Patio one brick below dpc

[Brucieboy]

I have a similar problem to the previous DPM post although my new patio is one brick below dpc. The original patio was at this level for 20 years and gave no problems with damp. I kept it at the original level because of a number of obstacles to overcome in the garden during construction. As I've extended the new patio in all directions I'm already having to trim about 150mm of soil off from at least half the perimiter (the garden slopes from left to right) - taking it down one more course would have meant removing another 75mm. I've recently posted some pictures in this forum under "Hollow sound" for you to get a better idea of what it looks like. With the benefit of hindsight (it's been really bugging me for a couple of weeks), I wished I'd overcome all the obstacles and taken it down the additional course - however, I didn't so I'm stuck with what I've got.

I've looked at the DPC section on the main site, done a bit of research and am considering putting in an ACO HexDrain, cut in close to the wall and connecting one end to the rainwater downpipe (this sits back about 200mm on the return wall nearest the back gate) using the ACO connector gubbins but would need your advice on how to do this. It means a lot of sodding around but I'd feel more comfortable if this was a beneficial and practical solution. Is this necesary or am I being paranoid!! Your comments fellas would be much appreciated - you've been very helpful in the past. ps the fall is 1 in 50 from the house to the garden (the original was 1 in 80). pps have removed my comment in the previous DPM topic as I didn't want to highjack the thread.

[Pablo]

If the water is on a 1:50 fall away from your house an aco would be a waste of time and money because it would serve no purpose. TBH if you've not experienced a problem in 20 years then it's a safe bet you're not going to get any problems and personally I'd leave it at that because retro fitting things to paving usually doesn't look very good. If you really want to go ahead and do something then your cheapest and easiest solution would be to cut a neat line 200mm parallel to the wall then dig it out 150mm and fill with 12mm aggregate and top it off with decorative stone.

[Brucieboy]

Pablo, many thanks for the advice which, unless there are a lot of other comments to the contrary, I'll take. When I considered the ACO drain, I thought, as you've said, that it didn't really serve much purpose but it was a suggested get-around in the DPC section (unless I've misread the info). The wall is north-east facing and doesn't get much rain anyway. I'll probably leave it for this year and revisit next spring/summer - then decide whether or not to cut out a section and fill with decorative aggregate.

By the way, I see from the the craic that you've just been diagnosed with Weils disease. I wish you a speedy recovery. As a fisherman, I'm fully aware of what it's capable of. I always put a plaster on any cuts and use a hand wash before I eat anything. Get well soon!!

[Carberry]

Pablo, many thanks for the advice which, unless there are a lot of other comments to the contrary, I'll take. When I considered the ACO drain, I thought, as you've said, that it didn't really serve much purpose but it was a suggested get-around in the DPC section (unless I've misread the info). The wall is north-east facing and doesn't get much rain anyway. I'll probably leave it for this year and revisit next spring/summer - then decide whether or not to cut out a section and fill with decorative aggregate.

By the way, I see from the the craic that you've just been diagnosed with Weils disease. I wish you a speedy recovery. As a fisherman, I'm fully aware of what it's capable of. I always put a plaster on any cuts and use a hand wash before I eat anything. Get well soon!!

It is suggested on the site if the water has to fall towards the house. If it is falling away from the house, especially on a slope of 50:1, as Pablo says, it will serve no purpose.

[Pablo]

Thank you for your regards. I'm a devout fly fisherman but do most of it where it's free on hill lochs and fast rivers if I'm paying then I hire a boat and ghillie to get the most from it. Never thought I should be careful about it because I thought it was confined to course fishing which I loathe.

[Brucieboy]

Carberry, many thanks for clarifying that bit.