Damp Proof Course Above Internal Floor Level

A quick summary checklist.

Damp proof course above internal floor level. Types of materials for damp proof course. 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. Damp below damp proof course level. 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.

Damp proofing is defined by the american society for testing and materials astm as a material that resists the passage of water with no hydrostatic pressure. Selection of materials for damp proof course in buildings. Dpc material for floors roofs etc. By simply lowering external ground levels this will allow wall base evaporation to help control rising dampness.

External ground levels ideally need to be lowered 150mm below the damp proof course or the internal flooring. Where it is not possible to insert a damp proof course 150 mm above the external ground level for example if the building has a solid external wall and the internal floor level is less than 150 mm above the external ground level external drainage solutions may be necessary such as the installation of a french drain. Dpc material for cavity walls. Methods of damp proof course installation in construction.

Waterproof is defined by the astm as a treatment that resists the passage of water under pressure. Tip 1 if a concrete floor is damp all over it is hard to isolate the moisture source. Generally damp proofing keeps moisture out of a building where vapor barriers keep interior moisture from getting into walls. Depending on the extent of the rising damp this can be a more costly and extensive job to repair.

Dpc above ground level.