Raise dpc or create dry channel? - It looks easier to raise the dpc ....

[DIY Dad]

Hi there. This site looks really helpful. I would appreciate any advice you could give me on the following.

My house has a patio out the back, which, along about a 3m length by the kitchen, reaches the top of the DPC. This areas stays quite dry, because the patio slopes away from the house, and is further sheltered by fire-exit steps. But I guess it needs sorting out. Looking at this site, I am torn between cutting out a dry channel, and raising the DPC with a DIY damp proofing course.

It looks as if the standard answer would be to make a dry channel. But this will involve removing and cutting the stone slabs and then re-pointing. Easy for some, but a big ask for a novice like myself. By comparison, modern DIY damp-proof courses seem relatively easy - as long as it is done properly, the only skills required seem to be drilling holes along the new line, and filling with DPC cream.

I am okay to go ahead with the DIY damp-proofing? Or are there drawbacks, such as weaking the wall, that I have missed?

Many thanks

[lutonlagerlout]

dad those DIY dpcs are a can of worms m8

if there is no sign of water ingress ,why fix it if it aint broke?

i live in a 1922 house and all my thresholds are more or less flush,no water comes in and there is no damp so i leave well alone

LLL

[Tony McC]

While agreeing in principle with LLL's leave-it-be approach, if something *must* be done, creating a dry channel or installing a linear channel is much, much simpler than effing about trying to elevate the dpc.

[DIY Dad]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated. Leaving it alone looks a good option. Would there be any point, for extra peace of mind, in waterproofing a layer of bricks above the patio, just to really make sure that moisture will not got through? If so, how would I do this?

[lutonlagerlout]

you could install code4 lead 150 above DPC bit unsightly but we have done it for luton borough council ,when no other option was available
or you could use a slate stuck to the wall with mortar mixed with SBR
I know it used to be fashionable to paint liquid waterproofer on to brick work ,but there is a lot of arguments for and against this i.e. stops the brickwork from breathing.

is this something a surveyor has picked up or have you just twigged it yourself?

the choice is yours dad

LLL

[DIY Dad]

Thanks again LLL. The patio is just obviously raised in height (it is higher than the neighbour's), and I have heard a few scare stories about rising damp.

I think I will put this one on the back burner, and focus on my current project - making a mess of the bathroom toilet!

[flowjoe]

I think I will put this one on the back burner, and focus on my current project - making a mess of the bathroom toilet!

Aha, a fellow stella drinker :laugh: Cheers !