Exterior ground level too high

[Fordbedjs2]

Can anyone help?
I have damp below ground level in a victorian house. The level of the exterior is apparently too high. We have had a membrane injected into the Walls and all rotten joists replaced also two new air bricks installed. It has been advised that we lower the exterior ground level but we have just rendered and really can't afford all the extra cost. Is there a cheaper way of treating perhaps a waterproof paint?

 

[handyman77]

You could try a damp proofing membrane such as Cellarcote by Sealocrete. Needs to be painted onto render. Sealocrete can give more info.

 

[Fordbedjs2]

How high up the render would I need to paint?

 

[tim00]

1. you cannot "inject" a membrane into a wall. I suspect that you have had a DPC injected, for what it's worth.

2. painting on "waterproofers" is a waste of time and money.

3. lowering of ground levels is the best bet for reducing penetrating water - If the GL is higher than the joist tail seating then the DPC would have been a complete waste of time if it's a solid wall.

4. Is this a basement or a sub-floor situation? penetrating water into basements requires more detailed measures.

 

[Perry525]

First of all walk round the outside of the house and see how high the damp proof course is above the ground.
It should be at least six inches above the ground, more is better.
If the ground is not low enough, lower it, this is something you can do yourself.
Then tidy it up with a layer of gravel or similar, this will stop the rain bouncing against the wall.