Dee871464

We are putting East/West solar panels on the roof and want it on apex rather than a flat or pent roof, so we get both aspects and don’t need the concrete ballasts. If we stick with this plan, do you have any suggestions? A sump pump isn’t that expensive to buy/install/operate. We will do that if we have to. But I just thought we must have other ways of ensuring the footings aren’t sitting in water. We will have DPC of course, but that won’t help the footings

Thanks for your reply Nick. yes we’re going down an extra half metre (slightly more) so we’re under 2.5m above ‘ground’ adjacent. I am sure you’re right a sump pump is an unnecessary expense and complication. But my father in law isn’t familiar with British building. Would you have a suggestion? I’d appreciate it.

Hi everyone. Please forgive my poor use of building terms! We’re self building a garden office/shed. Roughly 18ft by 7ft. Block and brick. Tiled roof. Solar panels. Far more knowledgable friends are doing each part with us. I wanted some advice in 2 areas please. we’re digging down quite a bit for the footings and floor-level is about half a meter below ‘ground’. Our ground is heavy clay. It’s puddling a little after rain last night (see pics). What would you recommend for drainage? My father in law is helping and is Canadian, they have their own ways of doing things and he’s suggesting a sump pump and perforated pipe around the perimeter. Possible with the perforated pipes laid among the hardcore. Can we lay it in the hardcore without wrecking its integrity for the footings? Is there a more simple way of sorting the drainage so the footings don’t sit in water? I’m not talking about roof drainage. Separately, we need to support the fence line with a retaining wall. Thinking brick, gravel with little pipes to let the water escape. Any smarter suggestions?? Pic is of the rough footings. We’re neatening them up. Many thanks!