Damp proofing buildings - Revision history

Editor at 08:32, 16 January 2026

2026-01-16T08:32:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:32, 16 January 2026
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	Damp proof courses can also be retrofitted to existing buildings by the injection of water-repellent chemicals. Treatment generally also involves remedial work to any corroded or decayed elements of the building fabric, as well as hacking off and replacing existing plaster to a height of 1 m.		Damp proof courses can also be retrofitted to existing buildings by the injection of water-repellent chemicals. Treatment generally also involves remedial work to any corroded or decayed elements of the building fabric, as well as hacking off and replacing existing plaster to a height of 1 m.

−	For more information, see Damp proof course.	+	For more information, see article Damp proof course.

	Installation of a damp-proof membrane (DPM). Typically, a DPM is a polyethylene sheet laid under a concrete slab to prevent the concrete from transmitting moisture through capillary action.		Installation of a damp-proof membrane (DPM). Typically, a DPM is a polyethylene sheet laid under a concrete slab to prevent the concrete from transmitting moisture through capillary action.

−	For more information, see Damp proof membrane.	+	For more information, see article Damp proof membrane.

	Other damp proofing techniques include:		Other damp proofing techniques include:

Editor at 17:09, 14 December 2021

2021-12-14T17:09:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:09, 14 December 2021
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	However, it is important to note that damp is often just a symptom of another problem in a building, such as a lack of ventilation, drainage problems, cracks in walls, missing tiles or leaking pipework. It is important therefore that the underlying problem is rectified before other treatments are applied.		However, it is important to note that damp is often just a symptom of another problem in a building, such as a lack of ventilation, drainage problems, cracks in walls, missing tiles or leaking pipework. It is important therefore that the underlying problem is rectified before other treatments are applied.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* An interview with Matthew Mallows - Surveyor at British Damp Proofing.		* An interview with Matthew Mallows - Surveyor at British Damp Proofing.
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	* Structural waterproofing consultant.		* Structural waterproofing consultant.
	* Tanking.		* Tanking.
		+	* Types of damp-proof courses.
	* Understanding dampness.		* Understanding dampness.
	* Wall insulation and moisture risk.		* Wall insulation and moisture risk.

Editor at 16:24, 19 April 2021

2021-04-19T16:24:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:24, 19 April 2021
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* An interview with Matthew Mallows - Surveyor at British Damp Proofing.
	* Basement waterproofing.		* Basement waterproofing.
	* Bitumen.		* Bitumen.

Editor at 19:09, 26 October 2020

2020-10-26T19:09:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:09, 26 October 2020
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	* Damp-proof membrane.		* Damp-proof membrane.
	* Draught proofing.		* Draught proofing.
		+	* Electrical resistance meters.
	* Humidity.		* Humidity.
	* Moisture.		* Moisture.
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	* Waterproofing.		* Waterproofing.

−	[[Category:~~Construction_techniques~~]] [[Category:~~Design~~]] [[Category:~~Products_/_components~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_Product_Knowledge~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor at 14:28, 4 September 2019

2019-09-04T14:28:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:28, 4 September 2019
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	* Wall insulation and moisture risk.		* Wall insulation and moisture risk.
	* Water.		* Water.
		+	* Waterproofing.

−	[[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]	+	[[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]

Editor at 16:04, 24 June 2019

2019-06-24T16:04:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:04, 24 June 2019
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	* Humidity.		* Humidity.
	* Moisture.		* Moisture.
		+	* Moisture content.
	* Mould growth.		* Mould growth.
	* Penetrating damp.		* Penetrating damp.

Editor at 17:31, 16 May 2019

2019-05-16T17:31:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:31, 16 May 2019
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	* Basement waterproofing.		* Basement waterproofing.
		+	* Bitumen.
	* Building damp-free cavity walls.		* Building damp-free cavity walls.
	* Condensation.		* Condensation.

Editor at 14:44, 11 October 2018

2018-10-11T14:44:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:44, 11 October 2018
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	However, it is important to note that damp is often just a symptom of another problem in a building, such as a lack of ventilation, drainage problems, cracks in walls, missing tiles or leaking pipework. It is important therefore that the underlying problem is rectified before other treatments are applied.		However, it is important to note that damp is often just a symptom of another problem in a building, such as a lack of ventilation, drainage problems, cracks in walls, missing tiles or leaking pipework. It is important therefore that the underlying problem is rectified before other treatments are applied.

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Basement waterproofing.		* Basement waterproofing.
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	* Rising damp.		* Rising damp.
	* Spalling.		* Spalling.
		+	* Stain.
	* Structural waterproofing consultant.		* Structural waterproofing consultant.
	* Tanking.		* Tanking.

Editor at 15:18, 4 September 2018

2018-09-04T15:18:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 4 September 2018
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	* Draught proofing.		* Draught proofing.
	* Humidity.		* Humidity.
		+	* Moisture.
	* Mould growth.		* Mould growth.
	* Penetrating damp.		* Penetrating damp.

Designing Buildings at 07:05, 1 August 2018

2018-08-01T07:05:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:05, 1 August 2018
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−	The term ‘damp proofing’ ~~is generally used to refer~~ to types of moisture control that are applied to walls and floors to prevent damp from setting in ~~and~~ spreading in a building.	+	The term ‘damp proofing’ refers to types of moisture control that are applied to walls and floors to prevent damp from setting in or spreading in a building.

−	~~Excess water/moisture in all its forms (vapour, liquid, and flooding) is still the most common problem in housing.~~ Damp problems are among the most frequent problems encountered in buildings, particularly older buildings which may have been constructed without a damp-proof membrane.	+	Damp problems are among the most frequent problems encountered in buildings, particularly older buildings which may have been constructed without a damp-proof membrane.
		+
		+	Damp may be apparent from:
		+
		+	* Damp patches.
		+	* Mould growth.
		+	* Mildew, salts, staining and 'tide marks'.
		+	* Damage to surface finishes, such as blistering paint and bulging plaster.
		+	* Corrosion and decay of the building fabric.
		+	* Slip hazards.
		+	* Frost damage.
		+	* Poor performance of insulation.
		+	* Damage to equipment, or electrical failure.

	The most common causes of persistent damp in buildings are:		The most common causes of persistent damp in buildings are:
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	The two most common damp proofing techniques are:		The two most common damp proofing techniques are:

−	A damp-proof course is a barrier, usually formed by a membrane built into the walls of a property, typically 150 mm above ground level, to prevent damp rising through the walls. Damp-proof courses are now required in the construction of new buildings to prevent rising damp and in some situations to prevent penetrating damp.	+	Installation of a damp-proof course. A damp-proof course is a barrier, usually formed by a membrane built into the walls of a property, typically 150 mm above ground level, to prevent damp rising through the walls. Damp-proof courses are now required in the construction of new buildings to prevent rising damp and in some situations to prevent penetrating damp.
		+
		+	Damp proof courses can also be retrofitted to existing buildings by the injection of water-repellent chemicals. Treatment generally also involves remedial work to any corroded or decayed elements of the building fabric, as well as hacking off and replacing existing plaster to a height of 1 m.

	For more information, see Damp proof course.		For more information, see Damp proof course.

−	A damp-proof membrane (DPM) ~~is a membrane material applied to prevent moisture transmission~~. Typically, a DPM is a polyethylene sheet laid under a concrete slab to prevent the concrete from ~~gaining~~ moisture through capillary action.	+	Installation of a damp-proof membrane (DPM). Typically, a DPM is a polyethylene sheet laid under a concrete slab to prevent the concrete from transmitting moisture through capillary action.

	For more information, see Damp proof membrane.		For more information, see Damp proof membrane.
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	* Integral damp proofing: Concrete production can involve the addition of materials to make it more impermeable.		* Integral damp proofing: Concrete production can involve the addition of materials to make it more impermeable.
−	* Surface coating: ~~Thin waterproof~~ materials can be used such as ~~a coating of cement sprayed on shotcrete~~.	+	* Surface coating: Waterproof surface materials can be used internally or externally, such as render or waterproof plaster.
	* Cavity wall systems: A cavity separates the interior walls from the exterior walls.		* Cavity wall systems: A cavity separates the interior walls from the exterior walls.
	* Pressure grouting: This can fill in cracks and joints in masonry.		* Pressure grouting: This can fill in cracks and joints in masonry.
		+	* Colourless water-repellent treatments.
		+
		+	However, it is important to note that damp is often just a symptom of another problem in a building, such as a lack of ventilation, drainage problems, cracks in walls, missing tiles or leaking pipework. It is important therefore that the underlying problem is rectified before other treatments are applied.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =