Damp issues in my new flat - French drain or reduce ground level or both?

Apodemus

TranceNRG wrote: »

Could someone please answer this?

I would imagine there might be very few places in Uk where it is too dry for the house foundations, however if your house has minimal foundation (or none), then if the French drain is dug vertically along the wall footing, then this could cause problems. In practice, any competent contractor would dig a test-pit to look at the foundations before starting to dig and if there were risks of undermining the wall, they would take the French drain further out from the wall and ensure a suitable slope of undisturbed ground.

In both options, your French drain will need to allow the water to drain away, so if the ground really is flat, then this will need to be to a deeper dug soakaway (or to a suitable drain, but many places wouldn't like you channeling ground run-off into the main drains).

G_M

Niv wrote: »

Pour a watering can of water over the patio and see what way the water goes, then you will know what way the patio is sloping.

You are assuming water always flows downhill........


Scientists from the University of Bath, led by Dr. Takashina, have ......documented some incredible footage including water flowing uphill. Check it out on this YouTube video:

http://www.iflscience.com/physics/leidenfrost-effect-can-make-water-flow-uphill/

See also
http://www.pugetsoundnavymuseum.org/documents/CanWaterFlowUphill.pdf

TranceNRG

Thanks everyone for your input. I've asked the same question at period property forum and quite a few seem to think lowering the ground level is the better option so even though it's going to cost me a bit more money I'm leaning towards this option now.

I really appreciate sharing your experiences and suggestions.