DavidA damp-proof course is a necessary protective measure if you want to damp proof your house. A damp-proof course is designed to prevent water from rising into a home by forming an impermeable waterproof barrier, and it can help protect your property from pricey and hazardous problems caused by dampness.
A damp-proof course is incorporated in most new homes, but it may not have been put in before the construction of the home. A damp-proof course can fail for several reasons, and a damp-proof professional can assist you in detecting and resolving issues before they cause damage.
To help you understand the importance of damp proofing your home, the experts at Danford, Brewer & Ives have put together their ultimate guide to damp-proof courses.
What Is a Damp-Proof Course?
A damp-proof course is a type of waterproofing that protects a property against the risks of moisture, dampness, and overabundance of water. A damp-proof course effectively seals off moisture from rising through the masonry and brickwork before it penetrates your home.
The goal of a damp-proof course is primarily to safeguard against rising damp, and it’s usually installed just above ground level. There are several types of damp-proof courses available, the most popular being to injections of a damp-proof cream into the masonry flooring of the ground floor.
Excess groundwater and moisture can rise through the brickwork if there is no waterproof barrier, causing property damage. This damp problem might lead to structural and health and safety problems in your home if left unchecked.
How Do Damp Proof-Courses Work?
damp-proof courses are used to build a protective barrier that prevents water from entering your home when it rains. There are several types of damp-proof courses, and they all function in unique ways.
A damp-proof course requires at least 150mm of installation height above ground level. This is a legal requirement that ensures the waterproof barrier is built higher than the groundwater level. A damp-proof course, which is designed to protect primarily against rising damp, which comes into a house from the earth’s surface upwards, is generally placed on the lowest floor of
The effectiveness of traditional damp-proof courses, which are made out of chemicals, is muted by the fact that dampness spreads. When used in conjunction with other damp-proofing techniques such as a wet room or waterproof bark base, though, they can be quite effective. The following are some of the most frequent types of damp-proof courses that
Chemical Damp-Proof Course
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
Mortar Damp-Proof Course
A chemically enhanced mortar that can fill any holes in masonry and brickwork that may be causing damp issues is used to make mortar damp-proof courses.
Once the mortar has been injected, it forms a waterproof barrier by filling in these holes and removing any potential for rising damp to move through the walls via any gaps in the brickwork.
Non-Chemical Damp-Proof Course
Non-chemical damp-proof courses are also available, with the most popular technique being an Electro Osmotic damp-proof technology. This differs from a chemical damp-proof course in that it uses metal wiring to generate an electric charge.
This electric charge instead changes the polarity of the wall itself, rather than creating a physical, waterproof barrier. This means that rising damp is repelled down instead of being drawn upwards through the brickwork. Because this technique is more complicated and time-consuming to implement than a basic chemical injection, it’s less popular.
Damp-Proof Membrane
A damp-proof course, when used in combination with other damp-proofing techniques, offers an effective barrier against rising dampness. The most popular form of damp-proofing is a damp-proof membrane, which creates a physical nonporous barrier to moisture and dampness.
Even though you may not have a traditional basement, there are still plenty of ways to convert yours into an effective storage area. You can store all sorts of items in your unfinished basement, including games and toys! For it to be truly useful as a storage space, make sure that the damp-proof membrane is installed correctly.
Why Do I Need a Damp-Proof Course in My Home?
The primary objective of a damp-proof course is to prevent various types of moisture and water damage that might result in costly and even deadly repairs. Excess moisture and water are the causes of dampness, and the damp-proof course works to provide a waterproof barrier against it.
Damp can cause a variety of issues in your house, including:
Water damage causes noticeable structural damage. Decaying timbers, damaged plaster, and decorative moulding are all visible signs of water damage. Mould Growth in damp areas is particularly harmful to your health; it not only inflames your mucus membranes but also eats at them from the inside out with no way for you to stop it.
Condensation, rising damp, and penetrating damp are just a few of the many types of damp that may be found within a building. Condensation is caused by cold temperatures or humidity in the air. It’s what makes your closet floor wet. As moisture collects on the surface of concrete slabs and forms a film, it might cause mould to grow
If you don’t take action soon, rising dampness may eventually cause significant structural damage to your home’s foundation. Fungus and mould are also unwanted side effects that can lead to respiratory illnesses and substantial health and safety concerns for everyone who lives in the house.
One reason for dampness is a lack of a damp-proof course, but it can also be caused by substantial leaks, floods, or other damaged infrastructures like drains and pipes. As a result, it’s critical to make sure your property is completely waterproofed with an effective damp-proof course in place to protect against excess moisture and water.
How Do I Know If My Home Has a Damp-Proof Course?
If you don’t already have a damp-proof course in your house, it’s time to install one. Since the late 1800s, it has been a legal obligation for a property to have a damp-proof course installed. This implies that contemporary homes will already have one in place and that older buildings are very likely to have had one previously
However, there is a small chance that a Victorian-era home may never have been improved with a modern damp-proof course. If this is the case, it’s critical to install a contemporary damp-proof course swiftly and to update any other damp-proofing procedures as soon as possible.
A damp-proof course, like any material, will deteriorate with time. If the ground shifts or walls sink, or brickwork and masonry collapse after the damp-proof course is put in place, you may have a problem. The ground may shift, walls might sink, or brickwork and masonry can crumble after the damp-proof
If you’re concerned that your damp-proof course is failing, there are a few telltale signs to look for. The following are all significant indicators that your home has a damp problem, most likely caused by a failed damp-proofing system:
Excessively damp, musty, or mushroom-scented air Damaged plasterboards or wallpaper Damp patches on the walls Crumbling or damaged masonry or brickwork Tide marks on the walls Unusual growths on the exterior walls.
On the interior and external walls, you’ll notice indications of dampness, although the most obvious symptom is most likely a strong musty odour emanating throughout the property. If you find salty tidemarks on the walls, this is an indication of rising dampness, which we’ve said results from a faulty damp-proof course.
Of course, just because a damp-proofing procedure has failed doesn’t imply that the problem is caused by dampness. Different types of damp may create various issues and need different solutions. It’s critical to have a professional inspection if you’re worried about any problems caused by moisture.
How Do You Fix a Damp-Proof Course?
A damp-proof course may be repaired or entirely replaced. If you detect any of the key indications of moisture in your property, it’s time to call a professional for a damp assessment.
If it’s a damp problem, the professional will first identify the cause and sort of damp before suggesting the best technique to resolve it. If a break or loss of insulation is causing the problem, they will suggest the ideal type of damp-proof course to have put in.
Any damp must be removed before the damp-proof course is laid. After this step, a new damp-proof course can either be injected or installed in place. This might entail removing masonry or timbers to get to it, or it may simply involve inserting holes into the walls and supplying a chemical damp-proof course.
How Much Does a Damp-Proof Course Cost?
The expense of a damp-proof course varies from one property to the next, and many variables must be evaluated and priced. The following are some of the most significant factors that impact overall pricing such as the overall size and style of the property, as well as any existing damp damage
The Size of the Home
The cost of a damp-proof course, on average, is determined by the size of the property. The larger the home is, generally speaking, the more it will cost to have a damp-proof course constructed. This translates into greater costs for additional materials and supplies as well as longer time spent completing the wet wall in place.
The Type of Damp-Proof Course
The cost of various types of damp-proof courses varies. Basic chemical injection is the most affordable type of damp-proof course, while a physical membrane may be more expensive per square meter to install.
The Amount of Work Needed
The cost of a damp-proof course is determined by several factors, including installation time and labour. If your house is old, the process of safely installing a damp-proof course may be more difficult, thus raising prices. Costs will also rise if masonry or brickwork must be removed or if access to ground level is difficult.
Damage Already Caused by Damp
If your property is already damp, you’ll need to have any damage repaired before having a new damp-proof course put in. You should include the expense of repairing structural issues such as crumbling brickwork or rotting timbers, as well as any future redecoration expenses.
Remember, the sooner you detect any issues relating to dampness, the easier it will be to correct them. If damp is left to ferment and spread, the cost of eradicating it and repairing any harm caused will always rise over time. For an accurate estimate of expenses, consult with a professional damp-proofing specialist.
For Additional Information About Damp-Proof Courses, Please Contact Us.
A damp-proof course is required if you want to damp proof your property. From start to finish, the skilled team at Danford, Brewer & Ives is here to assist you with all of your damp-proofing needs. For more information on how to install a damp-proof course, or to book an initial survey and consultation, contact