foundation is compacted. This way you can prevent the formation of voids under the tiles.

How wide the bed will be is determined by taking into account the characteristics of the border. It is convenient if the width of the blind area is equal to the dimensions of the tiles. In this case, there will be no need to do any trimming. The work will be noticeably reduced, and you won’t have to use an angle grinder.

What the depth of the bed will be depends on the height of the base layers. It is usually 150 mm. However, in practice this figure increases to 400 mm. Clay castle should not be done if the soil is very clayey. In this case, only 300 mm can be removed.

It is worth remembering that during excavation, large piles of soil are formed. It is important to immediately determine where it will be placed. If you do not think about this in advance, the embankment will interfere with movement around the territory. The bottom of the bed must be thoroughly compacted. This work should be carried out until the soil stops moving under the impact of the tool.

Advice! Experienced builders advise using herbicides to treat the bed. This will prevent weed growth. It is better to choose herbicides that have a continuous effect.

Mistake #1. Dimensions and location

Waterproof blind areas must be constructed around each building.
Everything is clear with the length, it is equal to the perimeter of the building, but what should the width be? Is it possible to make the blind area narrow? No way! This would be a fatal mistake! Drops of rain falling from the roofing edge (even with a well-organized drainage system they will still occur) should not fall on open ground. That is, the width of the blind area should be approximately 20 cm wider than the size of the roof overhang. It would be appropriate to emphasize here that almost all parameters in construction are quite strictly regulated. To clarify the details that interest you, it is worth looking, for example, at the “Norms and rules for designing complex landscaping on the territory of Moscow MGSN 1.02-02 TSN 30-307-2002”.

The regulatory document states in the most definite way:
“ The width of the blind area for buildings and structures is recommended to be 0.8-1.2 m, and in difficult geological conditions (soils with karsts) - 1.5-3 m.”
Additionally, I note that a porch with a staircase often blocks direct access to the outer foundation wall. Of course, here the blind area must expand in order to clearly prevent precipitation from entering the “forbidden zone” at the foundation.

Marking

To mark, you will need to install pegs in the corners of the bed and stretch a string between them. It will become a guide. It is important to tighten it using a level, this will allow you to make a level base for the blind area.

We suggest you read: How to clean a chimney pipe

As stated in SNiP III-10-75, it is prohibited to bend the edge of the blind area by more than 10 mm. This condition must be met if straight sections are equipped with a blind area. If the work is carried out on private property, the paver himself can adjust this parameter.

Mistake #2. Stagnant water

Water that has fallen from the roof remains on the surface of the blind area and forms puddles next to it. This only means that the authors of the blind area did not take care of the slope of its surface. According to the above-mentioned standards MGSN 1.02-02 TSN 30-307-2002, the transverse slope of the blind area should be taken at least 10%. For example, if the width of the protective tape at your dacha is planned to be 1 m, then the height difference between the longitudinal sides of the formwork should be about 10 cm, and no less!

The importance of lateral slope

A failed height difference can be a consequence of unsuccessful concreting of a monolithic blind area if, at the stage of hardening of the concrete mixture, the builders did not ensure that it was given a transverse slope, and the concrete “stacked” into a horizontal position.

Drainage trays for drainage along the outer perimeter

The story with water does not end there: to drain it along the outer perimeter of the blind area, it is advisable to provide drainage trays. These can be modern plastic boxes, closed on top with metal bars, or simply sawn along the pipe, laid on a reliable base.

And we will take care of beauty

And it is reasonable to frame the structure of the blind area around the perimeter with curb paving stones. It will give the building architectural completeness.

Design of the blind area

Those who appreciate beauty should take care of creating an original design. To do this, you can plant a flower garden on the blind area. To create full-fledged flower beds, you can limit the tiles using borders. Soil should be filled into the existing recesses, and various plants should be planted.

It is important that water from flower beds is effectively drained away from the foundation. Otherwise the base may be damaged. Each recess must be equipped with water drainage. To avoid problems with plant growth, the recesses for flower beds are selected of the appropriate size.

It is worth remembering the different watering needs of plants. If there is no quality drainage from the flower beds, they should be covered during prolonged rain. In addition, it is necessary to feed different bushes. Plants planted in this way cannot obtain nutrients from open soil. You can create a beautiful design using climbing plants.

Mistake #3. Violation of regulations for concrete work

The sad consequence of mistakes of this kind will be the appearance of cracks on the concrete surface of the blind area.
How they threaten the foundation structure is not difficult to guess even for a summer resident who is far from construction. The composition of the concrete mixture is probably known to every summer resident: cement, coarse aggregate (crushed stone fraction up to 20 mm), fine aggregate (sand), water. Then why are there so many mistakes on the dacha horizon? The answer is clear: firstly, the errors lie in the incorrect mixing algorithm. Secondly, in violation of the weight ratio of the components: this often happens if they are measured by eye. Experts strongly recommend abandoning such frivolity. Making concrete is not a case where you can count on chance. You can accurately dose the components even in country conditions. How ? In my opinion, nothing has been invented better than ordinary buckets, and if in addition you use a steelyard (even a very simple one), the weighing accuracy will be sufficient.

Concrete mix proportions

Traditionally, the proportions of the mixture are calculated based on 1 m³ of the finished batch. As an example, I propose to calculate the proportions for concrete M 250 (the most popular brand of mixture for low-rise construction). To obtain 1 m³ of M 250 solution you will need:

• cement grade M 400 – 332 kg;

• crushed stone – 1080 kg;
• sand – 750 kg;

• water - about 215 l.

Sequence of mixing components

The sequence of mixing the components is also important. There can be no amateur activity here and there is no need to invent anything - everything has already been invented before us and has long been tested in practice. Experts believe that all dry ingredients should be mixed first, and water should be added later.

Mixing time

How long does it take to rotate the bulb of a household concrete mixer? To mix the dry ingredients, 2 minutes are enough, and after gradually adding water, another 2 minutes.

Eliminate the appearance of cracks

When pouring the concrete mixture into the formwork, consider laying thin wooden blocks across the blind area strip, which will act as expansion joints. They (bars) are the main trump card in the “fight” against cracking of concrete.

Compaction and tilt

The final stage of concreting is compacting the concrete mixture and imparting a slope in the transverse direction. You will have to rent a vibrating plate, the operation of which will ensure high quality finishing work.

Common mistakes when creating a blind area

Often, owners of private houses do not get the expected effect from the blind area because they make a number of mistakes. Even the smallest flaws can minimize the beneficial effect of the design. Most often, problems can arise when:

1. Poor quality compaction of backfill. It causes shrinkage, which causes the waterproofing material to collapse and may even cause cracks to appear on the surface of the concrete.
2. Debris getting into the backfill can also lead to damage to materials and deterioration of their performance characteristics.
3. Poor compaction of the base and non-compliance with the slope can lead to an uneven layer of crushed stone, which will cause improper distribution of the load and cause cracking of the concrete.
4. The absence of transverse seams in the formwork and an expansion joint between the blind area and the base can lead to the formation of cracks.

A blind area near the house is made of two layers. One of them is internal (substrate), and the second is external. Paving slabs are chosen as the latter. For maximum performance, each layer should be laid according to certain requirements. If you follow them, the installation process will go quickly, and the result will delight the owners of the house.

First, select materials for the blind area:

• Paving slabs. For novice builders, you should take simple brick-like tiles. Many craftsmen believe that with a large tile size, installation goes faster. However, this opinion is fundamentally wrong. Aligning such elements is much more difficult. For the blind area you should choose 40 mm tiles.
• Border.
• Waterproofing material.
• Insulation – you don’t have to use it.
• Clay – necessary for performing a hydraulic lock. Experienced builders advise choosing fatty clay that contains little sand and various impurities.
• Sand. It is better if it is sifted.
• Crushed stone. It is used to create a dry cushion under the tiles. To make a high-quality pillow, you will need to choose crushed stone ranging in size from 20 to 30 mm.
• Cement powder.
• Communication pipe.

In addition, the work will require certain tools. It is necessary to prepare in advance a trowel, a shovel, a container in which the concrete solution will be prepared, and a grinder.

The time spent on laying the blind area depends on the parameters of the surface to be finished - area, degree of preparedness. The bulk of the work goes into preparing the foundation. To perform all the procedures correctly, you will need to know several subtleties of constructing a blind area.

Mistake #4. The blind area was not insulated

Such an error will lead to negative consequences. If the blind area is not insulated, frost heaving inevitably occurs on heaving soils (clayey, silty sandy loam, loam) in winter, which has a most destructive effect on the foundation structure.

Advantages of an insulated blind area

• in normal soils, an insulated blind area protects the foundation from the appearance of cracks (when melt and sediment water penetrates into the concrete, which can destroy it when frozen);
• reduces the impact of external low temperatures and reduces home heating costs.

Therefore, experts recommend not saving on insulating the blind area - it will cost you more.
As practice shows, in the modern building materials market you can find the ideal combination of high quality and reasonable prices. For example, practicing builders positively characterize the product, in a particular case - extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) with sheet dimensions of 580x1180 mm and a thickness of 50 mm. Laying thermal insulation boards. Photo from the site eva-stroi.ru

The material in practice (and it was used in various climatic conditions) proved the characteristics declared by the manufacturer:

• high compressive strength;
• does not absorb moisture;
• cannot be destroyed by microorganisms, plant roots, mold and fungi.

How much is it?

Let's use an example to calculate how much it will cost to insulate a blind area: the cost of 1 m² of such material ranges from 160 rubles. If you have a country house measuring 8x8 m, then you will have to insulate an area of ​​36 m². The purchase of material will require an amount of about 6 thousand rubles. Is this a lot for many years of operation of the foundation?

Protection of concrete from frost

Frost is another factor that has a negative impact on the quality and durability of the foundation. To protect concrete from exposure to low temperatures, builders use:

• sulfide-yeast mash, which is added to the main solution, thereby increasing its stability and strength;
• sawdust.

Basically, it is frost that destroys the structure of concrete. Therefore, at air temperatures below -20°C, the concrete foundation should be sprinkled with sawdust. If this is not done, then after winter the cement may become unusable.

Mistake #5. Soft blind area allows moisture to reach the foundation

When constructing a soft blind area, its top finishing coating can be compacted gravel, green lawn or metlakh tiles.
Of course, such coatings require reliable waterproofing protection. The optimal solution to the problem is to use a profiled membrane (TechnoNIKOL) and install it on the wall of the house. It will create a sealed layer and block the penetration of precipitation to the foundation. PLANTER geo The cost of such a high-tech membrane is close to 250 rubles per 1 m².

Wrong time of year for work

Another important nuance is the right moment to build a blind area, and this applies to both the time of year suitable for starting work and the time that has passed for the foundation to shrink. Summer is considered the most suitable time of year. Experienced craftsmen recommend pouring the blind area no earlier than a year after the construction of the house is completed.

The blind area is an important component of the exterior of the house. It plays not only an aesthetic role, but also protects the foundation of the house from destruction. If violations of the rules are avoided, the service life of the foundation can be significantly extended in the construction of this structure.

High-quality blind area is easy

The main thing is to eliminate the mistakes listed above and use high-quality materials. Once again, I will allow myself to recommend that summer residents (in their own interests!) do not skimp on the construction of a blind area, because the strength of the structure depends on how reliably it protects the foundation! In my opinion, to build a high-quality blind area, it is technically correct to use both products mentioned in the article.

1. The slabs are laid on the prepared base (compacted sand) (thus we protect the foundation from frost).
2. To reliably protect the blind area from the negative effects of moisture, a profiled membrane is laid on top of the thermal insulation. It is recommended to form a connection between the sheets by overlapping the membranes into four tenons and additionally gluing the joints with tape; geotextiles should also be joined together with adhesive tape.
3. Next, you can begin to form the finishing layer of gravel or plant substrate; another layer of sand is poured under the tiles or natural stone.

As you can see, the use of modern high-tech materials is justified: with their help you will create a reliable and beautiful (which is also important, you must admit!) blind area that will faithfully protect the foundation of your house for many years.
The concrete blind area serves to protect the foundation of the house from the effects of melt and rain water. It is a mandatory element of any building and is made in the form of a concrete ring strip located along the perimeter of the base. As a rule, after arranging the blind area, it is left in its original form. But sometimes, to improve aesthetic or waterproofing qualities, it is coated with various materials.

The choice of covering the blind area depends on obtaining the desired result. For example, the coating is made to improve waterproofing or for decorative purposes. You can increase the waterproofing qualities of the blind area using rolled materials, drooping compounds or painting. To decorate the blind area, you can cover it with paving stones, paving slabs, porcelain stoneware, or simply cover it with colored crushed stone.

The arrangement of the blind area begins with the laying of an internal waterproofing layer made of rolled materials. The top layer of concrete is protected from destruction by painting with polyurethane or acrylic enamels. They are very convenient to use, since painting does not require preliminary surface preparation or priming. The main thing is that the concrete screed is completely dry at the time of painting. The paint is applied with a brush or roller in two layers. They cover not only the blind area, but also the adjacent base to a height of ten centimeters. Enamels form a water-repellent layer on concrete and can protect it for five years. After this period, the treatment is repeated. It is not recommended to use the painted surface of the blind area as a sidewalk.

You can increase the strength of a concrete screed using a proven method - ironing. It involves strengthening the surface of concrete by forming a cement crust on it. Ironing is carried out in two ways. The first of them involves backfilling and troweling freshly poured concrete with dry cement. The second method consists of applying and smoothing a thick cement mortar over the hardened surface of the blind area.

For additional protection from destruction, the surface of the concrete blind area can be coated with penetrating waterproofing compounds. The mechanism of action of the mixtures is their penetration into the structure of concrete and filling its pores. Thus, the ingress of moisture into it is completely excluded. Penetrating compounds are applied once, for the entire service life. Such surfaces do not require additional processing. The compositions are applied to concrete using a brush or roller.

Today, the construction industry is developing rapidly all over the world. Every day new buildings and structures are being built and erected. Not only the quality of building materials, but also the aesthetic appearance is of great importance in this matter. When constructing a building, special attention must be paid to the blind area. What is it? The blind area is most often made of concrete or sand-cement mixture.

It is a paved strip from 20 cm to 1.2 m wide, adjacent to the foundation or plinth of the building.

During the operation of a building, gradual destruction of the concrete blind area occurs. It can only be protected through timely repairs, including painting and applying protective mixtures.

The reason for the decrease in appearance and its destruction is the formation of microcalcification on its surface, which resembles dust and consists of lime and carbon dioxide. These are the main reasons for the deterioration of its appearance. This is of great practical importance, since as a result, corrosion of the material is observed and subsequently the front side of the concrete itself is destroyed. Let's take a closer look at how to paint a concrete blind area.

Composition and construction technology of a house blind area

When constructing a blind area, various materials are used, but any design includes two mandatory components:

• Underlying layer. Serves to compact and level the base for the main covering, as well as to filter moisture that penetrates through the capillaries of the top layer and can destroy the blind area of ​​the house when it freezes. For this, sand, clay, and fine crushed stone are used, laid at a thickness of at least 20 cm. The top “cushion” must be covered with waterproofing - this will prevent water from penetrating into the soil around the blind area of ​​the house;
• coating. First of all, it must be waterproof, so materials that are not susceptible to erosion by water are used as the top layer - concrete, asphalt, small cobblestones, paving slabs or clay. The thickness of the top layer is 5-10 cm.

In some cases, the role of the underlying and top layer can simultaneously be played by a mixture of clay with sand or crushed stone.

Use of polymer paints

To ensure that the tiles always remain in good condition, you can paint them with polymer paints. Polyurethane enamel, acrylic paint, and enamel primer are most often used for these purposes. All of them are quite effective.

Their big advantage is that they do not require preliminary priming of the surface. Some of them, for example Betil, can be used at low temperatures. Aqua concrete is a water-based paint that is widely used for processing freshly prepared concrete. Polymerdecor is resistant to chemical agents such as alkalis and acids.

They are applied to the surface in the usual way in 1 or 2 layers, are inexpensive and highly effective. They prevent the formation of surface corrosion. Before applying any paint, the tiles must be cleaned, otherwise the painting may not be effective. This is very important for the blind area. You can purchase a similar product at any hardware store that sells paint and varnish products.

The blind area has moved away from the house

If the blind area has moved away from the house, its repair is carried out as follows.

1. The area of ​​delamination is cleaned and primed.
2. If necessary, the crack is enlarged. This is done for the quality of the seal.
3. If the peeling is large, then the base of the house is covered with a layer of bitumen mastic.
4. Then the large opening is sealed with concrete, and the small one is filled with liquid cement mortar.

It is preferable to start repairing the blind area in the spring, when the temperature is not yet high, since the heat may cause the cracks to shrink, in which case it will not be possible to seal them properly.

Protective composition Elakor

You can paint a concrete blind area using special protective solutions. These include Elakor. This drug is prepared on the basis of polyurethane, which is the active principle. It is used to prevent dust formation and other concrete structures, preventing their destruction. It is applied in a thin layer. A distinctive feature is that Elakor penetrates several centimeters inside, and a special protective film is formed on the surface. The latter contains very durable crystals that are resistant to moisture and chemicals.

The solution penetrated into the concrete blind area increases the strength of the structure and its wear resistance. The outer protective layer adheres to the surface as much as possible and forms a single material with the entire structure, as a result of which it does not peel off or collapse. The service life of the coating is up to 15 years, while the surface is less susceptible to mechanical destruction and does not become slippery.

Stages of the concrete protection procedure

• Adding protective agents to concrete. At the beginning of work, builders add all the necessary mixtures to the cement mortar: organic compounds and other chemical elements that make the concrete foundation more durable.
• Concrete cleaning. Next, builders must level the surface, getting rid of excess dirt and unevenness.
• Surface moistening. Before applying primers, you should not only rinse the surface with water, but also moisten the concrete to a depth of no more than 15 mm.
• Coating concrete with protective agents is the final stage when builders apply primer mixtures and solutions that can protect the concrete structure from cracks, chips and destruction.

Concrete protection procedures are carried out during the construction phase of structures. The durability of the structure will depend on the quality of the work done.

Application of enamels

Tiles can be well protected with enamel. The Polak mixture gives a good effect. It has good adhesive properties and inhibits the effect of harmful chemicals on the surface of the concrete blind area. Its composition resembles epoxy paints. The advantages of this method are: the coating’s resistance to ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, moisture and weather resistance. In addition, there is the possibility of a color scheme for the concrete blind area. The tile becomes more durable and wear-resistant. The effect lasts for decades. In addition to enamels, it is advisable to use various resins, for example, polyurethane, to treat concrete blind areas. They are very elastic, quickly polymerize, prevent corrosion, and are resistant to chemical irritants.

The blind area protects the foundation from excessive moisture during precipitation. Excess moisture worsens the microclimate in the house, shortens the service life of structures and causes the building to sink into the ground. At the beginning of autumn, it's time to prepare for the rainy season and make a blind area or repair an old one.

Pros and cons of concrete blind area

Concrete blind area is the most common solution in the private sector. Its main advantage is its ease of creation. There is no need to purchase special materials or invent anything.

Experienced developers usually order concrete for foundations and floors with a small reserve “for cracking”, so that there is sure to be enough. And if the supplier does not deceive with the volume, then the remains are used for the blind area (the formwork should be carefully installed).

The new concrete blind area looks solid and gives the building on an area that has not yet been landscaped a neat and finished look.

The problem with a concrete blind area is that in a year or two it will definitely begin to crack. Due to temperature deformations, a closed loop made of inelastic material simply cannot remain intact.

Concrete blind area does not always fit into the landscape design of the yard. It looks foreign if the paths and platforms are not made of concrete. But concrete is not the best material for sidewalks. Sand and cement dust are constantly falling out of it, which will fall into the house.

What to do with a concrete blind area?

An old or new concrete blind area should not be considered as a finished structure. Consider it a good concrete preparation for a reliable and beautiful blind area.

It is advisable to do the final coating of the blind area before finishing the base. You can read more about this.

A layer of waterproofing must be laid on top of the concrete. The choice of material depends solely on the budget. This can be the most inexpensive polyethylene or a high-quality PVC film intended for swimming pools. Any waterproofing will be better than no waterproofing.

The edge of the waterproofing layer should be placed on the base, under the finishing touch. Don't forget about the slope: water should drain away from the foundation.

The final covering for a concrete blind area can be paving slabs or natural stone. The leveling bedding under it can be made from stone screenings, sand or a mixture of sand and cement (approximately 1:10).

Pay attention to this moment. If you consciously and purposefully pour a concrete base under a blind area (for example, to strengthen a crumbling foundation in an old house), then do not make it monolithic around the entire house. Break the concrete into “slabs” no more than two meters long. Fill the gaps between the “plates” with elastic putty, for example, remnants of tile adhesive. This design will avoid cracks.

Blind areas without concrete

It is possible to make a blind area around the house correctly, easily and simply without concrete. Let's consider three options:

1. A blind area made of paving slabs or flat stones without a concrete base. The waterproofing is laid directly on the ground (or sand bedding), and the finishing coating is placed on top of it. This is the best option for a new home.

2. If the yard is asphalted, then it is reasonable to make the blind area from asphalt on a crushed stone base.

3. “Soft blind area” made of gravel. Strong waterproofing is laid on the ground with a slope away from the house. Gravel is poured on top of the waterproofing in a layer of 3-4 centimeters (preferably round pebbles). Mineral backfill protects the waterproofing from wind and solar ultraviolet radiation. You should not walk on a soft blind area, because the sharp edges of the pebbles can damage the waterproofing. However, such a simple and inexpensive blind area copes with its direct task. It is suitable for country houses or outbuildings.

Gutter, drainage and insulation

When planning a blind area, do not forget about storm water inlets. They are installed under drainpipes. First, test the operation of the drainage system, and only then complete the construction of the blind area in the area of ​​the storm inlets. This will allow you to correctly determine the size of the storm drain and its position on the blind area.

The photo below shows a not very good example.

The monolithic concrete base is made with a slope towards the rainwater inlet, while at the same time the “basket” rises above the concrete. That is, the puddle in this place was programmed from the very beginning. Over time, a monolithic concrete base will likely crack in a narrow place, directly above the pipe. So the water from the puddle will go under the blind area.

Please note that there is no lower elbow on the drainpipe. Water with high pressure will hit the storm drain grate and splash around.

There are still some things that can be fixed. Add mortar around the storm drain. In this place, use a double layer of waterproofing between the concrete base of the blind area and the finishing coating (when the concrete cracks, the waterproofing will save the situation for a while). Place an elbow on the drainpipe and bring the edge of the pipe as close as possible to the grate of the storm drain basket.

In our climate, there is usually no point in insulating the blind area. But in some cases this may be required. When a small, light house stands somewhere in a lowland, on soils saturated with moisture. Such a structure runs the risk of suffering from frost heaving. In winter it will be pushed out of the ground, and in summer uneven subsidence will become noticeable. Cracks in the foundation and walls are guaranteed.

A wide insulated blind area will help stabilize the situation. Extruded foam plastic (EPS) should be laid as the bottom layer. Don’t forget to also insulate the soil in the underground if it is ventilated and unheated.

Sergey Sysoev

The final stage of building a house is the construction of a blind area

, tightly encircling the base.

This is a necessary measure

, since the main purpose of the blind area is to protect against the penetration of melt and rainwater, which can cause the appearance of fungus and render it unusable.

Material

Concrete, asphalt slabs and brick can also serve as a protective cover for the foundation.

Experienced builders note that the optimal basis for a blind area from the standpoint of functionality, cost and labor intensity is concrete

. You can make a concrete blind area yourself if you follow the work technology and choose the right grade of concrete.

Repairing the blind area around the house with your own hands

Repairing a damaged blind area of ​​a house

Any building that is in constant use has a blind area. This design is assigned the role of protecting the foundation and plinth from moisture. In addition, the blind area prevents premature destruction of the foundation. To make blind areas, paving stones, natural and artificial stone, tiles, and concrete are used. For the blind area to perform the functions assigned to it, two factors are necessary: ​​strength and integrity. However, under the influence of certain circumstances, destruction may occur in this structure.

Destruction of the blind area can be observed both in old houses and in new buildings. This may be due to several factors.

Failure to comply with installation technology

The main enemy of the blind area and foundation is moisture. If during the installation process you neglect the waterproofing stage, which separates the soil and the blind area, then it is possible that moisture will enter from the soil layers.

Incorrect installation technology

The second reason for the destruction of the blind area is improper backfilling. An uneven and uncompacted cushion makes the face covering vulnerable.

Carrying out work on laying the blind area in hot weather, when rain or frost is approaching, also has a detrimental effect on the strength of the structure.

Failure to comply with proportions when mixing the solution

The strength and integrity of the blind area largely depends on the preparation of the concrete solution for pouring. Excess binder will lead to cracking of the surface, and from its lack, the blind area begins to crumble.

Concreting rules violated

The brand of cement plays a big role. The use of cement intended for indoor use is not allowed.

Filling with already set mortar can lead to destruction of the blind area.

No damping seam

Under the influence of seasonal temperature fluctuations, the soil can move, shrink and swell. All this leads to the formation of destruction. A damper seam helps to extend the service life of the blind area in such conditions. It is placed between the plinth and the blind area to act as a shock absorber.

No slope of the blind area

Filling a blind area without a slope of several degrees will lead to the accumulation of precipitation and melt water. As a result, small cracks first appear on the surface, and then deep breaks. It is important to know what features the construction of a blind area on a slope has.

No reinforcement

The presence of a reinforcing row is not mandatory. However, reinforcement will make any structure stronger and more reliable.

Sealing cracks and crevices in a concrete blind area

The appearance of cracks and crevices in a structure, even of a small size, is a signal for repairs to the structure. In this regard, the question arises, how to repair the blind area around the house? It is important to follow the recommendations of experienced craftsmen when carrying out work. All work is carried out in several stages:

1. Surface preparation. The surface is first cleaned of dirt and dust. If necessary, you can wash the area to be repaired with plain water.
2. Next, prepare the concrete solution. To do this you will need sand, M400 cement and crushed stone. To prepare 1 m3 of solution, these materials are taken in a ratio of 2.6:1:4.5. All components are mixed, 125 liters of water are added to the resulting mixture. This solution must be used within 2 hours.
3. Inspect the surface to determine the size of the cracks formed. Based on the inspection, the following actions are carried out:
   Small cracks just need to be cleaned of dust and filled with solution.
4. Medium-sized cracks are widened by removing completely destroyed areas, cleaned of dust and primed to improve adhesion. After the primer has dried, the crack is filled with a mixture of bitumen, crushed slag and asbestos in a ratio of 7:1:1.5. After waiting for the mixture to harden, the surface of the blind area can be filled with liquid concrete mortar.
5. When large faults form on the surface, more complex repairs of the blind area are required. This situation can arise when the soil subsides. In this case, the destroyed part is completely dismantled, the soil is removed and the lining layer is restored. Clay is poured into the bottom in a layer of 20 cm and compacted thoroughly. Sand is poured in a layer of 10 cm, it is moistened and trampled down. Crushed stone is laid on top and formwork is installed. If necessary, reinforcement is made. The prepared area is filled with concrete mortar.
6. To eliminate the gap between the blind area and the foundation, you need to perform the following steps:
   Inspect the crack and, if necessary, widen it using a hammer drill.
7. The blind area at the place of delamination must be thoroughly cleaned and covered with a layer of primer. Be sure to wait for this layer to dry.
8. In case of large delamination, a layer of bitumen mastic can be applied to the foundation.
9. Filling of the crack is carried out depending on its size: a large opening is filled with concrete mixture, in hard-to-reach places liquid cement mortar is used.

Methods for repairing blind areas made of various materials

Types of blind area repairs

The blind area can be made of various building materials. In accordance with this, the repair of the blind area is carried out using appropriate technology.

Repair of paving slabs (paving stones)

A blind area made of paving slabs requires repair in two cases:

• One or more tiles are damaged. This situation can occur if the blind area is used incorrectly, as well as with strong mechanical impact on the structure. To carry out repairs, it is necessary to remove damaged elements, fill the freed area with sand and lay new elements using the appropriate technology.
• Subsidence and lowering of sections of formwork. The formation of such a defect is the result of improper installation of the sand cushion. To repair the blind area, it is necessary to remove the tiles from the damaged area and make a high-quality cushion of sand and crushed stone. Then lay new tiles, following the necessary technology.

Restoration of asphalt blind area

If damage to the asphalt blind area is detected, the following work is required:

Repair of asphalt blind area

• Complete removal of the damaged area.
• Cleansing from existing contaminants.
• Covering the entire restored surface with liquefied bitumen.
• Laying a new layer of asphalt.
• Compaction with a roller.

Restoration of a blind area lined with cobblestones

To repair a cobblestone blind area, the old binder is removed from the damaged area and the stones are removed. The cleared area is covered with crushed stone and compacted. A cement solution is poured over this and the cobblestone is returned to its place. The spaces between the stones are filled with liquid cement mortar.

Restoring a blind area from cobblestones

Regardless of the material from which the blind area is made, you should not delay repairing the damaged area. If even the slightest defect is detected, it should be corrected immediately. This will prevent moisture from penetrating into the foundation and protect the house from deformation and destruction.

Advantages of concrete blind area

The blind area around the house, made of concrete mixture, has considerable advantages

:

• a correctly selected concrete mixture
  is transformed into a monolith that does not allow moisture to pass through;
• concrete is durable
  ; with long-term use, repeated repairs are possible (sealing small chips or cracks);
• a concrete blind area can look very decorative
  if the top layer of concrete is mixed with a coloring pigment or pebbles, fragments of tiles or natural stone are laid on top of the fresh mixture;
• concrete laying technology is quite accessible to home craftsmen
  ;
• concrete blind area is quite economical
  compared to the use of natural stone.

How to repair a concrete blind area around a house with your own hands

The blind area is laid around the perimeter of the building. It protects the base and foundation from moisture. The blind area is made of artificial or natural stone, paving stones, tiles, and concrete. It must be strong and solid, which will ensure the performance of its functions. If damage occurs on the blind area, you can repair it yourself.

Reasons for the destruction of the blind area

Destructions and cracks in a concrete blind area appear under the influence of various unfavorable factors: environmental influences, improperly poured concrete - in violation of reinforcement technology or mixture composition, due to vandalism, soil subsidence, etc. All these reasons can be easily eliminated, and in this article we will talk about how to make repairs.

Concrete blind area

A blind area made of concrete mixture for an object built on normal soils includes several types of materials

, laid in layers on the prepared surface.

The base is a cushion of compacted clay and sand.

, necessary as a moisture-blocking layer.
Next, crushed stone, reinforcing mesh and a layer of concrete
. If a house is built on heaving soils, winter frosts cause their crystallization and deformation, which increases pressure on the foundation and can destroy the blind area.

To eliminate this effect of heaving soil, an insulating layer is added to the main layers of the concrete blind area, for the installation of which sprayed polyurethane foam or extruded polystyrene foam is used (for detailed information about the insulated blind area, read.

Types of defects

There are many defects in these designs. For example, a thin layer of concrete without reinforcement with masonry mesh and without fencing with curb blocks, the absence of a simple drainage groove. The result is that the water does not flow into the storm drain, but gets under the outer edge, freezes and breaks off part of the edge.

The absence of borders does not prevent the roots of trees and bushes from growing under the concrete.

The absence of an expansion joint of 10 - 15 mm between the wall and concrete, filled with two strips of roofing felt, PVC, or even thick polyethylene. The joint can be filled with bitumen or bitumen mastic. As a last resort, ordinary sand. It is impossible to connect the covering to the foundation, because when the soil heaves, the blind area, even reinforced along with the foundation, will still break off. Let it move relative to the wall.

How to make a blind area correctly - read here.

What brand of concrete is needed for the blind area

Main qualities

The adjacent blind area is considered to be resistant to temperature and humidity changes, high strength and maximum water resistance.

In addition to the correct installation of the layers that make up the blind area, the correct choice of concrete grade

. To ensure that the waterproofing finish around the base does not crack in the first winter, but lasts for many years, concrete grade M200 and higher should be used.

Brand M200

It is considered the most popular construction concrete, which is used for laying blind areas and garden paths, leveling screeds and molding stairs.

Concrete M300

has the best characteristics, but its cost is significantly higher, so you can choose a compromise option -
the M250 brand
, which combines affordable cost and optimal qualities for constructing a blind area.

Thermal insulation of the blind area of ​​the house

Insulation is another important stage in constructing a blind area. However, high-quality thermal insulation prevents vertical displacement of the entire structure when the soil freezes, and also reduces the heat loss of the building by 20%, significantly reducing its heating costs.

To insulate the blind area of ​​the house, polyurethane foam or extruded polystyrene foam is used (you can choose other options, but these materials cope well with humidity and also have the best heat-insulating abilities). The insulation is placed between the underlying layer and the covering. Please note: they should not create large point loads on the insulation, so in this case it is better to use sand, concrete or tiles.

Preparation of concrete for blind area

If purchasing ready-mixed concrete is not available for financial or organizational and technical reasons, you can prepare the required mixture yourself

from materials remaining from the main construction.

About 70%

concrete consists of filler, which is used as crushed stone and sand, broken bricks and expanded clay, as well as waste slag.

The binding component is cement

(it is best to take brands from M300 to M500), which should be purchased from official dealers or directly from the manufacturer to avoid the supply of low-quality products.

Helpful advice

: When mixing concrete, water must be added at certain intervals, waiting until the next portion is completely absorbed by the cement.
In this case, there will be no voids in the concrete. Approximately 0.65 parts of water are added to one part of cement. To ensure sufficient strength of the concrete blind area, it is advisable to take crushed stone from river gravel or rock dumps with a fraction of 5 to 20 mm
.

The sand is sifted before mixing to separate particles of silt and clay, as well as limestone inclusions. The procedure for obtaining high-quality concrete is as follows:

: pour cement into a container with a small volume of water until a homogeneous mass is formed, gradually adding water, then add crushed stone and then sand. Each component of the mixture must be mixed.

Protecting concrete from moisture

Impregnation of concrete with a spray gun

Rain, moisture or dampness can cause significant damage to a concrete base, so moisture protection plays an important role in construction. The higher the percentage of moisture in concrete, the faster its destruction will occur, so it is important to apply protective agents in advance.

To protect the concrete base from moisture use:

• primers and mixtures of organic compounds that can be absorbed into the massif and improve the quality of the structure;
• other hydrophobic materials.

With the correct use of protective agents and their consistent application, the durability of concrete structures improves. Therefore, all materials used in the work must comply with quality and safety standards.

Blind area dimensions

Calculation of blind area sizes

carried out relative to the projection of the roof beyond the plane of the wall, adding at least 20 cm to that value.

The optimal width of the blind area is one meter

, which provides sufficient protection for the foundation and at the same time can allow the use of the blind area as a bypass path around the house.

The thickness of the concrete layer is at least 20 cm

at the basement wall.
To drain water, a slight slope of 3-5 degrees
.

Blind area of ​​a house made of paving slabs

This option has a long service life and allows you to easily replace damaged tiles. The technology for constructing a blind area of ​​this type includes:

• performing markings. The width of the blind area of ​​the house is selected taking into account the size of the tiles, so that the elements do not need to be trimmed;
• laying an underlying layer of sand (10-20 cm) or crushed stone (3-5 cm);
• installation of slabs. The gaps between them are filled with sand. It is not recommended to lay elements on the solution, since after the first freezing and thawing cycle the integrity of the entire structure will be compromised.

Stages of work

The construction of the blind area is carried out in several successive stages

:

• marking
  the future blind area;
• digging soil
  according to markings to a depth of 25 cm;
• The part of the foundation or basement wall that is exposed after excavation is carefully coated with bitumen or laid with a couple of layers of film waterproofing
  ;
• An expansion joint
  is made between the base and the future blind area , eliminating excessive pressure on the structure during soil subsidence.
  The joint gap ( up to 1.5 cm
  ) is filled with roofing material folded in half or a sand-gravel mixture;
• formation of permanent formwork
  from edged boards (board thickness 20 mm);
• laying a clay cushion
  followed by compaction;
• laying a layer of sand
  (about 10 cm) and pouring water on it to compact it;
• pouring a gravel layer
  (about 7 cm) and compacting it;
• laying reinforcing mesh
  (bar overlap spacing 10 cm);
• preparing the concrete mixture
  and pouring it into the formwork to the level of the laid beacons;
• compaction of concrete
  using the bayonet method using a thick metal rod (frequently “piercing” the concrete layer with a rod with vibrating swings for better distribution of pieces of gravel);
• the top of the concrete pad is leveled and cleaned
  ;
• It’s a good idea to lay a drainage gutter
  to ensure effective drainage of water flowing from the roof;
• to ensure normal maturation of concrete, the blind area is covered with film or a wet cloth
  . After about a week, the blind area is completely ready.

The boards are covered with film on the inside. To make it more convenient to form a slope on the blind area, transverse beacon slats
with the required degree of slope are attached to the formwork boards (on all corner parts and several in areas adjacent to the facade).

Base for blind area

The base for the blind area of ​​paving slabs is made in layers. It must be of the highest quality. Such products are very similar to layer cake. To save on materials, you can reduce the layer thickness. The construction of a blind area from paving slabs is often done independently.

The blind area must have a certain slope for water to drain. It can be created both at the stage of filling the clay and during the installation of the last layer. There is no difference between these options. When the bottom is compacted, clay is poured onto it in a layer of 5 to 10 cm. Some builders replace clay with concrete. This layer should be made up to 15 cm thick. At the same time, it will drain water perfectly.

Advice! To reduce the lateral load on the base, a gap should be made between the base and the blind area. It is covered with sand or roofing felt is laid. You can lay polystyrene foam, which will not only compensate for the load, but also make the blind area insulated.

The hydraulic lock is made of PVC film, roofing felt or geotextile. When laying the film, it should not be stretched. If this condition is not met, it may break during changes in ground temperature. This ensures its preservation for a long time. During installation, the overlap on the foundation should be observed. To prevent movement, press the top edge of the film with a strip.

When creating a stormwater system, a pipe is mounted on the edge of the film. It must be covered with crushed stone. This will protect the pipe from clogging. In addition, it is necessary to install a storm drain and lay a storm drain pipe. This technology for creating a hydraulic lock is simple and time consuming.

Backfilling with sand

The sand is covered with a layer of 5 cm. During compaction, it is poured with water. It is important to take into account one nuance. Watering is done using a nozzle. This could be a tip from a garden watering can or a spray bottle.

Watering is carried out until small puddles appear. You need to wait until they dry and tamp. Such a layer will perfectly protect the waterproofing substrate from damage by crushed stones.

Installing a curb

The border should be aligned with a stretched cord. Its alignment is carried out using a level. The border should be secured with pegs. It is cemented on the outside. This is necessary to protect the tiles from spreading. Concrete curbs can be easily replaced with plastic ones. In this case, it is installed at the very end of the work.

Crushed stone

The gravel backfill should have a thickness of 5 to 10 cm; the exact figure is selected depending on the level of precipitation in a particular area. When the crushed stone is filled in, the pegs are removed. This layer must be leveled, compacted and covered with sand.

In the case of a basement or ground floor, the blind area is created insulated. For this purpose, rigid insulation is used. Foam boards are usually chosen. It is not recommended to lay sheets directly on crushed stone, since such materials are not able to withstand point loads.

If a high load on the blind area is expected, you will need to combine 4 parts of cement and 1 part of sand. Tiles are laid on this layer. If there is no slope, it is formed at this stage, since the tiles will be laid on top. If the curb is not formed, plastic elements should be installed and a curb installed. At this stage, a storm drain is also installed. Now you can start laying the tiles.

The blind area should be laid from the side of the foundation. In this case, the tiles are mounted away from themselves, which avoids compromising the integrity of the cushion layer. Each tile should be laid in a strictly designated place. Then the elements are tapped with a rubber hammer. A level is used for leveling. The tiles are struck through a plank. This avoids the tiles from splitting. When the tile is lowered below the required level, the prepared mixture is poured under it.

There should be a distance of about 2 mm between adjacent tiles. Usually the gap is formed due to the distance lock on many types of tiles. If a border is not provided, edging tiles should be laid.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with: Building a bathhouse with your own hands, step-by-step construction demonstration

Sealing seams

To grout the seams, use the same mixture as for the finishing layer. When creating a cement-sand cushion, it is better to use a dry mixture in a ratio of 4:1. It should be poured onto the tiles and then spread with a broom so that it penetrates the seams. After this, the surface of the tiles on the concrete blind area is watered. The cement sets and provides good reinforcement to the tile.

Protection of concrete blind area from destruction

In order for the concrete blind area to remain intact for a long time, various methods of protecting it

from carbon dioxide and other types of corrosion:

• hydrophobic priming of the concrete surface
  is carried out , followed by coating with polymer coloring or transparent mixtures based on epoxy resins, as well as moisture-resistant enamels;
• large pebbles can be placed tightly on the hardening concrete;
• The blind area is treated with crystallizing compounds
  that close the pores of the concrete and prevent its deep moisture.

For more information about the construction of a concrete blind area, see this video

:

Comparison of a blind area made of tiles with a concrete one

Each of the above types of blind area has its own advantages, disadvantages and construction features. According to statistics and reviews, today the most popular (most often used) blind areas are poured from concrete and laid out from tiles. Therefore, it would be correct within the article to consider what is better, concrete or paving slabs for the blind area?

This question is asked by many craftsmen and users. Practical operating experience indicates the effectiveness of the tiles. The advantages are as follows:

• the ability to create a continuous, strong and stable blind area. At the same time, ensuring the integrity of a concrete blind area is much more difficult than a tiled one;

• maintainability. The tiles can be dismantled completely or partially. Thus, the process of repairing a blind area or laying communications is significantly simplified. In the case of concrete, it is necessary to destroy part of the blind area, dispose of the concrete fractions, and restore it again after laying. Eliminating tile subsidence or replacing a defective element in a tile blind area is not difficult and will not take much time. And most importantly, the tiles can be reused;

• reliability.
  The tiled blind area drains water well due to the large number of seams. This allows us to assert that it does not deform as a result of soil heaving or water freezing. Water that has frozen on the surface of a concrete blind area can lead to local cracking of the material. At first, these cracks will not pose a threat, but each subsequent flooding will cause the crack to expand and the blind area to collapse. Another nuance is the location where the blind area adjoins the house. As you know, the blind area should not form a single structure from the foundations (should not be connected to it). Soil movement and freeze/thaw cycles will inevitably cause this bond to break. When laying tiles it is easier to ensure the required technological gap. In addition, the destruction of concrete most often occurs precisely at the place where it adjoins the foundation or plinth (the blind area comes off);

• insulation of the foundation. The technology for laying paving slabs involves the arrangement of several layers, incl. the use of clay and the possibility of laying insulation. An insulated foundation blind area is an additional protection for the basement and ground floor, which reduces heat loss and ultimately leads to savings on heating the house;

• reducing the height of the base. With a rigid blind area (made of concrete), the minimum height of the plinth should be at least 500 mm. For soft (tiles, paving stones, gravel, natural stone), a height of 300 mm will be sufficient. This reduces the cost of installing a plinth;

• ease of work, no need for a reinforcing frame, minimum waste, minor dustiness of the work;

• additional waterproofing of the foundation blind area. While a concrete blind area protects the foundation only from the influence of surface water (rain or melt), a clay hydraulic lock, which is made to form a cushion for laying paving slabs, allows you to protect the base of the building from groundwater;

• more aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to a concrete blind area. A variety of installation options, designs, sizes and colors allows you to create a unique blind area.

The main advantage that led to the use of concrete as a material for the blind area is its low cost. Buying paving slabs and materials for laying them will cost more, even if you do the installation yourself.

Most often you can see a standard concrete or asphalt blind area around the house. It is typical for apartment buildings, administrative and public buildings. Laying such a strip is not difficult and the cost will not be high, but the appearance leaves much to be desired. If you are not very tight on funds, it is better to opt for a more expensive, but reliable and attractive-looking option.

The tile blind area is durable, easy to install, does not require special tools for installation, but is more expensive than a concrete blind area

1. Reliability of waterproofing. The material prevents moisture from penetrating the soil in the immediate vicinity of the foundation.
2. Thermal insulation. Due to the presence of several layers, a blind area made of paving stones can provide good protection against freezing. If this is not enough, additional insulation is installed.
3. Durability. A blind area made of paving slabs does not crack over time, as happens with concrete or asphalt pavement. Stone can last longer and guarantee reliable protection of the building.
4. Maintainability. If certain sections of the strip around the house are damaged, the paving stone structure makes it possible to replace piece elements without dismantling the entire covering. The job is quite simple to do.
5. There is no need for special equipment and tools. To make a strip around a concrete house, you will need to order it from a factory or prepare it yourself a mixture of cement, sand, crushed stone and water. The technology is simple, but if the mixture is ordered at the factory, its transportation by concrete mixer is additionally paid. If the solution is prepared manually, you need containers for mixing large enough volumes, buckets for transferring the solution to the work site, and shovels for leveling. For paving stones this is not necessary.
6. The paving stone structure can be used almost immediately. If you decide to pour a concrete blind area, then it is important to take into account the strength the concrete gains after 28 days. The formwork can be removed when the strength reaches 70%, which will take at least 2 weeks. In addition, for at least one week, the concrete will require maintenance in the form of moistening every 2-3 hours, otherwise the surface will become covered with cracks. All these measures increase construction time and increase labor intensity.
7. A concrete structure requires the installation of plank formwork; this is not necessary when using paving stones.
8. Possibility of access to storm sewer and drainage. To inspect or repair communications, it is enough to remove several elements of the blind area, and after completion of the work, put them back.
9. Assortment of colors and shapes of tiles. Laying a blind area around a concrete house does not provide space for imagination and creating unique looks for houses.

From this list it is clear that the construction of a blind area made of paving slabs is superior to concrete in many respects. Its only drawback, as mentioned earlier, is its higher cost.

A concrete path has been a popular option for many years. This option has excellent strength characteristics and allows for reliable protection of the foundation. In this case, it is worth studying all the details, deciding which concrete to choose for making the mixture, and carrying out the laying process according to the instructions. In order for the installation to be of high quality, it is worth deciding on all the materials used.

Concrete for the blind area is selected taking into account:

• soil;
• climate;
• loads that will affect the coating.

We suggest you read: The door to the bathhouse is swelling

The most suitable brand of concrete for the blind area of ​​a private house is M200. For manufacturing enterprises, the M400 is more often selected, since they are exposed to significant dynamic loads.

The proportions of concrete for the blind area do not change, but the ratio of other components may change depending on certain conditions:

• the larger the filler fraction, the less water will be needed;
• The higher the grade of concrete, the more sand and crushed stone can be used.

Types and grades of concrete

The standard composition of concrete for a blind area has the following proportions: 1 part cement, 3 sand, 4 crushed stone and 0.5 water. This solution will allow you to create a reliable coating if you follow the mixing and application technology.

Before you fill the blind area, you should familiarize yourself with all the nuances of the process. A technological map will help you do this. Compliance with all requirements and the use of high-quality materials will allow you to achieve the most effective results.

For each stage of arranging a concrete blind area, you will need various devices:

• for marking - pegs, fishing line or rope, tape measure;
• for digging a trench - a shovel, a pick;
• for laying the pillow - sand, crushed stone;
• for waterproofing – geotextiles, membranes, roofing felt;
• for mixing the mixture - a container, a shovel, a measuring bucket; it is better to form concrete for the blind area with a construction mixer;
• to create formwork - boards, nails, hammer, hacksaw for adjustment;
• for reinforcement – ​​steel mesh;
• for laying the mixture - a trowel, spatula.

The installation of a concrete blind area involves a certain number of preparatory procedures. First of all, it is necessary to prepare the trench according to the selected thickness and width parameters. For convenience, you should first make markings, which will help in further work, including laying layers. To do this, pegs are placed at the corners. The fishing line is pulled from the established marks, and the correctness is checked with a level.

Marking

At this stage, it is important to fill the materials at a slope, which will be observed when laying all subsequent layers. Also at this stage it is better to treat the soil with herbicides in order to minimize the negative impact of weeds on the blind area.

Formwork

Next, formwork for the blind area is constructed. For this, wooden boards are used, which are fixed on the outside with pegs. Here it is important to organize transverse slats every 2-2.5 m, which prevent damage to materials due to temperature expansion. The same elements should be installed at the corners of the building, diagonally. Installation of formwork should be carried out taking into account the wall expansion joint, which is filled with roofing felt.

Construction of formwork

Making a pillow

First of all, you need to create a durable pillow. The prepared base is covered with sand, which should be moistened with water and compacted. This procedure should be performed in several passes.

Insulation

The blind area extends from the brick base + video tutorial

Every spring I discover that the concrete blind area moves further and further from the base. Moreover, from the freezing water that bursts this gap, the brickwork of the base itself suffers (the brick comes off in layers) and, possibly, the foundation itself. How can I improve the situation?

Answer: There is very little information in the question. Does your blind area extend from the base along the entire perimeter of the house or on one side? And naturally the main question for you is how you made the blind area, it is clear from the question what about, and what kind of cake is the blind area itself?

If you just dug a trench and even if a cushion is made, and a layer of concrete is simply laid on it, then of course he will drive along it since nothing prevents him from doing this.

And if the blind area was made of concrete, and even reinforced with a metal mesh and with the installation of expansion joints, then such a structure will not move anywhere from the base.

In your case, before you start sealing the cracks, you need to understand the reasons for their appearance. Probably, first of all, you have to do a large amount of work to strengthen the soil on the outside of the foundation and blind area.

If the blind area is done correctly, there will never be a gap between the base and the blind area. And if it does penetrate, it must go down through the sand and gravel cushion and, using the installed waterproofing, be diverted away from both the house and the blind area.

I raised the question regarding soil strengthening because you did not tell us how the foundation of your house was built. If you used backfilling of the trench, then most likely over time this soil began to compact, the blind area settled and crawled away from the foundation, and the freezing water helped it to collapse further.

If the base of your blind area is done correctly, but a crack still appears, then you can fix it using several methods.

We add liquid glass or glue used for external work on laying facing tiles to a regular sand-cement mortar and fill the crack. You can use ready-made one-component pulirethane sealants, emphymastic, hermaflex 147 or Sikaflekx Construktion.

If the gap already exceeds the size of several centimeters, then there is only one way out: remove the blind area, restore the underlying pie, reinforce it and fill it with a new one.

And a few wishes, since your brick plinth has begun to deteriorate, you will have to protect it from moisture. First, install a layer of polystyrene foam, expanded polystyrene 20 mm thick on it, and then serpyanka mesh and plaster, such a layer with insulation will protect the brick plinth from further destruction and will not leak water

And one more wish, the blind area should be no more than 30-50 mm thick, and have a width of 20 centimeters more than the overhang of the roof of your house.

Types and methods of coating protection

For the blind area around the house, various types of coatings are chosen. They differ:

• consistency;
• decorative properties;
• functions performed;
• method of application;
• composition.

Depending on the listed characteristics, the cost of finishing materials also varies.

Coloring

Painting is considered the easiest way to finish the blind area around the house. By choosing the right soil and enamels, it will be possible to protect the path for at least 5 years, minimize the negative impact of moisture on the foundation of the building, and improve the aesthetic characteristics of the blind area. The paint is selected with special care, since not every composition is suitable for exterior painting of concrete, so you should first study all the options and make the right choice.

Application of enamels

Enamel compositions are highly resistant to various types of influence. With their help, it will be possible to protect the concrete blind area not only from precipitation and ultraviolet radiation, but also from chemical exposure. In addition, they are convenient to apply. There are various types of enamel coatings on the market, so it’s easy to choose the best color option. The enamel layer adheres to the base as much as possible, since it has excellent adhesive properties. Such compositions are also distinguished by a long service life - 10 years or more. If you are wondering how to paint a blind area to improve its wear resistance, then enamels are an excellent choice for solving this problem.

Use of polymer paints

You can paint the concrete blind area around the house with special polyurethane, primer enamels, or acrylic paints. They have high performance and strength characteristics and are easy to apply. The compositions on the market have the following features:

• Betil is recommended for use when painting at sub-zero temperatures;
• Aqua concrete is suitable for covering fresh concrete;
• Polymerdecor perfectly resists chemical attack.

The advantage of using the listed compositions is that there is no need to prime the concrete surface before applying paint.

The protective composition Elakor belongs to a new generation of solutions. This cladding is easy to apply, yet very effective and performs several functions at once:

• prevents dust;
• resists moisture;
• reduces slipping;
• increases the strength of the structure from the inside;
• improves resistance to chemical influence.

This solution increases the strength of the structure from the outside and from the inside at the same time, since it is able to penetrate deep into the concrete layer and forms a thin crystalline film on the surface. Elakor strengthens the path and significantly extends its service life - up to 15 years. If you are interested in how to paint a concrete blind area so that it lasts a long time, then Elakor is the best choice, but the cost of such a coating corresponds to the quality characteristics.

For those who are interested in the question: how to cover a concrete blind area inexpensively but reliably - the ironing technique will do. The procedure is performed in two ways:

1. Dry technique. The process is carried out after the fill has set. A layer of cement is poured onto the concrete and gently rubbed into the surface. The required thickness of the cement layer is 1-2 mm. The excess is swept away after setting. This technology can significantly improve the strength qualities of the structure.
2. Wet technique. This finishing of the blind area is carried out 2 weeks after pouring. A solution is first prepared from water, cement, sand and lime paste. Apply the prepared mixture with a thickness of 3-5 mm to the path moistened with water using a spatula.

Covering the concrete blind area around the house with cement is the least expensive option, while this technology makes it possible to give special strength to the path around the house and increase its resistance to negative factors.