It should be at a height of 150 mm above ground level to comply with Building Regulations. Ideally you should instruct a reputable builder to undertake limited exposure works to check the position of the damp course and ground levels around the property should be reduced to 150 mm below damp course height.
Can DPC be higher than 150mm? As long as the Dpc is a minimum of 150mm from the ground, you can step the dpc as much as you like. However, the dpc on the internal wall, should be level all the way round to match the existing dpc level.
Similarly, Why is 150mm below DPC? The 150mm below DPC regulation is stipulated to prevent ‘splashback’ of moisture (ie rainwater hitting the ground and ‘splashing’ back up over the DPC. It is highly unlikely that having a DPC only 60mm above external ground level will have any detrimental effect on your property.
Should air bricks be above or below DPC?
Air bricks may be located either above or below DPC level and where possible on all sides of the building. Ideally air bricks should be located at least 75 mm above hard and soft landscaped areas to reduce the risk of being obstructed or flooded (see diagram 1).
Can engineering bricks be used as a DPC?
Engineering bricks can be used as a rigid DPC. This consists of two or more courses of Class A engineering bricks. This type of brick has the lowest absorption of any clay brick produced in the UK, which means it is very resilient to rising damp.
Can DPM be higher than DPC?
No you can not put the dpm above the damp course as you will be bridging the damp course. … You need to protect the bricks above the damp course and below the dpm to stop the damp rising.
Is it OK to slope patio towards house? Draining towards a building
Whenever possible, a pavement should slope away from a building. This is done to prevent surface water ‘hanging’ against the masonry of a building, which could lead to problems with damp.
Can you concrete above damp course? No you can not put the dpm above the damp course as you will be bridging the damp course. The damp will rise through the concrete, reach the dpm then move to the bricks then up. You need to protect the bricks above the damp course and below the dpm to stop the damp rising.
What does a damp proof course look like?
The most common type is the physical and visible DPC, often a type of thin waterproof material such as lead-lined bitumen, slate or plastic. These DPCs look like fine sheets of material situated between the brickwork of a building near ground level and can also be referred to as damp proof membranes.
Do you need a cavity tray at DPC level? There isnt normally a cavity tray at dpc level, unless in instances where the likes of a Radon Barrier is required, which should overlap inner wall, cavity and outer wall. You would then need a cavity tray above with weep holes.
Do air bricks stop damp?
Under no circumstances install air vents or air bricks to assist with condensation; the short answer is : they will make it worse !
Can you put gravel above DPC? A land drainage pipe, usually a perforated plastic type, is laid at the base of the channel, connected to the SW drainage system at a convenient point and covered with a clean gravel to a level no higher than the dpc. The walling may be protected by a drainage composite or tanking.
In which category is engineering brick used as DPC?
Class A Engineering Bricks have a water absorption of 4.5% by mass which make them the highest performing class of clay brick available in the UK.
Do I have to use engineering bricks below DPC?
The regs do not dictate which materials to use in this case, only in foundations. A lot of people prefer to use engineering bricks on a slab for the first two courses under a DPC because of water splashing on them, from slabs, during a rainfall.
Can I use concrete blocks below DPC? Use of blocks below ground should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations contained in BS 5628 – Part 3. Our range of concrete blocks are resilient and durable products most of which are perfectly suitable for use below damp proof course (DPC) and as foundation wall blocks.
Should DPC be bedded?
DPCs should:
be fully bedded on mortar where required by the design, or where the building is over three storeys in height. at ground level, generally be a minimum of 150mm above finished ground or paving level. where intended to prevent rising damp, joints should have 100mm lapping, or be sealed or welded.
Do you put mortar under DPC?
All damp proof courses must be laid between an even, fresh bed of mortar in continuous lengths for the full width of the wall or leaf and preferably project beyond the finished external face of the external leaf.
Does DPC stick to mortar? Dpc should be bedded on mortar, and not dry laid.
Should patio be sloped?
The patio must be perfectly level, and it shouldn’t have any irregularities, dips or bumps. Making the patio flat isn’t the same as making it level. If the patio is perfectly level then pools of water will remain on it after rain or spraying it clean. The patio should therefore always have a slight slope.
Should patio be level or sloped? A patio should slope away from the house at the rate of 1/8″ (3mm) per running foot. Generally, a 4″ (100mm) thick slab set 2″ (50mm) above ground level is suitable. To ensure that the height and slope are correct, begin the excavation, layout and form construction where the patio meets the house.
Does paving need drainage?
What subsurface drainage do you need under a permeable pavement? A good permeable pavement should drain significant quantities of water immediately through both the paving layer and paving base. This means that in all but the heaviest of rain events, very little water remains on the surface of the paving.
How far should patio be below damp course? Paving is kept at least 150mm below the dpc and slopes away from the wall at around 1:60. This may need to be increased to 1:40 for some ‘difficult to drain’ pavings, such as riven flags, or may be decreased for well-draining pavings, such as blocks or plain concrete.
Can decking be above DPC?
The damp proof course (dpc) of a dwelling should never be compromised or bridged which is why you often see advice to install decks well below dpc level particularly where DIY installation is involved. However, many people have successfully installed decks above the DPC, for example to be level with patio/French doors.
Do you need DPM under concrete? If you suspect the groundwater to contain sulphates, then the DPM should always be placed below the concrete. When DPMs overlap you should use DPM tape to seal the joints. We sell both single and double sided DPM tape. Your DPM always needs to be continuous with the damp proof course (DPC) in the walls etc.