Working with different base hights - Question about raising the substrate

[mosquat]

Hi all,

In the planning phase of my first and probably last block paving project..

I have a concrete path that I want remove and replace with block paving.

I also have an area previously used for a patio...which the previous owner built decking over which I want to block pave.

As you can imagine the path is about 50 or so mm higher than the patio/decking area. I wanted to have 1 level of paving and wondered how best to "raise" up the patio level to meet the paving on the path.

Was thinking maybe just add more sub-base to the patio side...but not sure if this is a terrible idea.

Can provide drawing/pic if the above is making no sense

Thanks

C

[Tony McC]

Why is the path higher than the patio?

[mosquat]

Hi Tony - I'm guessing that the previous owners dug it out, I've found some patio slabs under part of the earth I've dug out (they are cemented in) - its hard to guess what was there originally (other than a sunken patio) and why there appears to be a sunken level. Drainage must've been poor.

The path level is about 60mm higher - thinking that I can perhaps move some of the earth I remove from the path level to then build up the old sunken patio to a suitable depth before sub-base/sand/blocks

Sounds like I may have a bit of a weird issue anyway...

[Tony McC]

Can you get me a photie showing the problem with levels?

[mosquat]

Sure - will get one over the weekend and post it up. Thanks Tony

[mosquat]

Hopefully these photos appear, theres around 13mm between levels




Wider shot

[dig dug dan]

Looks to me that you cannot raise the patio area as its currently two below damp, sitting just under the vents in the house wall. You are gping to have to remove the path and lower that, which looks to be too high against the damp??

[seanandruby]

Way to high. I'd be amazed if your not getting damp problems on that. I'd hire a skip, dig it all out and start with a blank canvas.

[Tony McC]

Dan and Sean are right - it's a big dig job!

[mosquat]

Thanks very much for the infomation, I really appreciate it. Not shy of a big dig but do need to run something else past you...there's a drain the runs underneath, the inspection cover and drain are pictured below and as you can see there's not masses of depth to work with - if I remove the course of bricks and drop the frame I think it gives me around 80mm.

Would it be a terrible idea to add linear drains that run along the side of the house if the dig out to lower the path is now bit more complex (maybe even too complex or costly)?

Once again really grateful for the opinions and advice



http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/Mosquat/IMG_1818_zpsvvrgcj2v.jpg

[mosquat]

[seanandruby]

have a look here

[mosquat]

Thanks Sean will have a read

[Tony McC]

If you were to use a recess tray to replace the existing cover, you'd really struggle to drop the overall surface level.

It may be that a linear channel or a dry channel is the only viable option.

[mosquat]

Thanks again for all the helpful comments, shame a recess tray is a no go but not the endof the world