D.I.Y. S.O.S. for Wobbly Dave.

[Wobbly Dave]

The main job is to cut a 6 inch wide channel in the patterned concrete on 2 sides of the cottage (it's detached), smash it out, tank the foundation wall.

I can hire out the concrete saw, but I am worried about the gas main (I may leave the section under the gas meter box??)

Once the walls are tanked I intend to fill the channel with small stone, extend the downspout across the gap so that the top water no longer comes near the foundations.

[jamesy12345]

Artex removal/plastering over http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/artex.htm

[Wobbly Dave]

Once the DPC is assured again - then I have to attack the artexing and redecorate.

Final big job is the pitched roof on the back porch. I am certain that there must be leaks still, even though I tried patching it up with a waterproofing material, there is still water creeping in somewhere, which has played havoc with the down stairs loo, which will need repairing again.

I need also to rationalise all the stuff in the garage so the SSB can come off the driveway.

[Wobbly Dave]

I'm a qualified Rolls Royce engineer and I can fix sewing machines, but I don't suppose those skills are any use on this occasion.

Ellen has a flatbed, a needle feed, an overlocker and a blind hemmer (all industrial) all which are currently buried in the garage but need attention. I would obviously pay you for your time.

[Wobbly Dave]

I am more than willing to provide free beds/camping/food/bbq and hot-tub for aching limbs. If we could just crack the damp proof course channel then I would be eternally grateful.

[t5 pete]

Dave I've got the tools so no need for hire as said before it needs tanking then arco drains running round the entire house leading away from the house.
I cannot remember if I ask but im sure I will have did the damp only start when the previous builders butted the concrete up to your house?
I can plaster so if we can get a few plasters in you would be surprise what can be done for quickness ide remove the artex and dot and dab to stop any penetration.
All I require is beer and food.
And on another note I undertake all roofing work but I need to have a bitch with me so he or she can do the running up and down the ladder lol

[Jamest5r]

Dave I've got the tools so no need for hire as said before it needs tanking then arco drains running round the entire house leading away from the house.
I cannot remember if I ask but im sure I will have did the damp only start when the previous builders butted the concrete up to your house?
I can plaster so if we can get a few plasters in you would be surprise what can be done for quickness ide remove the artex and dot and dab to stop any penetration.
All I require is beer and food.
And on another note I undertake all roofing work but I need to have a bitch with me so he or she can do the running up and down the ladder lol

Excuse my ignorance but what would be the time scale for the above?

[Doingitsideways]

Same ae above.

I can plaster, just need a brew/mixing bitch

You'd be amazed what a few blokes on the trowels can do in a reasonably short period of time.
I'm not fast tbh, but would muck in nay worries.

Roof wouldn't be a problem either.

[t5 pete]

Excuse my ignorance but what would be the time scale for the above?

Arco drainage with enough knowledgeable man power 1 day two days at the most
Plastering depending on how many walls it can be done in 1-2 days
Roofing depends whats wrong

[V70 Graham]

As most of you know I'm useless on the tools but can follow instructions well (if there's pictures) only too happy to help if I'm available.

Any idea when this is likely to be Dave ?

[Jamest5r]

Pick a weekend then Dave

[Wobbly Dave]

Arco will not work because the low point has nowhere to go - no where to drain into.

I cannot tell if the damp was prior to the printed concrete install or not. I suspect from the state of the gripper rods that it is most likely a direct result. The concrete was up to the wall before, but a bit lower IIRC.

[t5 pete]

another option Dave is to have a trench around the house 10-12" wide tank the house wall and dig the trench down to the footings or at least well below floor level

[Wobbly Dave]

As for weekends, 30th/31st May. seems best for me. I know there is RR day on, but I think we'll have enough help and Colin can come later for the drinks if he wants.

Anyone travelling long distance can stay in the garden room.

[Doingitsideways]

Chances are that the new concrete has bridged the damp course if it's higher than before.
You need to remove any physical ground contact with the brickwork above DPC, so if you went for the stone method it would have to be lower and be kept clear to stop it filling up with mud and crap.

Tanking would be much better as you have a physical barrier against the salts and you could have your finished ground at the same level

[Wobbly Dave]

another option Dave is to have a trench around the house 10-12" wide tank the house wall and dig the trench down to the footings or at least well below floor level

that's what I am aiming for. Perhaps 6 inches is insufficient. If I can get help doing that then that would be a real bonus.

[Doingitsideways]

I'll provisionally say yes to the above dates, if you want me

Will have to check the diary (i.e see if Mrs Sideways has planned anything and not told me)

[Wobbly Dave]

I will push the dates to fit the professionals.

[stribo]

I can sort the concrete, if Pete's got the tools, I may be able to borrow a disc cutter from work, so really just need a heavy breaker. Is there no storm drainage nearby that the Acos can drain into, failing that, what's the geology, as it may be possible to dig a soakaway to drain it into.

[t5 pete]

I've got the stihl saw and hydraulic breaker but there's no chance I'll be able to do them dates you would be looking in a month's time as I'm packed solid at the mo