The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Fri Aug 24, 2007 8:22 pm**

I am getting water ingress into part of a narrow Victorian cellar which runs from an area under my front door to the public pathway. Externally, the area (2 X 6m) is covered by intact concrete slabs measuring 450X450X38mm. I am not sure though whether all the joints are sound/waterproof. Our path is separated from my next door neighbour's path by the original 2ft high Victorian wall. After a heavy rainfall, water drips into our cellar from the arched brick ceiling causing some puddling and bad odours. Apparently, the neighbour has no associated damp problems.

I have been shirking this job for months (years even) but my wife is now, quite rightly demanding some positive action! Should I bite the bullet, remove the old slabs, clear the base material away, insert a damp proof membrane over sand (I know there is not one there at the moment) put in a concrete base and lay new slabs. Phew! Or should I just have a go at the joints? And if so, what exactly?

Is it a difficult job? What products or tools would make it easier or more likely to succeed? What is the best procedure for laying new slabs in this type of situation, if that is what is required? What type DP membrane? What's the best cement mix? How much sand/cement is needed (my front garden space is rather limited!)

My wife and I would be very grateful for any help in these matters!!!
Kevin :;):

Posted: **Fri Aug 24, 2007 10:45 pm**

water will always find the lowest point, and your cellar is it. Without actually being able to see your site, i cannot advise 100 percent, but it would appear your cellar needs to be 'tanked'. If the area above the cellar could be cleared and exterior dpc membrane fitted it may assist. It depends on where the water is coming from. One house with similar problems had to have the soil lowered below the cellar roof height and a linear drain fitted to alleviate the problem.

Posted: **Sun Sep 02, 2007 8:50 pm**

Thanks for the advice Matt. I guess I will probably have to dig up the path and fit a damp proof membrane. However, there is not really any soil above the cellar - the path leading to my front door is built directly over the cellar roof. That's what makes it so difficult for me to get my head around - whether just re-making the joints in the slabs so they are completely waterproof would be good enough. What would be the best way to tackle that particular job and might it be worth pouring a waterproof solution into the freshly hacked out joints before filling them in?
Still in two minds over this job!
Many thanks, Kevin

Posted: **Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:57 pm**

wouldn't of thought water proofing flag joints would solve it. are the leaks all over the ceiling? maybe you could treat internally with water stop, or sika 2, or 4. if that stops it then maybe tank it from the inside.

The Brew Cabin

Damp cellar under path