Hot bitumen DPC from the 1950's

[Catmanchris]

Hi - first post.

 

I am in the process of removing a structural wall between my kitchen and dining room. The BCO requested test pits be dug outside against the wall that will take one end of a 3meter RSJ.

 

He also requested a test pit to expose the foundations in the floor of the dining room. Both have been dug and he is happy that the foundations are adequate for the proposed works.

 

In digging the hole in the dining room floor I discovered that the DPC is an inch thick layer of a bitumen type substance topped with a vinyl tile sitting above the slab. The house was built in 1952. Below the DPC is the concrete slab then packed hardcore, then rubble then earth.

 

I have back filled the hole compacting as I went and now have the DPC to repair. I was considering tucking a square on DPC sheet under the edge of the hole that I have made and then sealing with a liquid sealant. Once dry I would restore the floor level with a self levelling compound.

 

Is this the best way to do it or should I consider another process? The floor will have Porcelain tiles laid over it.

 

Edited August 24, 2021 by Catmanchris

[Conor]

Nothing helpful to offer, but very common for that type of bitumen / vinyl buildup to have asbestos in it (ours did) - take care and avoid drilling/grinding it etc and wear a mask.

[Catmanchris]

Thanks Conor. I had read elsewhere about the tiles having Asbestos in. I am going to seal them and then lay porcelain tiles over them.

[TonyT]

Get some tar from roofing merchants and fill with the same material

[Catmanchris]

3 hours ago, TonyT said:

Get some tar from roofing merchants and fill with the same material

Thanks Tony. It did cross my mind that this would be the same sort of stuff.