Damp proof course

Crowdedhouse_2

A concrete path in my garden is causing damp in one of my bedrooms in a bungalow - cold interior wall and black mould above the skirting board.


The concrete path is nearly the same height as the top of the damp proof course of my property so assume this is what is causing the problem.


Unless anyone knows of a better solution I think I will need to dig out a channel from the concrete path next to the damp proof course and then fill the channel with gravel. What is the easiest way to dig out a channel from this concrete path and how wide should the channel be? Also, how deep should the channel be?


Thanks.

societys_child

How thick and how strong is it? Maybe a Stihl saw would be needed, to cut a straight line about 1ft. or more away from the wall. Depth probably about 2 bricks/ 7" deep. I wouldn't fill the channel though, just some gravel in the bottom.

Melaniep101

We had the same problem. Found some lovely Polish builders who came round with a diamond cutter (not sure if this is the right term!) and chopped about 6 inches of concrete away. They took it down to the earth underneath the concrete as the water needs to seep away. We then backfilled it with gravel. An afternoon's work and I think cost us about £250 ish?

Crowdedhouse_2

Thanks for your reply.


I'm not sure how thick or strong it is to be honest. The way it's laid it seems to disappear under the tall fence dividing my property from next door's property and continues into their garden so can't really see the edge of it. Will try and get a better look at it later.


I just had a look at one of those saws you mention on the internet and I think maybe I will have to get a man in to do it. Not sure what sort of man, maybe a builder or something.

Crowdedhouse_2

Melaniep101, thanks for replying.


Will look up what a diamond cutter is! Any idea how long your length of concrete path was?

Melaniep101

Crowdedhouse wrote: »

Melaniep101, thanks for replying.


Will look up what a diamond cutter is! Any idea how long your length of concrete path was?

I may have the term wrong as I'm not that familiar with power tools!

We had to get the channels cut all the way round the house (small detached house).

Crowdedhouse_2

That's good, I think the only part of the concrete path that's affected is probably about 20 feet long in total so hopefully it won't be too expensive.