What is this on my concrete path?

[onionsa]

Hi all, hoping this is the best forum for my question. I have this ‘step’ on a concrete path that runs between my house and garage, and I don’t have a clue what it could be for. Any ideas?

Thanks!

View media item 101425
View media item 101426

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

.

 

[JohnD]

looking at the patching of that concrete, I think you will find out when you dig out that broken gully and drain.

Can you see the DPC in the wall? Where is it, in relation to the concrete? Th path looks to be sloping.

 

[stuart45]

It's to allow you to safely move from one level to another.

I did read something about that in the Professional Builder mag I picked up today.

 

[Mottie]

 

[onionsa]

What is the DPC?

The whole patio area is sloped, but pretty sure thats down to very poor ground prep when it was done by the landlord.

 

[onionsa]

I don't get it?

 

[stuart45]

What is the DPC?

DPC is the Damp Proof Course, which looks to me in the bottom photo to be 2 courses above the concrete by the drain. Normally 2 courses are the minimum above ground level.

 

[onionsa]

DPC is the Damp Proof Course, which looks to me in the bottom photo to be 2 courses above the concrete by the drain. Normally 2 courses are the minimum above ground level.

Ah, I see what you mean. That is a bit of an optical illusion. The DPC is the same level all the way round, there is a jut out in the back corner which is why it looks like it changes level. So yes, from the concrete of the pavement it is 2 courses, but as the patio is sloped at the back of the house I can see a 3rd course of brick below the DPC.

 

[stuart45]

3 courses are fine. If there less than 2 there is more of a risk of rain bounce getting the bricks above damp, although in practice there are loads of houses with less than 150mm that don't have any problems.

 

[onionsa]

Not had a problem with it so assuming its ok. Question still remains on what the hell this step is for

 

[Notch7]

Not had a problem with it so assuming its ok. Question still remains on what the hell this step is for

Its there to help you trip over on your return from the pub

 

[endecotp]

Is this a bungalow?

 

[tomfe]

To direct run off into the drain?
But I agree it's been placed there to trip you up everytime.

Are there any services entering into the building at this point?

 

[onionsa]

It is a pain. The house is a standard 2 storey semi detached. No services at that point of the house or garage. It is almost like it’s a marker or end point for the path as it is against the jut in the brick work at the back corner. There is the jut in the brick work at the front corner but no step.