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Posted: 5th March 2023 | Author: Adam Brown
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Worried about damp in your home, or working on a property with potential damp issues? Whatever the case, you’ll want to know about damp proofing measures.
In this guide, we’ll be putting damp proof courses under the microscope. We’ll look at types of damp proof courses and how they work, along with anything else you should know. Armed with the right information, you’ll be able to make the right decisions about damp proofing in your property.
As a term, damp proofing is used to describe a range of measures to protect against damp inside a property. These measures are either used to tackle rising damp or penetrating damp, which are the two most common types of internal damp problem.
Rising damp is where moisture is drawn up from the ground, through the brickwork or masonry. As this can affect almost all buildings with foundations, it’s mandatory for all UK buildings to have a damp proof course installed.
In comparison, penetrating damp is usually caused by rainwater. This is where rainwater passes through the walls or roof. It can result in dampness on walls, stained plaster and mould growth. It’s often caused by blocked or damaged gutters, a faulty roof or issues with the mortar between bricks.
Damp issues can often be complicated, where it’s difficult to find the correct cause - and thereby choose the correct treatment.
A damp proof course (DPC) is a barrier against rising damp. It prevents moisture from the earth and soil from rising up through the walls. If this were to happen, it could cause all kinds of problems. This includes mould and fungal growth, wet and dry rot issues with timbers, and damage to the finish of your wall surfaces.
There are a few different types of damp proofing used in the UK:
This is one of the most common kinds of damp proof courses used today. Known as a chemical damp proof course, it is done by injecting a specialist cream or liquid into the wall. This happens through holes in the wall that are drilled at least 150mm above external ground level. Once complete, this acts as a water repelling layer, preventing moisture from rising above it.
This is a similar method to the DPC injection above, but the application is a little different. It involves caulking a chemically enhanced mortar into holes drilled into the wall. Mortar injection is often used in properties where the construction of the wall contains a mix of rubble and voids. The specialist mortar fills these masonry holes, and blocks rising damp.
This kind of damp proof course uses different materials altogether. Instead of chemicals, damp proofing specialists will install a mix of copper and titanium wiring within the wall. This is used to create a small positive electric charge within the wall, which drives moisture back down into the ground. Electro osmotic damp proof courses tend to be used in older or historic buildings, or where the property owner doesn’t want chemicals to be used.
Lastly, there are damp proof membranes, which are used as part of a damp proof course. These are usually positioned underneath the concrete floor slab, protecting it from moisture. This method is used in properties which have earth retaining walls.
In most cases, a damp proof course is installed in the following way:
Of course, the installation of electro osmotic damp proof courses is slightly different. Holes are drilled, and then titanium anodes are inserted inside. These are linked by the special connecting wire, which is pointed into the wall.
The effectiveness of the damp proof course will often depend on how well it is installed. This is why it’s always worth consulting a professional for any damp proofing work.
Most UK properties have a damp course of some kind already installed, as it is mandatory for all homes to have one. If you’re building a new property, you’ll need to install one.
However, it’s important to remember that damp proof courses can sometimes fail. This is more likely in older homes, or where damp proofing measures were improperly installed. If you notice damp patches towards the bottom of internal walls, this could mean your damp proof course has failed. You’ll need to bring in a damp expert to assess the problem.
If your original damp proof course came with a warranty or guarantee, then remedial or replacement works may be covered under this - as long as it’s still in date.
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The Author: Adam Brown
With a background as a Mechanical Engineer, I started Nationwide Supplies alongside my brother with a vision to modernise what seemed a stuck-in-its-ways industry in the builders merchant sector. Since 2011 it has been my goal to source quality products at the correct prices to be able to offer a saving to customers along with high quality customer service which offers quick delivery and superior technical knowledge in the industry.
