brickconcreteoutdoor
I'm planning an outdoor kitchen.
This will be a simple brick sided bench about 3 metres long and maybe 800 mm deep.
I'm going to build it on a slab to support the weight and ensure a level surface.
As one end of the bench will butt onto the side of my house, I was wondering if there are reasons for or against leaving a gap between the new slab and the house's one.
I would like to not have a gap in the brickwork so as not to leave sanctuary for spiders and other creatures (I live in Australia).
The gap exists for drainage. Technically, it's a gutter.
In order to create a level surface to drive on, you need to fill at least part of the gutter - but you need to do so without impacting the gutter's drainage ability.
Any permanent change you make WILL need to be permitted by the city/county, or they will likely make you take it back out again at your expense.
A not so permanent solution, however, would be to assemble a ramp structure which can be removed and which can support the weight of your car without impeding water flow. Something with a very rough design like this:
For the strength to surface area needed you're probably going to need to use metal. Unless you're a welder/metal worker this may not be a DIY project at all.
Good for you for replacing this crappy old polybutylene pipe system. There's no reason at all why you can't do what you're thinking of. One thing to keep in mind is that since PEX is just plastic, it would easily be penetrated by nails or screws driven through the drywall in the future, so you want to make sure to run the new lines at least 2" away from any interior wall space that people might drive nails or screws into. For any places where you have to run it closer to the surface, you need to nail a steel shield plate into the part of the stud that the pipe goes through.
Best Answer
You definitely want to leave an expansion gap. However, you can fill the seam using a flexible material. Foam rod covered with a seam filler, is one common solution. There are also products sold that can simply be pushed into the seam.
Check your local hardware/home improvement store, to see what's available in your area.