Block Paving and Height of DPM Issue

[clemenza]

Hi

I have an issue with my driveway and path and would welcome some advice. I live in a semi-detached house, with the drive to the left. The block paved drive slopes from the front to the back in one continuous run, beginning at the boundary and ending at the channel drain in front of my garage. A path links with the drive and continues the pattern to provide access to the front door. Given this arrangement, the path at the front of the house is not 150 mm below the DPM, but closer to 60 mm. However, the path falls left and right at the door area and away from the house across its length. (See Photos)

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Whilst I am aware of the 150 mm rule, if this were applied, the drive would have dropped steeply and impacted also on the slope of the small front garden.

Although there is some splash-back from rain onto the front wall of the house, this seems to be minimal. I am wondering if an application of Storm Dry (Masonry Protector) or similar product would possibly prevent the development of damp problems inside the house in the future.

 

[noseall]

Whilst home-buyers surveyors reel in horror, breaching the 150mm rule is subjective, i.e. it may or may not have an effect.

If the cavity is clear at this point, there is a decent soffit overhang, you don't live in a coastal or exposed area then a breach may have no effect at all.

The other thing to consider is the effects of frost on the damp masonry. Go ahead and apply the masonry protector. What do you have to lose?

 

[noseall]

If the breach does become a serious issue, there is always the option to fit a lead flashing to the brickwork. Ugly but effective.