Decking Damp Problem Damp can be a major issue in the home. Find answers to questions or post your own here.

[monty]

We're in the process of selling our house and the buyers survey has highlighted a couple of patches of damp on the rear wall of the house. This has been caused by the height of the decking in the back garden which is allowing water to breach the DPC.
The survey has recommended lowering the decking to 150mm below the DPC but there is a manhole cover under the decking which would be exposed if the decking was lowered by that amount.
Is it possible to leave the decking at its current height and install some kind of drainage between the the house and the decking or does everything need to be 150mm below the DPC?

[biggles111]

When installed your deck should (a) not touch your house wall (b) run or slope away from the dwelling.
There should be a gap between the boards to alow run-off down below the deck instead of onto the brick work . If the deck has been fixed onto a ledger or wall plate against the house then again a spacer should have been installed to move the wall plate away from the brick work to allow for the run-off.
If possible release each fixing bolt from the wall plate insert stainless washers to create a 10mm gap then refit bolts. Better still get the installer to come back and do his job properly. If this is not possible then your problem will persist.