Standards for damp proof.
Damp proof course floor.
When constructing an extension or a new build home it is important that damp proofing measures are taken during the initial construction phase itself.
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.
Homes should be built with a damp proof course dpc.
The damp proof course may be horizontal or vertical.
The selection of materials for the damp proof course and its various methods of applications in buildings is discussed.
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 concrete floors above ground damp proofing for extensions.
The consequences of not damp proofing a concrete floor are obvious especially once a floor covering is placed on top.
The damp proof course dpc is generally applied at basement levels which restricts the movement of moisture through walls and floors.
It generally starts in the foundations.
Rising damp is the name given to the damp that creeps up from the floor.
These days damp proof membranes are required in the construction of all new buildings to prevent rising damp.
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.
A damp proof course dpc is one of several damp proofing treatments used to prevent damp problems developing within a property.
There will always be some moisture in the ground below your house.
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.
In basements garages and old buildings where exposed concrete floors tend to be found the most damp can become an issue too.
In suspended timber ground floors between the timber and materials that can carry moisture from the ground.
Of course if this does happen they are essentially ineffective from the off.
The water travels up through the flooring and walls.
A damp proof course may also be required.
In masonry walls below a coping where the coping is constructed from a material that is not impervious to water.
Damp proof course repair can be applied using a variety of different methods and is a long term solution to preclude moisture from entering a property through walls.
The damp proof membranes used during construction of concrete floors are often thin and can easily become torn before they are laid rendering them.
