what is damp proof course

Why is a damp proofing course so important?

Oct 23, 2019 · A damp proof course is one of the most important elements of a property. The DPC protects the property against moisture rising from the ground. This page will provide a deeper understanding of what is a damp proof course and what the best types of damp proof treatments are. Excess moisture gaining access to your property can result in a range of …

What is damp proof course DPC and its properties?

Sep 05, 2019 · What Is Damp Proof Course? A Damp Proof Course is an essential element of a property that is required to protect the property against any moisture rising from the ground. In this, we will be provided with a deeper understanding of what is a …

What are the causes of damp proofing?

How much does damp proofing cost?

What is damp proof course and why we use it?

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.

What is involved in a damp proof course?

Sometimes called a 'remedial' damp proof course, this process involves the injection of a 'damp proof cream' made from a silicone-based liquid that reacts with the silica in the masonry to produce a water-repelling layer within the wall.

How do you know if you need a damp proof course?

Signs That You Need a Damp-Proof Course Black spot mould forming on interior walls. This is a common sign also of a condensation problem. Watermarks on walls formed by either rising damp or penetrating damp. Plaster peeling off walls and damage to other decorative finishes such as wallpaper.

Where is the damp proof course in a house?

A damp proof course (DPC) is a layer near the bottom of the walls of a house which prevents rising damp. In a property without a DPC, water can rise up from the ground through capillary action and through porous elements in your brickwork.

Can you do a damp proof course yourself?

Twistfix supplies its DIY damp proofing kit with everything needed for a do it yourself damp proof course to stop damp walls. The damp course injection cream offers a highly effective rising damp treatment.

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 paint over damp proof course?

Can you paint over damp? No. Never paint over damp – it doesn't address the root cause of bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper, and you'll need to paint it again very soon. Fix the source of the damp then let the wall fully dry out before painting it.Jul 23, 2021

Do damp proof courses work?

It works if the problem is rising damp, it does not work if the problem is penetrating damp, rising damp is misdiagnosed in over 70% of cases in solid brick construction houses.Dec 5, 2013

Can you sell a house with rising damp?

The simple answer is 'yes', but it depends on the price you want to sell for. Obviously, in most cases, a survey will be carried out and damp issues will be revealed. If that is the case, a mortgage lender will more often than not require further investigation from a specialist surveyor.Jul 27, 2020

What is the difference between a damp proof course and damp proof membrane?

DPC stands for damp proof course whilst DPM stands for damp proof membrane. A DPC is a material placed between courses of brickwork to stop the rise of water up the walls. The types of products used can include polythene materials, pitch polymer combinations or even materials such as slate.

Do you need a damp proof course on a garden wall?

The DPC at the base of a wall must be constructed from engineering bricks or creasing tiles and should comprise at least two courses as shown. A high bond DPC sandwiched in fresh mortar should be included near the head of the wall. Suitable coping or capping to be selected. Copings are preferred.

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.

Why is it important to have a damp proof course?

The damp proof course prevents damp from the ground rising up the walls and damaging your property. Properties which have no appropriate damp protection layer or has a damaged damp course may be affected by excess ...

How to tell if a wall is damp?

If you suspect that your wall is affected by damp then you should inspect the outside and inside off your property looking for defects that could cause damp to affect your wall. You could then use a moisture meter which will tell you if the wall has a higher moisture content than it normally should be.

What causes damp to rise?

Rising damp is moisture which defies gravity and moves upwards through walls as a result of capillary action. Tide marks being present on your walls or deterioration of your plaster or decoration are the most visible indication your property is suffering from rising damp.

What causes a wall to be damp?

Damp problems on walls can be caused by a number of different issues: 1 Defective roof coverings or rainwater gutters or down pipes 2 Defective external render or masonry 3 Condensation Issues 4 Defective Cavity Wall Insulation 5 Inadequate window and door pointing 6 Defective Damp proof course 7 Plumbing leaks 8 Defective drains 9 External flooding

What Is DPC?

DPC means Damp Proof Course which is applied at basement levels, which restricts the movement of moisture through walls and floors of a building. Mostly DPC courses are required in new build properties which are most sensitive to moisture in order to prevent rising dampness subsequently.

What Is Damp Proof Course?

A Damp Proof Course is an essential element of a property that is required to protect the property against any moisture rising from the ground. In this, we will be provided with a deeper understanding of what is a damp proof course and its types.

Types of DPC And Its Thickness

Currently, various remedial damp-proof courses are available which can be installed. However, it is important to select the appropriate damp proof course which will be well suited to the construction of the property.

DPC Level In Construction

Capillary Action in the brickwork causes the moisture to rise up in the building hence the foundation of a building is always intact with the moisture present in the soil. Hence to tackle such phenomenon DPC (Damp Proof Course) is provided at the plinth level of the construction.

Plinth Protection

Plinth protection is provided to prevent water implication into the soil and reach the equal of the plinth wall and floor by capillary action resulting in moisture, acting as a barrier and water in the ground near the plinth wall blocks direct access to.

Methods of Damp Proof Course Installation in Construction

The general procedure to be followed while laying a damp proof course is,

What Is Damp Proofing ?

Damp proofing is a method used to prevent dampness to enter through walls or floors into the interior property of the building.