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Cavity walls, damp proof course and debris. Any advice?

2 replies

Helliecopter · 29/09/2014 13:46

Hello
I live in a 1929 semi and have just had someone round to test the walls for suitability for cavity wall insulation.
The good news is that we have suitable walls. The bad news is that there is debris in the lower part of the cavity. Also the previous owner put a driveway in (it's massive) but the level of the drive is above the DPC. We don't suffer from damp at all but we can't have cavity wall insulation done without lowering the drive, having a new DPC or something else... I'm just seeing £££ signs!!!!
Anyone been in a similar situation or able to offer some advice please? Do we just leave it alone and not bother with insulation, then not worry about the drive or anything else?!

Thanks.

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PigletJohn · 29/09/2014 17:44

even without the CWI, you need to have the ground level lowered. Unless you are planning to relay the drive, I'd suggest digging it out for a French Drain (this is a trench filled with cobbles or pebbles, so you can't fall into it, and they are too big to allow water capillarity, and water drains through them. You can lead it away to a soakaway, or downhill from the house. Any small builder or landscape gardener will be familiar with the method. It is lined with landscape fabric to prevent mud choking it.

As for the cavity detritus, this is also common. You can have a few bricks taken out at the bottom of the wall and rake out the rubbish. I have also used a builders vac. Ask around for a recommended small builder; or the CWI firm may know someone. It is wearisome and laborious work.

Helliecopter · 29/09/2014 23:14

Thanks PigletJohn. Knew you'd have suggestions!

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