Types of damp-proof courses

[edit] Introduction

Rising damp is caused by capillary action drawing moisture up through the porous elements of a building’s fabric. Rising damp, and some penetrating damp, can be caused by faults to, or the absence of, a damp-proof course (DPC) or damp-proof membrane (DPM).

A damp-proof course is a horizontal barrier built into the walls. It is typically located 150 mm above ground level.

[edit] Standards

In the construction of new buildings, DPCs are required to prevent rising damp. In some situations they are also required to prevent penetrating damp.

Approved document C of the Building Regulations, Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture, suggests that a DPC may be a, ‘…bituminous material, polyethylene, engineering bricks or slates in cement mortar or any other material that will prevent the passage of moisture.’

A DPC made from polyethylene may be referred to as a DPM. For more information, see Damp proof membrane DPM.

Standards for DPCs are provided in BS 8215:1991 Code of practice for design and installation of damp-proof courses in masonry construction.

[edit] Materials used for DPCs

DPCs can be created by impervious materials or techniques, including:

• Bitumen roll.
• Slates and cement mortar.
• Mastic asphalt.
• Lead or copper sheeting.
• Tar and pitch.
• Engineering bricks.
• Chemical injections.

[edit] Bitumen roll DPC

Bitumen is a petroleum-based hydrocarbon that occurs naturally as a concentrated substance in oil sands and pitch lakes. For standard DPC purposes, bitumen roll DPC may consist of a thin layer of non-viscous bituminous material made with a waterproof hessian cloth base. Extra protection may be provided by using a thin layer of copper or lead foil interlining instead of hessian cloth.

Bitumen roll is one of the least expensive forms of DPC. It may also be one of the easiest to use.

[edit] Slates and cement mortar DPC

It is possible to create an effective form of DPC by constructing a double layer of slates in cement mortar. Any type of slates can be used, and the mortar can be made up of two parts clean sand and one part Portland cement.

This measure requires little specialised skill and can be a viable alternative if bitumen roll is not available or an abundance of slate exists.

[edit] Mastic asphalt DPC

To use this method of DPC requires temperatures high enough to melt natural asphalt. Pure bitumen is then added to the heated asphalt until a workable consistency is achieved. This substance is then spread on the wall.

This can be an expensive method and may require an advanced level of expertise.

[edit] Lead or copper sheeting DPC

Sheets of lead or copper provide the same type of DPC as bitumen rolls. The technique for application is also quite similar.

In some instances, non-ferrous metallic materials may be susceptible to decay when attacked by salts that might occur in damp mortar. This can reduce the effectiveness as the thickness of the material decreases.

[edit] Tar and pitch DPC

When sand is added to tar and pitch and then melted in a boiler, the resulting substance can form an effective and inexpensive DPC. The molten material is poured onto the wall to cover the surface.

Mortar should be placed on the edges of the wall to prevent the molten material from running down the sides of the wall. Once the mixture cools, it will solidify and form a waterproof layer.

In some instances, this substance can become brittle and may crack in extremely cold temperatures.

[edit] Engineering bricks

Sometimes referred to as impervious brick, these bricks are stronger and less porous than other types of brick.

Early forms of impervious bricks were sometimes referred to as blue bricks. A higher firing temperature typically gave these bricks their blue colour (although in some instances they may appear black).

Engineering bricks can be used to create an inexpensive and effective DPC when bedded in Portland cement mortar. A course of one or two of these impervious bricks is typically sufficient.

Modern low absorption or DPC engineering bricks fall into two categories: DPC1 (with a maximum water absorption rate of 4.5%) and DPC2 (with a 7% maximum water absorption rate).

[edit] Chemical injection DPC

Some older buildings may require a chemical injected DPC. This can create a continuous chemical barrier to rising damp. For more information, see Chemical injected DPC.

--Heidi Schwartz

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Approved document C.
• Chemical injected DPC.
• Damp-proof course DPC.
• Damp proof membrane DPM.
• Damp proofing buildings.
• Rising damp.
• Sleeper wall.