Construction Industry/Resurface a sidewalk

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/29/2009


Question
Hello Roger, I am getting ready to resurface the walkways on a 6 story building in South Florida. The walkway is 4'6" wide and the total pitch from the building out to the edge is approx. 1/2". No water sits against the building at all, is there a building code for this because if there is I can't find it anywhere. The railings are 6' of CBS wall next to 6' of aluminum railing typical around the perimeter. I would appreciate your opinion.  Lee

Answer
Hi Lee,

The "pitch" you refer to is minimal but if it is doing its job (no ponding against the building) then it is a good installation.  The code does not specifically mandate a pitch because there are so many different conditions where concrete is used.  As a general rule, I specify that the walkway be pitched 1/4" to the foot.  In the conditions you described the pitch would be 1-1/8" from one side to the other.  If there is an open grade on each side, the walk would be crowned in the center and pitched approx. 1/2" each direction.  

When you say "resurface" are you using a cement based product?  Be sure and apply a bonding agent to the surface when applying a thin surface.  There are several products available - one I have used is called "Kool-Deck" (made by Mortex) and is used around swimming pools and patios.  It is available in many colors and can be applied in a seamless application with a non-slip finish on the surface. I've had good results with this product.  I'm sure there are several other ones available.

Do you plan on removing the aluminum railing before re-surfacing?  It's not necessary but makes it easier to apply the final finish.

Good luck.

Roger
Ask The Contractor

Construction Industry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.