What is damp coursing and why is it used in buildings?
What is damp coursing and why is it used in buildings?
A damp-proof course (DPC) is a horizontal barrier in a wall designed to prevent moisture rising through the structure by capillary action – a phenomenon known as rising damp. These salts from the ground can absorb moisture from the atmosphere leading to wall dampness in conditions of high relative humidity.
How does a damp course work?
A damp-proof course (DPC) is a barrier which can be inserted through a structure above ground level to stop capillary action which is damp rising from the ground. Integral damp proofing in concrete involves adding water proofers to the concrete mix to make the concrete itself moisture resistant.
Can a damp course be repaired?
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.
What happens when you 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 moisture rising from the ground.
Where is DPC required?
The damp proof course (DPC) is generally applied at basement levels, which restricts the movement of moisture through walls and floors. The selection of materials for the damp proof course and its various methods of applications in buildings is discussed.
What is the difference between DPM and DPC?
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.
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 tell if a house has a damp course?
The most common signs to look out for are:
- Black spot mould forming on interior walls.
- Watermarks on walls formed by either rising damp or penetrating damp.
- Plaster peeling off walls and damage to other decorative finishes such as wallpaper.
Can I do my own damp proofing?
Even the installation of a damp proof membrane (DPM), of the plastic sheet mesh variety, can be considered a DIY damp proofing solution. Once again, there are a good range of damp proof membrane kits available that can do the job.
What does damp proof look like?
Damp proof course is the name given to the protective layer between your property and the external ground. 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.
What is a damp proof course?
A damp proof course is a typical feature of most contemporary properties. Generally during the construction of the property, there will be a mortar course with a damp proof material inserted into the structure just slightly above ground level.
How does electroosmotic damp course work?
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 a damp proof membrane?
The damp proof membrane is positioned underneath a concrete slab with the intention of protecting the concrete from any moisture and therefore making it damp proof. This form of damp proofing is often used to protect properties from penetrating damp problems when the home has earth retaining walls. Does my property have a damp proof course?
What are the materials commonly used to check dampness?
The materials commonly used to check dampness can be divided into the following three categories: Flexible Materials: Materials like bitumen felts (which may be hessian based or fiber/glass fiber-based), plastic sheeting (polythene sheets), etc.
