I'm planning to add a sail shade over my concrete driveway, which is next to my house and where guests typically park. I want to secure aluminum poles by bolting them to the driveway. However, I'm concerned about potential water infiltration since my basement is right next to the driveway. Does anyone have experience with this or any advice?
4 Answers
Using silicone caulking when you place the bolts can help seal any gaps. Just make sure to use a good quality one!
I used to have poles in a concrete driveway too, and while the previous owner cut them down, the holes just collect rainwater. It seems to evaporate pretty quickly without causing issues. I even put a smaller pole in one of those holes for a shade sail, and the rest are connected to the house.
Some types of concrete anchors work better than others, so be sure to check them out. Consider the size of your shade sail and the wind conditions in your area. We often have winds reaching 100 kph, and you definitely don't want that sail causing problems!
Look into what's called a "chemical anchor". It's a method to set a threaded rod into concrete permanently, which can help prevent water issues.
How durable is silicone caulking in the long run? Surely it doesn't last as long as concrete?