constuction above the dpc.

[Simonraw]

Hi, I’ve just rejoined forum after many years away. I don’t know if anyone can advise on my current problem but here goes...picture attached hopefully.

Next door have had council built ramp to front door.
Ramp adjoins my property for approx 1 metre.
Ramp abuts my property approx 1inch above DPC.

I have asked the council to make a physical gap of 100mm between ramp and wall, they have dismissed this idea.

The council have contacted me to say that they will remedy the problem of damp (seen as wet bricks above dpc in picture) by installing linear plastic drain, which in my opinion is incorrect as there is still a construction above the dpc.
Council says this is acceptable and in line with building regulations???

Any advice please

 

[Doggit]

As long as the linear drain goes down below the DPC (as it will with you), then the solution is okay. The linear drain is made of plastic, so stops anything moving up towards the DPC, and the drain part of it will divert water away from the brickwork. And it's a neater solution than a 100mm gap that a wheelchair may fall down.

 

[noseall]

Or....ask them to fix a lead abutment flashing to the trouble zone.

 

[wessex101]

As long as the linear drain goes down below the DPC (as it will with you), then the solution is okay. The linear drain is made of plastic, so stops anything moving up towards the DPC, and the drain part of it will divert water away from the brickwork. And it's a neater solution than a 100mm gap that a wheelchair may fall down.

Maybe when it is first installed but not when you start to get soil and dead leaves washing down the back of it. Also you will still get the soaked bricks as rain splashes up the wall off the drain cover, that's why the DPC is supposed to be 6 inches above the ground.

Cutting the ramp back by 100mm would be the best solution, although they would have to modify the handrail.

 

[^woody^]

Anything touching the wall is a trespass.

Any damp created is a statutory nuisance

Building regualtions has nothing to do with this. Have the council made an application?

 

[Footsoldier888]

But wouldn't the OP prefer compensation to a victory over trespass???

How do you go about proving the council was at fault for this damp???

Would it help if he lowered that area of small stone???