ground levels

[Juju]

I know this is a frequent topic ie outside ground level being higher and therefore causing damp but I don't think I've seen an answer to our dilemma in the posts. Well, there are plenty of solutions but they involve taking down the ground level which we can't do!

Our neighbour's garden is banked up against our stone house and has probably been like that for years (centuries even). We have damp on that wall - some of which we hope will be eliminated with the removal of the ivy covering that wall (which they're happy about us doing) but obviously we can't dig out several feet of their garden and put in french drains etc. Is there anything we can put between our house and their garden to help? I sort of imagined there was something that could slide down between the earth and our house and help protect it!

When we get the kitchen re-done (not for a few years unfortunately) we'll get the walls replastered with lime which might also help.

 

[Moo]

I've not a clue as to how to solve your problem, but just thought it might help if your message moved back up to the top of the page.

xxxx M

 

[Mark]

there is some sort of corrugated sheeting that gets used in situations like this, but you will still have to dig in the garden to get it in.


Our 'shed' - small brick building had this problem - to the extent that crumbling bricks caused the wall to collapse. I put some polycarbonate sheeting in place and rebuild the wall behind this. (about 5 years ago?) So far the wall is totally dry.

 

[Nemesis]

The alternative is tanking internally using a membrane system.

 

[Fizzer]

I'd be interested in hearing more about the external waterproofing approach. What sort of materials are you talking about?

edit:
OK, I found a website that does some stuff, although you'd have to dig a trench and install a french drin at the bottom:
http://www.newton-membranes.co.uk/geodrain.htm

 

[Penners]

If you do decide on an external barrier against the wall, do make sure it's a corrugated one, as Mark suggests above.

This will ensure that, despite the impermeable barrier against it, the wall can still breathe.

 

[Juju]

Thanks for suggestions. I think we'll monitor the situation for a bit longer and then ask landlord of next door property if we can dig in the corrugated sheeting. It will still be a huge job I think but better than trying to get their agreement to digging it all a few feet away from the wall and then putting in some sort of retaining wall! The damp isn't too bad but of course we don't exactly know the extent of the problem...

 

[Nemesis]

Would an internal membrane and false wall not be easier?

 

[Juju]

yes, we'll definitely look into the internal membrane idea. I agree it sounds like it might be a lot easier! Digging mountains of earth and doing the negotiations with next door's landlord is a bit daunting.

 

[Nemesis]

Again - Newton membranes...