Damp-proof course: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:50, 7 November 2005

Revision as of 19:35, 9 January 2006

Line 1:

A '''damp-proof course''' (often abbreviated to DPC) is a horizontal barrier built in to a [[wall]] designed to prevent moisture rising through the structure by [[capillary action]] - a phenomenon known as [[rising damp]].

Building standards in many countries require most new buildings to incorporate a DPC at the time of construction. This may consist of a thin strip of plastic, a course of engineering [[brick]] or [[slate]], or a layer of [[bitumen]].

Where a DPC is absent or inadequate, there are various means of retrospectively fitting one. A common method in [[masonry]] walls is to drill holes into the wall at regular intervals and spray a penetrating chemical into the holes. The chemical is absorbed into the masonry where it dries to form a waterproof barrier.

A Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) performs a similar function for a solid floor.

This may consist of a thin strip of plastic, a course of engineering [[brick]], or a layer of [[bitumen]].

{{Architecture-stub}}