Floor Damp Proof Course

Damp proofing is accomplished several ways including.

Floor damp proof course.

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. In principle all concrete floors should include a damp proof membrane across the whole floor area and this should be linked to the damp proof courses in the surrounding walls to provide continuity of protection against ground moisture. Of course these can be harder to spot unless you have exposed floorboards. When constructing an extension or a new build home it is important that damp proofing measures are taken during the initial construction phase itself.

It s worth bearing in mind that depending on the severity of the problem and whether the floor is affected it might be a case of repairing the existing damp proof course and membrane. The damp proof course dpc is generally applied at basement levels which restricts the movement of moisture through walls and floors. Standards for damp proof. You may also notice damage to your flooring and floor joists.

The damp proof course may be horizontal or vertical. Damp rising through concrete floor slabs is fairly common causing damp issues on carpets and floor coverings warping wooden floors and increasing the likelihood of low level mould growth. Damp proofing concrete floors above ground damp proofing for extensions. Rising damp is the effect of water rising from the ground into property.

These days damp proof membranes are required in the construction of all new buildings to prevent rising damp. In suspended timber ground floors between the timber and materials that can carry moisture from the ground. In the joints between walls and door and window frames. In this article we look at how you can spot rising damp and how you can fix it diy.

As it dries out the damp retreats slowly back to the points of ingress so if you are not able to see any isolated damp areas either ventilate and heat or shut all the doors and windows and use a dehumidifier. The selection of materials for the damp proof course and its various methods of applications in buildings is discussed. Rising damp can be resolved by injecting a damp proof course dpc chemical gel or paste into the base of the walls at a minimum of 15cm 6 above ground. The damp proof membranes used during construction of concrete floors are often thin and can easily become torn before they are laid rendering them.

Concrete floors are susceptible to rising damp through the same capillary process as walls. Depending on the extent of the rising damp this can be a more costly and extensive job to repair. Houses are usually built with a damp proof course dpc just above floor level to prevent moisture rising up but if this has failed or the property did not have a dpc then rising damp can occur. In masonry walls below a coping where the coping is constructed from a material that is not impervious to water.

Damp below damp proof course level. A damp proof course may also be required.