So, to answer your question, yes you can install your cabin as you describe with the above requirements, including crawl space vents.

What type of foundation is best for a log cabin?

Pad foundations are sometimes referred to as ‘pad-stone foundations’ or ‘concrete piers’. The pad foundation is the cheapest form of foundation that you can use for your log cabin. When should you use this technique? A pad foundation should be used when you have an existing strong soil base for your cabin’s site.

How do you damp proof a concrete base?





When faced with damp in concrete floors, there are two options available:

  1. Dig up the old concrete floor, install a new damp proof membrane and lap up edges before replacing the concrete slab.
  2. Fully isolate the dampness in the floor using a surface Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)

How do you build a concrete base for a log cabin?

Step 1: Mark out the area and dig to approximately 150-200mm depth. Step 2: Once the ground is level, use compacted hardcore at around 150mm thick. Step 3: Use 100 x 25mm timber to form the boxing for your base. Place the timber on the ground and adjust to the height you want your concrete.

Does DPM go under concrete?

DPM membranes are laid either under a new concrete slab or on top of it to prevent moisture transmission. Ordinarily you will have a bed of hardcore on the ground then either a blinded surface and a DPM before a layer of concrete, or you place the DPM on top of the concrete slab before the final flooring.

How thick should a concrete base be for a log cabin?





100mm thick

As a rule of thumb, concrete bases suitable to support log cabins will need to be at least 100mm thick. Create the formwork (a temporary wooden frame into which the concrete is poured) using 25mm-thick timber planks which will support the wet concrete as it hardens.

How thick should a concrete slab be for a log cabin?

100mm thick

In most cases a 100mm thick concrete slab is an ideal base for your log cabin providing the ground is reasonably level and firm.

Do I need the damp-proof membrane under a concrete base?



A level base for any of these sheds is vital. The concrete, or slab base, should contain a damp-proof membrane (sized to the entire surface area the shed will occupy). This should be inserted below the flags, or 2” below the surface of the concrete slab.

Can ground water seep through concrete?

However, concrete is porous. No, water isn’t going to soak up like a sponge, but concrete does allow water to seep through when there is enough. Concrete also cracks, and those cracks will be the first routes of seeping water as it leaks through the slab.

Can moisture come up through concrete?

Humidity—warm and humid air condenses into surface moisture when it comes into contact with the cool surface of your concrete floor or slab. Faulty/Missing Vapor Barrier—moisture from the ground can seep up and through the concrete.

Does DPM go under or over DPC?



Whilst we are on the subject, it is normal that the DPM overlaps onto the DPC (Damp Proof Course). The DPC is normally laid within the bed joint of the brickwork or blockwork, primarily to stop ground damp from rising up the walls by capillary attraction.

What is the main difference between DPC and DPM?

A DPC layer is usually laid below all masonry walls, regardless if the wall is a load bearing wall or a partition wall. A damp-proof membrane (DPM) is a membrane material applied to prevent moisture transmission.

Is a damp proof membrane necessary?

Besides being essential additions for insulation materials, damp-proof membranes also aid in protecting your building’s structures from moisture problems. For instance, damp proofing a timber structure offers protection against mould and rotting.

Can you put a damp proof course in an old house?

A Damp Proof Course (DPC) is an impervious layer built into a wall. It is placed above ground level to prevent moisture rising up the wall via a capillary action. Older buildings used a range of materials for a DPC, including slate, bitumen, jute and hessian. Nowadays plastic DPCs or chemical injection DPCs are used.

Can you do your own damp proof course?



Now you can even obtain your own Product Guarantee Certificate after injecting your own damp proof course. The new generation of UltraCure DPC Creams have appeared and for the first time private individuals and developers, builders and DIY enthusiasts can reliably and cheaply inject their own chemical DPC.

Where do you put a damp proof membrane?

A damp proof membrane (DPM) is a type of membrane material is used to prevent dampness from occurring through capillary action. It is often used underneath a concrete floor to stop it from gaining moisture.

How do I install a DPC on an existing wall?

Lay the DPC on a full even bed of fresh mortar in one continuous length, for the full width of the leaf. Provide at least a 100mm overlap at any joint or corners. The DPC must not obstruct the cavity. Ensure the external edge of the DPC is visible and not bridged by mortar when completing pointing of the mortar joint.

Can I use damp proof membrane on wood?

A Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) prevents moisture from being transmitted to above surfaces. It can be used when laying wooden flooring onto concrete to act as a barrier between the concrete (or screed) and the hardwood flooring.

Is damp proof membrane waterproof?



Extremely resistant to water penetration, it is quick and easy to join and is compatible with all common building materials. BBA certified above ground level waterproof membrane. Light, clean, and easy to handle, it is typically installed where the wall finish is timber battens, a dry-lining frame or block wall.

Can you put DPM on top of concrete slab?

DPM’s can be applied to either a suitable blinding layer under the slab or internally to the top of the slab. Consideration should be given to applying the DPM to the top of the slab, as the installation and moisture sensitive internal finishes are then protected from any residual moisture in the concrete.