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We live in an old chapel constructed in sandstone with large…

We live in an old...

We live in an old chapel constructed in sandstone with large foundation stones as it's base and an adjoining boundary wall also in sand stone. Our neighbour has piled a square meter mound of soil next to this area which runs down to the Chapel wall and is touching the adjoining boundary wall to a height of 30 cm. This is a north facing wall and the neighbour has a shed, oil tank and lots of discarded sand stone in close proximity to this area so it already doesn't get a lot of airflow. We have asked the neighbour to remove the soil from this area to restore it it it's former level which was at the base of the wall and Chapel foundation stone which he is reluctant to do. Are there any guidelines on how close this mound of soil should be placed in order for it not to cause us a damp problem. A previous neighbour had inadvertently done something similar and we had water dripping from the internal stone work - we would like to resolve this issue before it gets to be a problem.

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Answered in 1 hour by:

5/28/2014

Structural Engineer: StructuralEng, Consultant replied 8 years ago

StructuralEng, Consultant

Category: Structural Engineering

Satisfied Customers: 9,772

Experience: Structural Engineer

Verified

StructuralEng : i can help. I'm away from my computer right now. Can I get back to you a little later today?

StructuralEng : i will pause the chat timer?

StructuralEng : Do you have any pictures you can share?

Customer:

thank you - I have an image but I can't seem to upload it!

StructuralEng :

You can use the paper clip icon here or you can upload to mediafire.com and post the URL here for me to access it

Customer:

I'm trying the paper clip but the browse setting is not letting me attach a file - I will join up to Media Fire and try again. Can I get back to you? Do I have to pay for more minutes?!!!

Customer:

Seeing as I've spent all mine on trying to attach a file!

StructuralEng :

I will keep the chat timer paused for the next 6 minutes of our conversation

Customer:

Sorry - cannot get the just answer system to upload a file to you and MediaFire is not responding on my task bar. Can you give me an email address to send it to you or can we do this without a picture?

StructuralEng :

I'm not allowed to share personal contact information. Site rule

StructuralEng :

I'm having ahard time visualizing how there is dirt next to a party wall.

Customer:

Full Size Image

StructuralEng :

It just attached.

StructuralEng :

It looks like the soil is sloping toward the building.

StructuralEng :

There is no building code requirement for this, just common sense

Customer:

Phew - The soil was at the level of the grass originally and now it is sloping towards the wall. WE are concerned about water build up and run off towards the wall

StructuralEng :

If youir neighbor refuses to do the sensible thing, then can you build up grade higher toward teh building to divert water away from the building?

Customer:

The land up to the wall is our neighbours so we are entirely at their mercy - the wall of the Chapel is the boundary to their property.

StructuralEng :

Caan you install a thin waterpoof barrier against your wall to keep water from flowing in?

StructuralEng :

I'm sorry, but there is no building code requirement for this.

Customer:

We cannot understand why they are being difficult about this but I was hoping there might be some guide lines/building code.. Thank you for your help!

StructuralEng :

I can't understand why, either. I'm sure it's frustrating.

StructuralEng :

I wish I had better news for you

StructuralEng :

Good luck with working with this neighbor

Customer:

Thank you!

StructuralEng :

any time

StructuralEng, Consultant

Category: Structural Engineering

Satisfied Customers: 9,772

Experience: Structural Engineer

Verified

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