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I am going to install a second cement patio on the other side of my house. The area is roughly 16 feet wide (from side of house to side of fence), to 12 feet deep (from side of fence with the gate to the corner of the house with gutter/spout).
As you can see I have to work around a few obstacles. The gas meter and the fence posts.
Should I look to just make the patio thinner (like 14 ft x 10 feet) so its not close to gas meter and fence posts? Or should I lay it as much as possible and just "curve" aroudn the gas meter, etc?
To each, his own.
But, I'd be concerned with drainage. As far as the meter- call the gas company and ask them their thoughts on pouring a patio up to, around, under, etc., they may have some restrictions and/or constructive criticisms.
Ditto. If you have a patio that's not against the house, water will collect right up against the house with no place to go. Doesn't seem like a good plan.
Also, the thing under your downspout - it's directing water TOWARD your house the way it's laying in the picture!
I would build a box over the gas meter. Put lattice on the bottom to ensure ventilation and make sure the top opens easily for meter reading (many meters are read electronically now). Now you have a nice bench for your patio. Do not put flower pots ont eh bench unless you know the meter is read electronically. Technically you probably cannot box in a meter, but I have done it and the power company did not complain as long as they have easy access and there is ventilation. Actually, the box helps keep it clean. I also buuilt the box as a temporary cover. Since it was not fastened down, there was no difference between my box and someone dropping a towl on the meter when they got out of the pool.
As to your slab, make it slope to the center or to a specific side location and put in a drain. Connect the downspout into the drain as well. This will actually improve the drainage in the area.
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