Drive resurface - How to deal with existing level to dpc

[Paul-B]

I am looking to get my tarmac drive resurfaced. I have had 2 contractors to look at it. Around the front and side of the house the existing surface is 1 course below the dpc. They both said the new surface would 'only' add 25mm so still would be below the dpc. One said it would be built up so there would be a fall away from the house, the other said splashing on the wall would just dry out. We don't currently have a problem with damp. What to do? I'm worried that it might cause

1. a future problem with damp
2. a problem selling the house without remedial work in the future.

Should I get some independent professional advice before committing or insist that they stay at existing level - and if so, install a grate or remove the existing surface over the whole area to preserve the fall away from the house - presumably this will add to the cost of the job.

Grateful for any advice.

[IanMelb]

I don't know if this helps, but in the following thread:

http://ext.pavingexpert.com/cgi-bin....;t=4061

there is discussion about how to use a workaround to deal with high paving levels

[Paul-B]

Thanks for the reply, yes I did see that thread earlier. If I was going to do the work myself then I'd take that approach, my question is really how to deal with 'reputable' companies without trying to tell them how to do their jobs.

[lutonlagerlout]

dont do it
the existing needs to come out first, if it is that high
yes it will add to the cost
and yes it will cause you problems selling your house
hope this helps
LLL

[Dave_L]

Agreed - we'd plane off 25-35mm adjacent to the house, probably run about 3 runs of our 600mm cold planer.

[Paul-B]

Thanks for replies, I now know what to ask for. One last question:

Is it possible to put a linear drain in when dealing with tarmac or would it be best to get a concrete bordering stepped away from the wall and infilled with gravel?

[lutonlagerlout]

linear drain beat "french " drain every time mate
french drains as they are known just dont work in the long run
linear drains work well
cheers LLL