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Extensions

Possible rising damp issues to my house with next door's new extension......

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 4.07 PM

Hi, not a straightforward question so please bare with me. Workmen have just started work on next door's new double extension. The concern i have is because we live on a fairly steep hill and due to next door being uphill of me with his house floor, including backyard, over which the extension will be built, being approx 18" - 2' higher than mine hence well above my extension damp course. With the new extension wall butting-up against my extension wall I'm concerned about potential rising damp issues, which will obviously be very difficult and expensive to sort out once the new extension is up. Can someone kindly tell me what should be done by next door's builder to prevent any possiible damp issues with my extension?....some sort of polythene membrane between the new footings/foundations and my extension wall perhaps? I already have some damp issues along this wall as it is, due mainly to poor drainage in next door's back yard. So am hoping the new extension will cure that, though I need to make sure the risk of rising damp is minimal as the ground here can get pretty wet, especially in winter. Hope my question is not too difficult to decipher...... With thanks Tony

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2 Answers

GT Building Services

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bognor Regis

Hi Anthony It is a difficult one without any pictures and not having access to the current architect drawings of your neighbours extension. They have made some amendments to the regulations in June of 2022 regarding damp proofing above ground level, but I am still to get my head around them. Thinking about it from a builders side, I would like to think with the way things have been going with regard to building regulations it would potentially help your current damp problem. Potential reasons below. 1: They will have a larger roof area that will catch more water and a new soakaway may have to be dug to account for this if they don't have alternate drainage. This could remove more potential ground water more efficiently as it is being caught by the roof. 2: If rainwater is running down toward the new extension from land above, I would think an ACO drain system would be planned to remove this, again reducing surface runoff toward your property. Please keep in mind that I am only guessing as I don't have all the information and can only assume as to what might have been planned. I hope the above helped in some way. I would also agree with the others that a box gutter should be installed to remove the rainwater between the properties and I am hoping that you have agreed a party wall agreement with your neighbour. Regards Tristan

Answered22 May 2023

BMC Barton& McCormick Construction Ltd

No reviews yet

Biggleswade

How big is the gap between your external wall and the new extensions outside skin of brickwork? Is there a party wall agreement ?

Answered22 May 2023