DRAINAGE AND SLAB CARE CONCRETE SLAB - The concrete slab is the foundation of your home and it is one of the most important things to maintain, you can do this by keeping water away from the sides and underneath the slab. Check out the guidance advise from the VBA at the link here https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/guides/minimisingfoundation-movement Q. Is minor cracking in my garage and alfresco slab normal? A. Yes, the surface cracks are due to shrinkage in the concrete as it cures. There is little that can be done about this. Expansion joints are used in larger areas of concrete to minimise this. The minor cracks will not affect the long-term structural integrity of the slab. DRAINAGE - It’s important that all drains are kept clear of rubbish and debris and are allowed to drain to their full intended purpose. Ensure you clear any debris from external drains and that the drains are draining correctly. Be aware that any additional landscaping or external work conducted after handover may impact on and interfere with the drainage designed for your home, this can include retaining walls, irrigation and laying of additional drainage for driveways or turf. We advise speaking with a licenced plumber or landscaper prior to undertaking any work. Never pour paint, chemicals, oil, concrete, plaster, pesticides or other substances down any of your external drains. Check with your local council for instructions on how to dispose of these types of substances correctly. Q. I am wanting to connect my garden shed to the house’s stormwater drain, can I do this? A. No, the stormwater drain has only been designed for the house to drain into and this could overload the drain causing flooding in your back yard. Please consult with a licensed plumber to assist in this matter. CLEANING YOUR DRAINS - Not every home has a silt pit or an agricultural drain installed, so please ask us to show you where the drain access is and how to clean the drains. Q. Can I move my drains to undertake landscaping work or pour an additional slab? A. This is a tricky one. Yes, you can however if you do, you risk damaging the drain and pipework. This can cause extensive issues and you may need to pull up a large area of your backyard to repair any damaged pipe work. Before commencing any drain or pipe work moving, removal or replacement please engage a licenced plumber.
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