What does he mean when he says ''put in a brick damp proof course''

Somerset

Mine isn't a straightforward situation or question.

We've got a plaster and lath wall. Because there is rising damp, the wooden uprights have rotted at the base. The wall is still stable and the frame-work intact. We're having damp-proof works done and this particular wall is having zinc backed plasterboard both sides. When discussing this wall, we were asked to ( prior to work being done ) carefully cut out the rotted bottom wood and put in a brick dpc underneath ( where the missing bit will be ) with wads of plastic to build up to where the wood starts. Now I should have asked him what exactly he meant, what I should buy etc etc, but this was just one of many 'snagging' items to sort out before they come and do the whole place, and we just went on to the next 'problem'.

So does anyone have any idea what he wants us to do, in this context, and what if any materials I need to buy in order to do it. I can call him next week but I'd like to make a start tomorrow if possible.

Steve_xx

Basically you currently have a situation where a wooden structure is in contact with the ground and it is allowing moisture to be drawn from the ground and into the wooden structure.

Sounds like you have been advised to cut away the rotten/damp bits of the wooden structure. Then, to prevent it absorbing more moisture they have advised you to install a damp proof membrane. The damp proof membrane will take the form of a plastic strip which you will put on the ground and then you would put the bricks on top of the membrane, thus causing an impermeable barrier between the ground and bricks/lath wall.

So, you will end up with:

1. ground with a continuous plastic strip (damp proof membrane) on it to stop the damp rising
2. a layer of bricks as appropriate in order to bridge the gap between ground and lath wall

Somerset

Excellent Steve_xx

I understand now - many thanks.

border_collie

NOOOOOOOOOOOO TO DAMP PROOF COURSES!!!! Have pm'd you.

G42

border_collie wrote: »

NOOOOOOOOOOOO TO DAMP PROOF COURSES!!!! Have pm'd you.

This is a forum so why don't you share your thoughts with everyone instead of sending PMs?

sparky883

Why are you having "damp proof works done" and they are asking you to do the work.

27col

I concur with sparky883 comment. Sounds like you are paying for a dog and being expected to bark yourself.