A damp-proof course (DPC) is a barrier through the structure designed to prevent moisture rising by capillary action such as through a phenomenon known as rising damp. Rising damp is the effect of water rising from the ground into property. The damp proof course may be horizontal or vertical.
Also known as wall injection damp proofing, damp proof injection involves drilling a series of holes in the property and injecting the silicone-based damp proof cream. Once this cream has been injected, it diffuses rapidly before curing to form a replacement water-repellent DPC for the affected area.
The reason why a damp proof course is important is because any excess moisture entering a building can lead to more serious property problems such as timber decay or structural damage. Properties that do not have an effective damp proof course are more prone to suffer from the following: Wet rot. Dry rot.
A damp proof course is usually installed at the base of a properties walls during initial construction, with the damp proof course itself being a membrane made from plastic. This form of protection is used to stop damp rising up the walls.
How much does damp proofing cost?Damp proofing costsCost + VAT (Range low - high)Average costDamp proofing course£250 - £1,500£850Damp proofing external walls cost£750 - £2,500£1,500Damp proofing cellar / basement cost - tanking£30 - £60 per sqm£45 per sqmInjection damp proofing cost£1,000 - £5,000£3,5003 more rows
Especially in moist areas of your home such as basements, lofts and bathrooms, the spread is accelerated and can get out of control. According to property experts, a property with these issues can lose up to 53% of its value.
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.
Having dampness in a period property is a common problem found by homeowners of these types of properties. Older housing was designed and built a lot different from how they are now. Older properties are prone to suffering from damp and condensation problems.
It's extremely unlikely. Many damp proofing companies will try and make you think that “Rising Damp” is a genuine issue within your property, and that you need a new chemical DPC and vertical membrane to stop it. The truth is that you do not need such damaging chemicals applied to your valuable property.
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.
British houses are so damp due to a mixture of the nation having one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe and damaging building practices. Solid single skin brickwork, which makes up much of UK housing, is more prone to damp than double skin with cavity walls.
What are the signs of a faulty damp proof course?A damp tide mark, typically up to 1.5m high on your inner wall, external wall, or both caused by groundwater gradually rising through the porous surface of your brickwork.Damaged skirting boards.Peeling wallpaper.Salt deposits on wall.Blistering or peeling paint.More items...•