Do you really need to go 6" below damp course? - Laying a patio, level question

[NigelF]

Every article that I read says that I need to lay my slabs 6" below (two courses of bricks) below the damp proof course.

The original housebuilders put a small tiled area outside the door, and this is 4" below the damp proof course. The previous owners had a path runnng from this, along the side of the house (where, strangely, the damp course runs flat for 6 foot, then it moves up two courses of bricks!). This has not caused any damp problems in the house.

Am I likely to cause problems by building a patio at the same height as the tiled area (i.e. 4" below the damp course)? I would prefer to keep it on the same level as the existing tiles.

Is there anything that I can do - e.g. maybe leave a gap between the edge and the house / use those things that they use for channelling rainwater away?

Many thanks for any suggesions.

[Tony McC]

Please read the All about DPCs page on the main website. It will save me having to kneeecap you.