The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Sat May 29, 2010 8:41 pm**

Hello,

I am a newbie but I have read the book and the majority of the website. However, I would still like your advice as I find myself a little tempted to just set out for a level patio. I find that if I measure a line from 150mm below DPC it ends up exactly in line with my lawn. This means that the existing patio that I have just finished digging up must have been laid level. If I put in a 1 in 50 fall (for Indian sandstone flags) away from the house I end up ~8cm below the lawn. If I set up a transverse fall I end up a similar depth below a concrete driveway. If I can't lower the lawn and I can't lay above the DPC I guess I have to either lay level or work out some elaborate drainage. That's the point at which I have become stuck. I'd be extremely grateful for some pointers if you have any.

I'e tried to put pictures at:

and

(let me know if that didn't work!)

Posted: **Sat May 29, 2010 11:51 pm**

this is a common occurrence ,in this instance i would put a lineal drain next to the house but use one of the workaround methods as detailed here about half way down
cheers LLL

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2010 8:08 am**

as an alternative come down below your dpc the correct amount,, have the correct fall 1:60 to the lawn and put a small step up to the lawn.

the option are endless.

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2010 9:24 am**

Thanks guys, I'm impressed to already have some suggestions by the time I get up the next morning!

LLL - If I were to install the linear drain along the house wall, this means I can come up closer to the DPC. Do I still maintain the fall away from the house?

Mikey - Aesthetically I quite like the idea of a step to the lawn but presumably I would need to do something to avoid water collecting at the base of the step. Linear drain routed to some outlet?

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2010 10:29 am**

in luton if we do disabled ramps the threshold must be flush,so we install a linear drain at DPC height then fall the ramp away
if you install your lineal drain 100mm down from dpc would 50mm be enough fall to the grass?
I am sure this would be ok although not perfect it is a real world solution
and really you want the slabs flush with the grass or 20 mm higher
cheers LLL

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2010 2:01 pm**

LLL - This is starting to sound like the most realistic option. 50mm over the length of the patio only gives me a 1:90 slope which is a bit flat. Is it better to compromise on the fall rather than go less than 100mm from the DPC?

I'll also have to incorporate a fall at one side to meet the driveway at the gate. I don't think this is too much of a problem though.

Posted: **Sun May 30, 2010 2:57 pm**

1:90 is too flat
you should be aiming for 1:40/ 1:60
you may have to do the work around
either that or have the lineal drain right across the centre of the patio and fall both sides into it
I have the exact same problem at home with my drive
2 course below dpc is exactly level with the pavement 7 m away
so far we make do with shingle
LLL

The Brew Cabin

How to avoid laying level?