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Damp proof course and patio

6 replies

gelatogina · 11/10/2021 15:43

I had a single storey kitchen extension built a few years ago. It was all signed off by building control, however the grass was left right up to the building and since covid happened, it was a year or so until I could have the garden landscaped.

The landscaping was done by another company. When they took up the grass, they discovered the builder hadn’t put the drainage pipes and system low enough, in order to leave 15cm below the airbricks when a patio was built.

By this point the works were paid for and the patio stones ready to go. The landscapers told me the best thing to do was to build a French drain around the brick and not too worry too much about it. It’s mainly under a bifold door.

I have no internal signs of damp in the house. But with winter wet weather coming I’m more worried now about it. The bricks are damp below the gravel ‘drain’ and I’m wondering if it’s better to take out the stone and sand in this ‘French drain’ and let them air dry? Or if this will simply expose them to more rain?

I’m really unsure of the best thing to do…will this cause me major problems if I try to sell? Photos are attached. Thanks for any advice!

Damp proof course and patio
Damp proof course and patio
Damp proof course and patio
OP posts:
gelatogina · 11/10/2021 16:13

@pigletjohn could you help please?

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 11/10/2021 17:44

the french drain would have been a good idea if they'd done it. But where is the dpc?

gelatogina · 11/10/2021 18:22

I’m not sure, I guess maybe even below the level of the gravel? I’ve been given so many conflicting messages about it and im not sure how to rectify it or who to trust anymore :(

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 11/10/2021 18:28

walk round the house. It might be visible under or beneath the front doorstep, or by the garage door. once you find it, mark it with a chalk line. It is pretty sure to be at the same height all round the house. It is likely, but not certain, that the extension will have it at the same level, jointed to the original.

chocolateorangeinhaler · 11/10/2021 18:43

Why didn't you stop the landscaping until the drainage was sorted?

That will come up on a survey. In all honesty it needs to come up and be done properly. Of course the landscaper said it want a problem. They wanted to be paid.

PigletJohn · 11/10/2021 21:02

under or beside the front doorstep,

I meant to say

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