Damp Proofing

Damp proofing is a type of moisture control applied to building walls and floors to prevent moisture from passing into the interior spaces. It is used to prevent dampness, mold, and moisture in residential floors, commercial buildings, and walls. Damp proofing problems are one of the most frequent problems occurring in homes these days; they occur mainly in old buildings or poorly constructed buildings. Damp proofing is accomplished several ways including:

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. A DPC layer is usually laid below all masonry walls, regardless if the wall is a load-bearing wall or a partition wall.

A Damp-Proof Membrane (DPM) is a membrane material applied to prevent moisture transmission. A common example is polyethylene sheeting laid under a concrete slab to prevent the concrete from gaining moisture through capillary action.

Integral Damp Proofing in concrete involves adding materials to the concrete mix to make the concrete itself impermeable.

Surface Suppressant Coating with thin waterproof materials such as epoxy resin for resistance to non-pressurized moisture such as rainwater or a coating of cement sprayed on such as shotcrete which can resist water under pressure.

Cavity Wall Construction such as rainscreen construction, is where the interior walls are separated from the exterior walls by a cavity.