rpuddle

Wouldn't say pissing in. I'd say seeping at the moment! Either way, the whole thing has been a botch job, but time was against us as I had to get the thing built as the garage I rent was being emptied! It was a case of build now, worry later. Not the greatest moto but I'm working with it! I think it's time to get the hammer and chisel and start creating a runoff at the back of the slab....

There doesn't appear to be a DPM under the slab, although the builder told me there would be! Don't even ask about the story behind the slab, and it's finish..... On the left hand side (against the dividing wall) we've used a circular saw to cut away an area for the water to drain to and then run to the front of the garage, and the front and right hand side have gaps for the water to drain way, but the back has no such option. There is a DPM between the slab and the timber but the back of the garage there is not a lot of space (probably 35cm) so I'm not sure what my options are now. Don't think there is space to dig out the concrete at the back. May have to cut away the earth bank and push things further back from there?

I've just built a timber garage on my concrete base that was dug out of the soil at the bottom of our garden. The level of the garage is below the soil at the back end and water appears to be seeping through the soil, onto the concrete and into the back wall of the garage (I've circled the bank of soil on the image attached). I'm just wondering the best way to stop water coming through that far bank? Wall of bricks / concrete? Or is there a better way of doing this? Thanks

It all went up guys! Thanks for all the help. Now got to pray it doesn't rot too quickly!

Is a garage not just a large shed? ? I didnt have budget for a palace so I've got what I've got. It doesn't stop me wanting to make it as good as possible, however. Thanks everyone else for responses, they're appreciated!

So I've just spoken to the garage sellers and they have assured me that the pressure treated wooden bearers they supply will not rot and are guaranteed for 10 years, and that bricks are not needed below the bearers - it can be placed directly on concrete. This, I can't really believe but has now confused me even further!

Thanks for all the responses :) Slab is around 150mm thick. Frame will be a self build job but from a flatpacked garage (Dunster House). Not the greatest quality I imagine, only the bearers are pressure treated, but budget etc has meant I couldn't spend out on an oak frame. Didn't like the look of the prefab concrete builds and there won't be any flame risk inside. I've never done any brick laying but I consider myself a reasonable DIYer. I also accept that this build will not last through the ages, but I will treat the timber well and look after the building and I'd hope it's still standing when we move out in 5-7 years!

Hi all, I'm about to embark on a timber garage build (3m x 5.5m) on a concrete base that has just been laid on our drive, which is 3.2m x 5.7m. The concrete base isn't perfect (long story on this one but there is some pooling of water on one side of it when it rains) and so I've been told to lay a layer of engineering bricks and a DPC on top and then build the garage on top of this. I'm a complete newbie and was hoping for some advice on this. What type of brick? is this a DIY job or do I get a brickie in? Any more tips to stop moisture reaching the bearers of the garage? Any advice or tips would be really appreciated!