Chippings next to house

Question

I have been paving my front garden. I had noticed a couple of slabs were sinking a little so I dug them up and relaid

I have left a gap of 300mm to the house with about 4 inches of small chippings. The paving is running away at at least 1/60. Also not much rain water falls in that area due to the over hang of about 300mm of the roof 

What I noticed after finishing is that the slabs although 300mm away are about 30mm higher than the bottom of the dpc.

There doesn't appear to have been problems when the two large slabs were sloping in and that's been fixed. Perhaps I am overthrowing it but I just wanted to check

Stephen · Accepted Answer

Hi it should be absolutely fine especially as you have fall away from your house on the pavers

Dale · Answer

It's great to hear that you're taking on paving your front garden and are attentive to the details. Your observation about the slabs being higher than the damp proof course (DPC) is indeed an important consideration. Let's break down the situation:

Damp Proof Course (DPC) Height: The primary purpose of the DPC is to prevent moisture from the ground from rising up into the walls of your house. Ideally, the ground level (including paving) should be at least 150mm below the DPC to prevent bridging, which can lead to damp issues in your walls.
Current Setup Concerns: Since your slabs are only 30mm below the DPC, there's a risk of rainwater splashing against the DPC and potentially causing damp issues over time. Even with the roof overhang reducing direct rainfall, there's still a risk, especially during heavy rain or in circumstances where the overhang might not provide enough cover.
Drainage Consideration: You mentioned that the paving is sloping away at a gradient of 1/60, which is good for drainage. However, the proximity to the DPC is still a concern.
Recommendations:
Lowering the Slabs: If feasible, consider lowering the slabs to create a bigger gap between them and the DPC. This would be the most effective way to mitigate any potential damp issues.
Additional Drainage: If lowering the slabs is not an option, you might want to consider additional drainage solutions, such as a French drain or linear drainage, along the edge closest to the house. This would help redirect any water away from the DPC.
Regular Maintenance: Ensure that the chippings area is kept free from debris to maintain good drainage. Regular maintenance can prevent blockages that might cause water to pool.
Monitoring: Keep an eye on the area, especially during rainy seasons. If you notice any water pooling or signs of damp on the interior walls, it may be a sign that further action is needed.

Matthew · Answer

Anything has to be below the damp I'd not you will cause issues if your slabs are above I would say get them down below if it's impossible to do so the slabs need ro be at least 1200 away from house to give the house more breething space.

Lee · Answer

I would recommend an aco drain system over time this will cause damp in the property slabs are sinking during to poor drainage thanks hope this helps

Kevin · Answer

Technically if the slabs are falling away from your house you should have no problem, the issue is if you get a build up of snow ,than it would bypass the dpc.
The main issue is when you come to sell the property, the new owners survey will highlight this as a serious fault which could result in refusal of a mortgage for the new owners,. This could also invalidate your house insurance if you have knowingly  carried this work incorrectly

Joe · Answer

Yes all should be fine. Especially given you have fall away on the pavers.

Mathew · Answer

Hi rule of thumb 75mm which is a brick below is a safe height anything above dpc could posdibly cause problems in the end

Justin · Answer

Chippings as in wood chippings ? Ill Keep it brief they will hold water . Anything above your dpc and is wet/ damp against your wall will eventually cause moisture to enter your facing bricks.  Probably causing no damp in the house if your cavities are clear but you won't know that so just more than likely bricks turning green with Algae

Jason · Answer

this should not cause you any problems as you have left a gap of 300mm , but don't let any debris or materials breach the damp course , this would cause damp to rise up the wall and potentially cause transfer into the build .

Chippings next to house

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