Cement pathway and DPM - how to remove it safely

[lizziecupcakes]

Hi all
The photos attached show the path in a side entrance. I want to get rid of the cement laid down by the previous owner, but i want to put down tiles or nice or even a nice pattern of bricks.

I think this will involve removing the cement. I’ve also attached a photo of how thick it might be (which the drain area might reveal).

Does anyone know how I can get rid of this? How close can I go up to the wall to remove all signs of cement?

What could be the potential effect or damage against the part beneath the DPM? I know there is a slate layer there because I saw it in a different part of the house (at the rear) where my electrician nearly drilled through it (luckily, he didn’t ).

Can I repair it if it is damaged (preferably with something lime based).

There’s also no ventilation block on this side of the house, possibly because my neighbours house is on the other side and would probably block any airflow.

Thank you

 

[alexander]

a jack hammer will break up the cement, a coal chisel will take the cement of the bottom of the wall although depending on how well its attached may also remove the face of the brick, don't know what your trying to achieve as it looks like the ground level has been raised & the wall looks like its been pointed up in cement, there would have been air vents in that side of the house but may have now been covered up in the past

 

[lizziecupcakes]

Thanks @alexander. I just want to get rid of the cement. It is so ugly and I wanted to come home to a nice inviting path.

I’m not convinced the cement pathway has been raised much more than about 2inches based on the thickness seen at the drain though Having said that, there is a step that leads to this path from my driveway directly infront of the house (photo 1). It is possible it was raised from here.

When I lift the floorboards inside, I might be able to see the blocked off old air vent if it ever existed. If so, my aim is to get this back.

So, I supposed I would consider lowering the whole side entrance to meet the level of the driveway.

Just a note: i live on a slight hill but my house isn’t at a sharp incline.

Unfortunately, most of the house was repointed in cement but I will tackle that in the future.

 

[alexander]

it doesn't really matter about how gentle you are with breaking up the cement path, but you have to be as gentle as possible with removing the cement work on the brickwork to try and limit any damage, the ground level would have been about two bricks at least below your slate damp proof course, vents are not always visible under the floor boards as people have a habit of filling them in over the years to stop draughts have seen numerous cases over the years only becoming apparent when the floor collapses due to the timbers rotting, have also come across lots where air vents have been added at to high a height to be anything other than for pure show again leading to the floor rotting and collapsing, the biggest issue you have is coming across and having to deal with someone else's repairs usually done on the cheap. old houses have generally stood the test of time & with care and consideration will stand a lot longer than there modern equivalent but they are a labour of love over many years rather than a quick turn around for a quick buck
good luck