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The Natural Philosopher

wrote:
On 25 Jan, 09:58, Thomarse wrote:
Is there any problem with decking up to a house wall. i.e. if I lay
decking on top of an existing patio, the level of the decking will
only be 1 brick below the damp proof course of the house, possibly
less, �instead of the 2 bricks that it is presently between the patio
and the damp proof.

Obviously with decking, water will run through the boards and so will
not build up, but should I be worried about rain splash back causing
damp?

Yes. Definitely.

I left some slates lying flat on te gravel that surrounds my house. At
that point,and ONLY at that point the wall painted render over timber, -
got enough water penetration to cause frost damage and chip the surface off.

I had a coule of other places higher up where I had near horizontal drip
boards over windows,lead covered, that did the same. Now treated with
water proofing, and a new coat of paint..

What is the usual procedure with this type of work, I dont really want
to rip up all the patio to dig it down deeper before laying the
decking if �can help it.

Thanks

Tom

Personally, I think the quickest solution to this problem is to
realise that decking is a **** idea which is fundamentally ill-suited
to our climate, and then re-do your patio in something that doesn't
make it look like it's been done over by some terrible 90's garden
makeover programme. But that's just me.

I sort of agree, that decking as such is a bit of a thing that will go
out of fashion. Like avocado bathroom suites and woodchip. But I rather
liked those.. I'd rather have a stone patio myself.

If you must do it, put some sort of splashguard an inch or two from the
wall. and expect rain to driuve in under the french dopors..

And leave the existing patio. Chances are when the decking has rotted,
someone will be overjoyed to discover a 'genuine 1970's period patio'
underneath ;-)

There's nowt as queer as folk..