You want a new patio. A place to kick back and fire up the grill or just enjoy a quiet evening. It sounds simple enough, but I have seen too many folks here in Wheaton make some common mistakes that turn their dream patio into a real headache. As someone who has been pouring concrete around here in Wheaton for years with Paradise Concrete Co, I want to share what I have learned so you do not end up regretting your investment in a new concrete patio.
Ignoring the Ground Beneath Your Feet (Literally!)
This is probably the biggest one, especially here in Wheaton, Illinois. We have that lovely silty clay loam soil, and it is not always the most cooperative soil. It expands and contracts a lot with our wild temperature swings and also with the seasonal moisture. If your concrete contractor does not account for this specific Wheaton soil, you are looking at cracks and heaving and uneven surfaces down the line for your concrete patio.
- What to watch out for: A concrete contractor who does not talk about soil testing or proper excavation or a solid base. They should be planning for at least a 6-inch gravel base and also using 4,000 PSI concrete to stand up to our Wheaton freeze-thaw cycles.
- How to avoid regret: Ask specific questions about their base preparation process and the type of concrete mix they will use for your concrete patio project. Make sure they understand Wheaton's unique soil challenges for concrete work.
Forgetting About Drainage (It is More Than Just a Slope)
Standing water is the enemy of any concrete patio. It can weaken the foundation of the patio and also lead to pooling and it can even cause issues with your home's foundation. I have seen this happen in older homes near the College of DuPage in Wheaton where original grading was not ideal, or in newer builds where a patio was added without considering the existing landscape and drainage.
- What to watch out for: A concrete patio design that does not include a slight slope away from your house, which is about 1/4 inch per foot and that is standard. Also, if your yard has existing drainage issues, a concrete contractor who does not address them before pouring the concrete patio is a red flag.
- How to avoid regret: Discuss drainage plans for your concrete patio in detail. Ask if they will incorporate French drains or catch basins or re-grade the area if needed. You want that water moving away from your house, and not pooling on your new concrete patio in Wheaton.
Skipping the Permit Process
I know, permits can feel like a hassle for a concrete patio project, but trust me, skipping them is a bigger hassle. While a simple ground-level concrete patio might not always require a permit in every Illinois city, Wheaton, Illinois, has its own rules for concrete patio projects. If you are adding any structures, like a pergola, or if the concrete patio is larger than a certain size, you will likely need a permit from the City of Wheaton.
- What to watch out for: A concrete contractor who tells you a permit is not necessary without verifying with the City of Wheaton, or one who suggests you handle it yourself if they are doing significant concrete work.
- How to avoid regret: Always check with the City of Wheaton's Building & Code Enforcement Department yourself. They can tell you exactly what is required for your specific concrete patio project. You will need a plat of survey showing the proposed concrete patio and its dimensions relative to your lot lines. Work can not even start on your Wheaton concrete patio until that permit is issued.