What is Damp Proof Course?

About Damp Course

Damp proofing refers to a method used to treat damp, a common issue within many buildings. There are a variety of treatments available and Damp Proof Course (DPC) can be applied in a variety of ways. It is usually a long-term solution to moisture, preventing it from getting into a property through the exterior walls. If left untreated, damp can eventually cause devastating damage to the structural capacity of a building.

The process works by adding a barrier to prevent external moisture. The main materials used include bitumen, slate or plastic which is applied to the internal section of your walls. Plastering the walls again is not always necessary unless significant damage has been caused by damp or moisture.

If you choose to have your walls re-plastered, you need to make sure that your plasterer uses a waterproof additive in the mixture to further prevent damp from occurring again.

Types of Damp Course

As there are a number of damp course treatments available, it can help to understand each one. These include:

• Chemical – This process uses chemicals to help prevent damp, as a silicone based liquid is injected at into a wall. The chemicals are added at no less than 150 mm from the base, creating a water repellent layer.
• Electro-Osmotic – Suited to walls 600 mm thick or more, this includes a system which counteracts the rising of moisture. An electrical charge is used to send the water back down to the ground.
• Membrane – This involves a membrane being placed beneath a concrete slab to prevent moisture from entering a building.
• Pressure Grouting – Either grout or concrete is used to fill voids/gaps as a practical and inexpensive option for preventing damp. Holes will be drilled into specific locations, followed by concrete to create damp proofing.
• Cavity Wall – Separating the internal and external walls, this acts as a barrier to damp as it stops moisture from immediately transferring between these walls.
• Integral – This features a mixture of components, added to the concreate or metal of a building. It aims to fill in any gaps and prevent damp or moisture problems from developing.

Signs of Damp

Damp isn’t always easy to spot in your home, especially if you don’t know what signs to look for. As damp can easily appear on your walls and ceiling after flash floods, it really pays to know what to be on the lookout for.

Getting professional assistance is the best option if you suspect that damp is present in your property. As no case is the same, only an expert can offer the right advice for your situation. The sooner you identify damp, the cheaper and easier it is to fix.

Signs to look out for with damp include:

• Dark patches on the walls
• Mould and spores
• A musty or damp smell in your home
• Plaster discolouration
• Salt stains and deposits on the walls
• Timber decay and cracking

Carrying out regular inspections of your property will give you the best chance of stopping damp before it takes over your home.

Treatment For Rising Damp

Resulting in the damage of plaster, paint, timber and internal décor, the repairs for rising damp can often be expensive and time-consuming depending on the severity of the damage. The longer damp is left to fester, the more intense the damage on your home and structure will be.

In order to prevent damp from reoccurring, you will need to finish any treatment with a smooth coat of protective materials.

Rising damp can take time to develop, which is why many homeowners don’t notice the damage until it’s too late. It needs to be treated as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage.

Treating Condensation

The term condensation refers to the humid air that can be trapped within an environment. With some houses having very poor circulation, the moisture from the air will then sit in the room and create condensation on cold surfaces.

There are numerous habits that will encourage condensation. These include washing, cooking and releasing hot air into the room. To improve circulation, you need to insulate your home properly and let in fresh air in order to combat the changing climate. The common signs to look out for to see if condensation is present in your home include:

• Damaged, peeling and moist wallpaper
• Musty smell and damp odour throughout the home
• Black mould growing on the walls and around the windows

Preventing condensation can be difficult to achieve. You need to remember to act accordingly in your home if you are cooking or washing and other activities, like boiling the kettle. Whatever you are doing, keeping hot air in your home can be damaging when in contact with cold, external surfaces.

How Do I Treat Penetrating Damp?

Penetrating damp refers to moisture seeping into your property through walls, windows, roof and doors. Encouraged by cracked tiles and poor sealant, the damp can easily enter your home and lead to damage.

It is also known for causing problems with your plaster, interior décor and mould growth. If you have building issues with brickwork, defective roof coverings or anything else, you could be encouraging penetrating damp without realising.

Any building defects you have need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Contact Us Today

To find out more about the services that we provide across the Leighton Buzzard area, give us a call now on 01525 374406.