French drains - French drain around 100 year old cottage

[pollycarugo]

Hello. i have a 100 year old cottage in Co. Limerick, Ireland. The cottage has a preservation order on it, so I am restricted in any taking up of floors etc. The house has shallow foundations, and is built on a slate bed (so I've been told). Rather than damp proofing my house, I have been told by the local conservation office, that the best thing to do would be to build a French drain around the house. I've also seen on another forum that this does not work if the soil is quite claylike? Soak holes tests for septic tank have proved that the soil has poor drainage.

Can anyone help with the following.

1. How does one build a French drain (If I can do it myself, I will!)

2. Is it a waste of time in soil that does not drain well?

3. Does it really work instead of a damp proof course?

Any advice gratefully received.

Thank you!

[GB_Groundworks]

Main site on drainage French drains are covered there

pavingexpert.com/drain03.htm


2. Not if you outfall the drain into a suitable existing drain, ditch or stream

3. Not really is preventative, acts to catch all the water and redirect it else where



Edited By GB_Groundworks on 1281342055