Damp Proof Courses

Damp Proof Courses (DPC) are a barrier that acts to prevent the ingress of damp into a building. It is an effective measure against rising damp, where moisture travels from the ground, up into a construction. They are often laid beneath masonry walls and are an essential moisture protection method.

What is a Damp-Proof Course?

A damp-proof course is a barrier installed within the walls of a building to prevent the upward movement of moisture. It acts as a protective layer, preventing dampness from seeping into the walls, floors, and other structural elements of a property. By effectively controlling moisture, a DPC helps maintain a dry and healthy living environment while safeguarding the structure from potential damage caused by dampness.

DPC applications & solutions 

Our versatile and high-quality damp-proof course (DPC) solutions can be used in various applications within the construction industry, including:

• Masonry Walls: DPC is commonly installed in masonry walls to prevent the upward movement of moisture. It acts as a barrier between the foundation and the masonry, ensuring that moisture does not penetrate the walls and cause dampness or damage. Whether it's a new construction or a renovation project, these damp-proof courses provide reliable protection against rising damp.
• Concrete Floors: In concrete floor construction, a damp-proof course is used as a moisture barrier between the subfloor and the concrete slab. By preventing moisture from rising through the floor, it helps maintain a dry and stable surface, reducing the risk of damp-related issues and preserving the integrity of the flooring materials.
• Cavity Walls: Cavity walls consist of an inner and outer leaf separated by a gap known as the cavity. A DPC is employed in cavity wall insulation construction to create a continuous barrier within the cavity. This helps prevent the transfer of moisture between the inner and outer walls, ensuring that dampness does not affect the internal environment and structural integrity.
• Roofing Applications: While primarily used as a DPC, products such as IKO Hyload Original can also be utilised in roofing insulation applications where moisture prevention is crucial. It can be installed as a barrier between the roof structure and the roofing materials, helping to safeguard against the potential penetration of moisture and ensuring a dry and secure roof system.

These are just a few examples of the applications where damp-proof courses can be utilised. Its flexibility, durability, and moisture resistance make it a suitable choice for a wide range of construction projects, providing reliable damp-proofing solutions and helping to maintain the longevity and integrity of the building.

Benefits of a damp-proof course

There are lots of reasons why using DPC in your construction is a good idea, such as:

• Superior Moisture Protection: A DPC is designed to provide exceptional resistance against the upward movement of moisture. Its high-performance material acts as a robust barrier, preventing dampness from penetrating the walls and other structural elements of a building. By effectively controlling moisture, it helps maintain a dry and healthy living or working environment.
• Longevity and Durability: One of the primary benefits of DPC materials is their durability. Made from a high-quality, flexible polymeric material, it offers excellent resistance to tearing, cracking, and UV degradation. This ensures that the DPC remains intact and fully functional over an extended period, providing long-lasting protection against dampness.
• Versatility in Applications: A DPC is suitable for a wide range of construction applications. Whether you're working on new builds, renovations, or repairs, this versatile DPC solution can be used in various locations, including masonry walls, concrete floors, cavity walls, and foundations. Its adaptability makes it an ideal choice for different building projects.
• Ease of Installation: Installing DPC is a straightforward and efficient process. The flexible nature of the material allows for easy manipulation and fitting around corners and uneven surfaces. It can be cut to size with standard tools, making installation quick and hassle-free, saving both time and labour costs.

Investing in a reliable and durable damp-proof course like IKO Hyload Original DPC is essential for protecting your property from the damaging effects of moisture. With its superior moisture resistance, durability, ease of installation, and compliance with building regulations, our DPC materials provide a trusted solution for effective damp-proofing in a wide range of construction applications.

Browse our full range of damp-proof courses here at Insulation Express.