In this part of the country, keeping water out of the house is a constant battle. Our particular house is built on a former swamp and abuts a stream that is constantly spilling its banks. We need to do a series of home repairs that are all related to keeping the water away – gutters, roof, retaining wall. This summer we decided to deal with one project – the evil back patio.

The previous owners had put in a concrete slab out the back door. It wasn’t big enough for a table, but it used up a lot of space in a tiny backyard. Beyond the esthetic issues, it was put in really badly. It was crumbling. And it funnelled water into the corner of the house, instead of away from the house. Shingles were rotting and there was some concern about the constant water flow against the foundation of the house. The underground tubes leading out of the gutters were completely clogged with dirt, like a fat man’s arteries.

So… out it comes.

In two days, we should have a nice place to eat outside and a water-free foundation.