Front door canopy too large?

Question

Hey all. I have water coming in a first floor apartment. Water hits a concrete second floor landing (outside 2nd floor entryway) and soaks into the old concrete and also runs underneath and then enters. Tried numerous things and nothing worked. Thinking it is time for a canopy/awning to block the water from hitting the concrete pad. Will need to be like 80 inches wide by 60 inches in depth. Looking at an aluminum one. Will this be too big to support itself? Only other thing I can think of is building a mini roof type thing but trying to be mindful of costs as well as I am not sure how much that would cost.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

I am having trouble visualizing this. To upload a photo, just click the square image icon below the text box.Generally speaking, water should not transfer from concrete into the structure if it was properly flashed. I had water coming in below a doorway. I removed the trim and first row of deck boards. I installed self adhesive rubberized flashing with aluminum flashing over it, running away from the property. The rubber seals around screws when you put them through it. That seems to have addressed the issue. This is very common with old decks that were built prior to modern flashing methods. I would avoid aluminum canopies if there is an wind in your city and if the property is in the Windy City, then be careful. Wood may cost more, but with added weight and proper methods to secure, it could be far more stable. I am not convinced that soaking into the concrete is the method of entry, but if it is, you can always water proof the concrete. Use a textured concrete paint made for walkways.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I really don't like when they do that.Here are some examples of what you could do. https://www.popularmechanics.c...At a minimum, I would cover it and tie it into the stairwell supports. The problem is that weather can easily blow in from the sides so a cover only works for something falling straight down. I suspect the Windy City needs more, so I would at consider putting two walls on to protect it from anything blowing in.If I had the money, I would build a covered deck that would keep the weather away from that area and could provide some outdoor seating space for a tenant. And it would make the property more attractive.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Can you show us a picture? It sounds as if the concrete slopes towards the building, allowing water to sit against the wall until it finds a way in. You may need more than an awning to keep weather out.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I agree. I think the water is getting in the concrete seams or where the concrete meets the wall. There are ways to seal those spots, but a better solution would be to prevent water from getting there in the first place. Hard to say without a picture.

Benjamin E. · Answer

To clarify, those are not wooden 4x4's it is on. That whole piece is concrete (with more supporting on the other side. Only thing that is not is the railing and the stairs. Those are wooden.

Benjamin E. · Answer

Thanks and I like the images as well. I have canopy guys coming out. Looking like a large aluminum custom made canopy about 80 inches in width and 66 depth (now that is a large canopy) will cover the whole thing with overhang room on the sides/front. Including adding support beams due to the size and gutters and a pitch to send the water off to the left of the building is going to be the play. Will cost about $1500 but worth it if I can better protect the landing, give some protection to the tenants, and stop water entry.

Benjamin E. · Answer

I will definitely look into this, thanks!

Benjamin E. · Answer

Hi there. I had two concrete companies out. The foundation is solid and sound, just older. Appreciate the feedback though.

Scott Mac · Answer

Hi Banjamin,Pretty building.You say the concrete is "Cracking" which is different than "Spalling" --terminology matters in concrete.If this is a concrete pad up there, you might want to have a concrete stair company come look at it (and the concrete steps).Check the whole thing for looseness and wear and tear.Concrete steps sometimes go bad and need to be replaced, but if the concrete landing is "Cracking" it might come crashing down (or pieces of it) with the upstairs renter landing on the head of the downstairs renter (probably 2 lawsuits).It looks to be on painted 4x4's in the front...Just a (1,000 lb) slab supported in the front and back that is cracking...If it were mine I'd get that looked at by a professional.Good Luck!

Russell W. · Answer

Perhaps a better detail showing the extent of the entire slab where it meets the house. You'll have to use your imagination but in this case the "concrete curb" is the house. I know this probably isn't realistic to do, just sharing so you can understand how something like this is supposed to work.