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Next DIY project is to lay a new patio. As I step out of the back doors I step down about 10" onto the old patio, take 1 step then up 10" onto the lawn (retained by a small wall) I want to install a raised patio across the gap (and all the way along the back of the house) meaning I can step out at a similar level and walk straight onto the grass (and a seated patio area) Problem is at the house side it will be about 1 course higher than the DPC.
Do I have any options here or is it simply a no-no. Can anyone with experience of this give me any pointers???
Cheers
Build the patio approx 100mm shy of the house and then fit a grill over the gap allowing air to circulate?
Don't butt the paving(?) Up to the wall but leave about 150mm and make sure that you have something like a French drain which sits about 150mm below the dpc. You really don't want to block the weeps either.
Or just build a deck at the height you want - this will retain the air gap.
But you'd be best to make the space below accessible.
(And if you used composite decking it wouldn't rot)
Problem is at the house side it will be about 1 course higher than the DPC.
Which will then make the DPC ineffective. The whole idea is that the DPC should be above the outside finished ground level.
Wow that was quick, thanks everyone. I assumed I wasnt the first person to want to do this and of course I dont want to compromise the DPC but hoped their was a legitimate way to do it. The option of a gap/grill is something I will investigate.
I wanted decking but Mrs Surfer not keen unfortunately...
your patio sounds a lot like a path - 1 step wide and goes across the back of the house ?
Anyhow, I vote some sort of decky walkway as sharkbait suggests
Wooden decking can be a disaster but the composite boards can look good and last much longer.
Whatever you do just leave a gap.... Although you could also fill with gravel as moisture shouldn't track across to the house wall.
The option of a gap/grill is something I will investigate.
Bear in mind that if you go the gap solution it will need constant maintenance to keep it clear, even with grill cover imo. Have you got overhanging or nearby trees which might add to the problem?
Very timely thread and slight hijack.. facing something similar and was going to post. We're looking to replace a patio which currently leans toward the house with one which does not. Would I be able to 'ok' reducing the gap from top of dpc to top of paving to about 100mm if I have a 150mm wide gravel filled trap which ought to eliminate any splashback? Update: Paving expert appears it would be ok as a bodge however not sure I'd be happy with that if I'm paying £1000's for it....
https://www.pavingexpert.com/dpc01
Have you got overhanging or nearby trees which might add to the problem?
No it should remain pretty clear. Doing a quick google throws up a couple of options but they look challenging for a first timer ensuring the fall etc to clear any water is correct.
1 step wide and goes across the back of the house ?
Bit of an exaggeration. Remeasured and its 1.8m from house wall to dwarf wall/lawn
I wanted decking but Mrs Surfer not keen unfortunately…
I think she understands your body will be more easily discovered by the authorities if its under decking.
Have a look at these details here: A step-by-step guide to level thresholds Something that I am detailing at the moment.
Put a French drain (gutter full of pebbles) between house and patio.
Or dig down a bit first?
Or use ceramic tiles that are thinner
Or use decking
Or do a gravel path.
As above, leave a gap, 15-20cm and ensure it drains. Put a grille in the gap, but keep it as open as possible to avoid splashback, ie, rain hitting the grille and bouncing onto the wall. A grille made from parallel strips of metal, on edge, 2-3cm apart would work well, unless you have a small dog or people walking over it in heels. I wouldn't fill the gap with gravel as it will inevitably become clogged and store/transmit water.
I was going to recommend the diagrams on paving expert also.
I did my patio a few years ago, it's not above the DPC but parts are closer than permitted.
I went with a 20cm gap filled up with slate chippings, however the website is correct and it attracts leaves/feathers/dirt/snail shells etc.
About once every two years I have to sift through it all by hand with the vacuum on blow setting to get all the twigs and leaves out of it, I'd use a drain/grate if I did it again.
And it's not above the damp proof at all, just a bit close. You don't want future buyers pulling out or using it for haggling when it inevitable comes up on the house survey.
if you go the french drain route, line the trench first with a permeable membrane and fill with 20mm to within a few inches of the finished level. Trim and fold over the membrane to create a closed sausage, then back fill to the desired level with the ornamental aggregate of choice. The membrane will keep the drain fill free of debris and dirt and you'll only have to clean the top ornamental material
You can have raised patios. There is at least one system that supports the paving slabs on plastics legs (adjustable so the finished surface is level). That would give a patio finish but allow air to circulate like decking.