Damp proof membrane under timber frame

[Szakiyah]

Hello, I spontaneously decided to tear down my rabbits 12x4 enclosure to make an 11x6 not quite sure if I figured it out. But I’m getting there I’m trying to work on a budget. The timber frame is sitting on block paving right now. The timber frame is pressure treated but I was thinking of putting Damp proofing underneath membrane underneath and wrap it over the timber but I didn’t want to create a trap for condensation what can I do in this situation? I’ve ordered 18mm chipboard for the flooring too

Simple answers please I am not really a DIYer. Im literally asking chat gpt all the unsure questions i have but having real human advice would be amazing

Thank you!!

 

[Charlie George]

The DPC only needs to go part way up the bearers or use packers to raise it off the floor and allow air to circulate, if going this route use mesh on the gap to prevent rodents, and chipboard is a no no it will rot, use ply or OSB.
Nearly finished one myself, slightly larger than yours, cost more than expected but better than a bought one, also make sure you use at least 16 gauge mesh, i painted my mesh black it makes it almost invisible, good luck.

 

[accelerator]

I would also consider raising it somehow so it is not just sitting on the paving. That way it won't rot from underneath so easily.

 

[foxhole]

https://www.diy.com/departments/plastic-interlocking-shed-base-w-49cm-x-l-49cm-pack-of-4/5060192725094_BQ.prd

Or cheaper option is a few bricks under base frame to keep it dry .

 

[accelerator]

https://www.diy.com/departments/plastic-interlocking-shed-base-w-49cm-x-l-49cm-pack-of-4/5060192725094_BQ.prd

Or cheaper option is a few bricks under base frame to keep it dry .

I think I prefer the bricks option, as the plastic base + gravel option seems as though it would still trap a bit of water and would leave things damper.

 

[Szakiyah]

I think I prefer the bricks option, as the plastic base + gravel option seems as though it would still trap a bit of water and would leave things damper.

Thanks I’ve got some extra slabs I could use instead of bricks, I am not wanting it to be too high otherwise I would use concrete bearers

Could I use these slabs? I’ve got 12 of them https://www.selcobw.com/brett-stamf...j_ZrLSV_xIhdar5bAIyiX2CfIznJgP5YaAtzZEALw_wcB

 

[simplesteve]

I’ve just finished ‘making’ my shed/summerhouse. After costing it up against making it myself, I went for the heaviest duty/ proper construction / T&G/ osb-free one I could find off the shelf…

Anyway, I made my base first, out of Pressure Treated 4 x 4’s, put on top of a concreted in slab/pad at every join which was levelled.

Worked a treat, but had to go back this morning and throw a handful of concrete between the slabs :- mice had moved in and we’re driving my dog nuts !
Tommorows job is nailing the rat mesh across the floor bearers….

 

[simplesteve]

It’s 450 x 450 slabs I used.

 

[Szakiyah]

I’ve just finished ‘making’ my shed/summerhouse. After costing it up against making it myself, I went for the heaviest duty/ proper construction / T&G/ osb-free one I could find off the shelf…

Anyway, I made my base first, out of Pressure Treated 4 x 4’s, put on top of a concreted in slab/pad at every join which was levelled.

Worked a treat, but had to go back this morning and throw a handful of concrete between the slabs :- mice had moved in and we’re driving my dog nuts !
Tommorows job is nailing the rat mesh across the floor bearers….

Looks absolutely amazing good job and if you have mice you can put some mesh in between the bearers and paint it black so it looks see-through it creates an illusion and then no mice can go under at all

 

[simplesteve]

You mean like this ? Lol
Just arrived from Mr Amazon

 

[Szakiyah]

You mean like this ? Lol
Just arrived from Mr Amazon

What a coincidence that’s great

 

[accelerator]

Could I use these slabs? I’ve got 12 of them https://www.selcobw.com/brett-stamf...j_ZrLSV_xIhdar5bAIyiX2CfIznJgP5YaAtzZEALw_wcB

They're not ideal as the ripples will collect water.

 

[Szakiyah]

They're not ideal as the ripples will collect water.

that’s good thinking however the underside is flat and not rippled, perhaps I can just flip them over? Would it be slabs, damp proof then timber base. My structure isn’t going to look quite like stevies above, he has slabs timber frame, bearers then floor.

Mine will be slabs, damp proof, timber frame, osb

Or slabs, damp proof, wood bearers, timber frame, osb. But the slabs would be elevating it enough so the bearers wouldn’t be needed?

 

[accelerator]

Yes flip them over. As long as they can be levelled.

 

[foxhole]

Mesh is far too big to stop mice , they only need 6-7mm hole.