Dpc regarding steps - Am i compromising the dpc?

[Gray646]

Hi,

When building steps in the past, I've not had a problem that the step itself breaches the 150mm rule with regards to the DPC because it's only occuring over a short distance but now I'm looking at a job where the step spans almost the entire length of the back wall due to it being for large sliding patio doors.

Am I still okay to breach the rule for this length? - the step would be coming out about 600mm if that makes any difference.

Replies very much appreciated,

Many thanks,
Graham

[irishpaving]

How close are the steps to the dpc.

[irishpaving]

Maybe go for a slot drain to run in the step against the wall. Your asking for trouble if you run level or even near it with blocks etc.

[Gray646]

Well when I looked at the job it wasn't obvious where the dpc was - i.e couldn't see any air bricks or dpc roll poking out - but I'm assuming that the step to be a comfortable height for people will inevitably be above/level with the dpc.

So if I run a slot drain, could I just have it run out into a little hollowed out bit within the step - kind of like a mini soakawayafter all it's not going to be having loads of water going down?

Also could I acheive the same effect as the slot drain by having a gravel strip - say 100mm wide between the house and step?

Cheers

[cookiewales]

Well when I looked at the job it wasn't obvious where the dpc was - i.e couldn't see any air bricks or dpc roll poking out - but I'm assuming that the step to be a comfortable height for people will inevitably be above/level with the dpc.

So if I run a slot drain, could I just have it run out into a little hollowed out bit within the step - kind of like a mini soakawayafter all it's not going to be having loads of water going down?

Also could I acheive the same effect as the slot drain by having a gravel strip - say 100mm wide between the house and step?

Cheers

install some dpc up against wall make sure there is a fall away from house ie 20mm then you will be fine have been doing this for thirty years plus with no comebacks a step is a feature on its own no need to complicate cheers cookie :;):

[Mikey_C]

i have heard of some putting code 4 lead against the wall aswell as dpc or dpm, obviously if you hadn't seen this coming code 4 lead will put a dent/destroy any profit!

[seanandruby]

I would'nt overcomplicate it. Just leave a gap with some fibre board, or the stuff brickies use for movement joints, rebate the top 20ml temporarily. once you've finished take out the rebate and fill with a rubberised sealant. any breaching of air bricks can be extended to the outer risers.

[Gray646]

Ta very much for all replies. I think I'm going to go with a combination of angling the step a bit more than usual, having some dpc run up against the wall and also a shingle against the house sat in a gully that I'll angle away from the house.

Cheers chaps.

[seanandruby]

???

[lutonlagerlout]

when we do steps /ramps for the local council if we exceed the 150mm below dpc we have to install code 4 lead to maintain the 150 rule,and an aco type drain
TBH it looks cat and as the men have said ,just angle away lightly and dpc vertically behind the step works just fine
LLL