Front step breaching Damp Proof Course Damp can be a major issue in the home. Find answers to questions or post your own here.

[Laine]

Building survey on house purchase (1930's semi) says "front step appears to have breached damp proof course and be blocking subfloor ventilation". Some of the internal joists near the front door have therefore rotted. We are trying to work out how to rectify this with the least disruption, could we just put a channel/gap between the paving slabs and the front of the house in the area that is protected by the porch? If so approximately how wide would this have to be ? If this wouldn't work has anyone got any other suggestions that might help?

[stoneyboy]

Hi Laine,
You will have to form a channel along the length where the porch meets the house, the bottom of the channel needs to be 150mm below DPC level. If you remove the slabs and form the channel you should be able to replace the slabs. Either end of the channel needs to be taken through the porch walls so it is a ventilated space.
Regards S

[Laine]

Hi Stoneyboy Thank you for the reply it is really helpful.
Kind regards
Laine