Damp Proof course (house) just so im clear!?

sofsofsof

Sorry to sound stupid.. our damp course on bricks outside house is approx 2 bricks above ground. Am i correct to think i could in theory lay gravel/paving as thick as the damp course proofing (right up to line) and not get damp issues? Its only going over the damp coursing line that causes issues?

Doozergirl

No. Your ground level should be two courses below the damp proof course - ie. exactly where it is right now!

If you filled a bath right to the top, what's the likliehood of the water spilling over? Same principle applies to the DPC.

sofsofsof

Just confused as what i see about staying 150mm below line seems to be in regards to paving / concrete. But it doesnt seem to mention it when it comes to gravel? Since gravel is pourous doesnt this mean water sinks down thry the membrane to the soil beneth anyway thus making it ok? Please note its a case of was 2 bricks now i have used at most 5cm of that to lay gravel.. at most we layed a pretty thin layer of gravel

Doozergirl

Moisture can still sit against the wall, held by the gravel. If you're digging to put gravel in a French Drain, of sorts, then there's no reason why the gravel within that area can't sit lower than the ground level, so that it is 150mm below DPC, even if the actual ground level nearby is as high as the DPC. You just want to have a decent gap so that there's no splashing up from the paving against the wall.

That 150mm isn't negotiable. Any surveyor will say to keep it entirely clear, 150mm below DPC.

If you're desperate to have something near DPC, for a level threshold, for example, then put an ACO drain between house and paving.