Can I remove excess damp proof membrane under garage concrete floor?

Question

I recently moved into a house with a garage at the bottom of the garden which has a damp proof membrane (DPM) that protrudes out at the base of every wall by approx 4 to 5 inches.

Can I safely trim this off without affecting the damp proofing?

I want to fit some interlocking garage floor tiles to make the space less dusty and cleaner but currently can't do this as the DPM will stop me getting the tiles tight to the walls.

Photo of the DPM protruding from base of wall:

Around the single door frame and garage roller door entrance the DPM is already trimmed down to be flush with the ground, so I believe I should be able to trim this off but this is my first time ever having to look into doing this so I want to be sure.

Link to the floor tiles: Rolson garage floor tiles

Iggy · Accepted Answer

If the garage isn't below grade, doesn't have a sump pump on its level, there's no drain pipe open to daylight out in the yard and you don't have holes drilled at the base of the walls. Then yes, you can cut it down, as it's just newer concrete of this century that normally requires a water and vapor barrier...typically it's clear or black 6-mil polyvinyl sheeting required by code.

If yours were a very minor part of a proper drying or water handling system it would be hard and stiff plastic that's bubbled or ridged, like the picture below.

Can I remove excess damp proof membrane under garage concrete floor?

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