how to do a damp course

How to Install a Damp Proof Course

• Drill 12mm diameter holes at 115mm intervals in the mortar course (or via the brickwork, angled down to meet the mortar...
• Fit the extension nozzle to the cartridge tube and load into the skeleton gun
• Inject cream from the bottom of the hole outwards until the hole is full.
• Holes can be capped with mortar or fitted with a plastic plug

Full Answer

What is a damp course and how does it work?

Mar 22, 2022 · A chemical damp-proof course is sprayed directly into the masonry and brickwork of a property, and it’s most effective when installed 150mm above ground level. It’s made up of a specialized damp-proofing lotion that, once absorbed by the bricks, creates an effective waterproof barrier. The required height is drilled straight into the wall without

How do you find a damp course on a wall?

An injectable damp proof course is where a silicone or chemical liquid is injected through a series of 12mm holes running horizontally along the wall. The bricks soak up the waterproofing liquid creating a waterproof barrier 15cm above ground level. DIY kits are also available and a variety of creams and liquids can be used.

How high up should a damp course be?

Sep 05, 2012 · damp course

How to fix a failed damp proofing course?

How to Install a Damp Proof Course Drill 12mm diameter holes at 115mm intervals in the mortar course (or via the brickwork, angled down to meet the mortar... Fit the extension nozzle to the cartridge tube and load into the skeleton gun Inject cream …

How do you damp course yourself?

Simply drill a 12mm hole, 90% though the wall at 100-120mm centres along the bed joint chosen for the DPC. Inject sufficient cream to fill the hole to within 1cm of wall surface and leave it to diffuse through the wall and cure to form a chemical damp proof course.Feb 24, 2022

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.

How do you install a damp course?

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.Sep 30, 2020

How is a damp course done?

DPC injection: a water repellent barrier is created by injecting silane into the brickwork. This then dries to prevent moisture rising up causing rising damp. Vertical dpc: this type of dpc is used to stop moisture transferring sideways between neighbouring walls and surfaces.

What does damp proof course look like?

The most common type is the physical and visible DPC, often a type of thin waterproof material such as lead-lined bitumen, slate or plastic. These DPCs look like fine sheets of material situated between the brickwork of a building near ground level and can also be referred to as damp proof membranes.

Where should a damp proof course be installed?

All damp proof courses must be laid between an even, fresh bed of mortar in continuous lengths for the full width of the wall or leaf and preferably project beyond the finished external face of the external leaf. (including any externally applied render).

Can you do a damp proof course from outside?

Yes , it appears too good to be true. We would have to review the method details, however, Experts would tell you: Damp can be caused for a few reasons.

How do you damp proof a solid wall?

When it comes to damp proofing walls with damp proof paint, the best results are achieved by applying the paint to the background substrate and then covering with a render or plaster. This creates a sandwich system that holds the damp proof layer within the makeup of the wall, keeping moisture at bay.

How high is a damp proof course?

150mmDamp Proofing Wall Regulations: DPC must be at least 150mm above the level of the adjoining ground if it is in an external wall. It must also be continuous with any damp-proof membrane in the floor (i.e. no gaps!)Oct 11, 2021

Do I need a damp proof course?

Why do you need a damp proof course A functioning damp course is an essential part of any property in order to prevent moisture from the earth and soil rising up the walls through capillary action (also known as rising damp) and damaging the property as a result.

What is the average cost of a damp course?

Damp Proofing PricesTYPE OF JOBAVERAGE COSTDamp course – Terraced house£280-£370Damp course – Semi-detached house£500-£800Damp course – Detached house£1500-£2000Tanking slurry – Terraced house£2450-£35005 more rows•Nov 3, 2021

Do I need a damp proof membrane?

A damp-proof membrane is required when using certain insulation materials – such as mineral wool, cellulose, etc. - to prevent damp from working its way into the insulation. Where insulation is concerned, fitting a damp-proof membrane is important, as it safeguards the insulating properties of the material.

The 3 main types of damp

To fully understand what a damp proof course is and how it works it’s worthwhile taking some time first to consider the different types of damp.

A Damp Proof Course – Every home should have one

The problem with damp, in a nutshell, is that water rises. The technical term for this is capillary action. It’s also often referred to as wicking. Basically liquid (usually water) will naturally flow in narrow spaces (such as a wall).

Types of damp proof course

Newer builds usually have a combination of a damp proof course and damp proof membrane installed during construction. The damp proof course is often a horizontal strip of bitumen felt or plastic inserted 15cm above ground level. A damp proof membrane is a sheet of waterproof material inserted under a concrete floor.

How can a damp proof course be replaced?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that it will be incredibly difficult and expensive to replace a DPC that has failed. In fact, it is now easier than you might expect.

What happens when a damp proof course fails?

When a damp proof course fails, it allows moisture to enter bricks and mortar. The materials in your home act like straws pulling moisture up from the ground. A DPC is installed to prevent this from happening. When a damp proof course fails, moisture can find a way in. When a DPC fails, and moisture begins to enter the brickwork of a building, ...

How long does a damp proof course last?

A damp proof course, even a properly-installed one, may only last for about 20-25 years. An incorrectly installed DPC likely won’t last this long. Also, if your home has a DPC that wasn’t installed correctly, it may have been letting moisture into the brickwork of your home for some time.

What does rising damp mean?

If you have rising damp, it is likely your damp proof course has failed, or wasn’t installed at all. Either way, you need to fix your DPC.

How high does damp rise?

Either way, you need to fix your DPC. Rising damp typically only rises to about 1.5m on the walls of your home. After that, gravity takes affects, and the water cannot rise any more. So, if there is evidence of damp up to this height, it has been caused by groundwater. Other tell-tale signs of rising damp include:

What is DPC injection?

DPC injection. Damp proof course injection is one of the most DIY-friendly form of fixing a DPC. This involves a chemical in liquid or cream form. This is injected into the fabric of your home at the level of the old DPC. It creates a water-repelling layer that will stop damp from rising.

DIY Damp Proofing – An Easy Solution for Damp Proof Courses

At last it is practical for home and amateur users to insert a chemical Damp Proof Course reliably, even in thick stone walls. This is because ‘UltraCure Cream’ has taken over from the high pressure injection of liquid.

Information and Main Features of Ultra Cure Cream DPC

Quick and easy to install – drill the holes, blow out the dust, inject. No special tools required

How to Install a Damp Proof Course

First, check for high ground levels, leaking gutters and down pipes, water leaks.

Walls and Skirting Board

Don’t forget to check the walls and skirting boards for dampness. If you click on the damp meter images above you will be taken to a section of the Property Repair Systems site where you will find detailed information on how our Damp Meters work and you will also be able to purchase and view our extensive range of meters for a great many jobs.

What Depth Should Chemical Damp Proof be Injected?

The depth that the chemical damp proof should be injected is dependent on the thickness of the wall. Use these suggested injection depths as a guide and drill the holes to the following depths:

What is damp proofing?

Once this is determined, there are three types of damp proof course available on the market: 1 Cream or liquid wall injections: The application requires holes to be drilled into your walls. 2 Mortar injections: The same as above, except, mortar is caulked into the holes. Used in homes with more internal wall rubble and those prone to voids. 3 Electroosmotic course: A non-chemical alternative using copper or titanium wiring to create a small electric charge that stops the water from rising. It uses a scientific method to reverse the polarity of the capillarity, keeping the rising water below the level of the new damp course.

What is mortar injection?

Used in homes with more internal wall rubble and those prone to voids. Electroosmotic course. A non-chemical alternative using copper or titanium wiring to create a small electric charge that stops the water rising.

Can you damp proof exterior walls?

If you’re damp proofing exterior walls, you can expect to spend a bit more as there are more processes to consider. For example, if the rising damp was caused because the exterior ground level rose above the DPC in the wall, you will also need to lower the ground level.