The Difference Between DPC And DPM In Construction
What Is DPM In Construction
DPM stands for Damp Proof Membrane. It is a thin layer of material (usually plastic or bituminous) used in construction to prevent moisture from penetrating the structure.
It is installed in concrete slabs, walls, or roofs to protect the building from dampness and maintain the indoor air quality.
The Difference Between DPC And DPM In Construction
DPC stands for the Damp Proof Course, and it is a material placed between courses of brickwork to prevent the rise of water up the walls.
DPM stands for Damp-Proof Membrane and it is a waterproofing layer installed beneath the floor slab or ground level which prevents water ingress into the structure.
Both these products provide an effective barrier against moisture but differ in where they are placed.
The DPC is put directly into masonry while the DPM goes under the concrete slab or ground level in order to keep rising dampness from coming through porous materials such as brickwork or stone.
What Is The Function Of DPC And DPM?
The function of a damp-proof course (DPC) and damp-proof membrane (DPM) is to prevent moisture from penetrating through brickwork walls. DPCs are installed beneath all masonry walls, whether they be load bearing or partition ones.
DPMs act as a waterproof barrier between the wall and any additional layer of construction material such as cement mortar, floor screeds or plaster.
The two layers work together effectively to stop water from entering through the walls, preventing potential damage to the building structure.
Moreover, DPMs also guard against an accumulation of condensation within a wall cavity which can lead to fungal growth or rot in nearby timbers. Both DPC and DPM are vital components in providing effective protection against moisture penetration in brickwork construction.
What Are The Different Types Of DPC?
There are a variety of different types of DPC, including an Electro-Osmotic damp proof course, Chemical damp proof course, Pressure grouting, Membrane damp proof course, and Integral damp proof course.
- Electro-Osmotic DPC is the most commonly used type which works by inverting an electric charge into mortar joints in order to repel moisture up and away from the wall.
- Chemical DPC are often injected into walls via holes drilled at the base of the walls and use waterproofing chemicals to create a barrier against rising water vapor.
- Pressure grouting pumps a sand and cement mix into masonry or brickwork to fill in any cracks or voids caused by deterioration over time.
- Membrane DPCs are large rolls of plastic or rubber laid on top of concrete floors or foundations before current construction takes place in order to ensure that water does not penetrate new layers of building materials underneath.
- Integral DPCs are waterproof barriers built right into a home’s original construction as part of its foundation; they could either be made out of bitumen sheets laid beneath concrete slabs or wax-like compounds mixed directly into drywall plastering as it dries.
What Is The Advantage Of DPM And DPC?
DPC and DPM are powerful tools for protecting concrete from moisture damage. DPC (damp-proof course) is used to provide a barrier between the floor slab or wall and the ground, while DPM (damp-proof membrane) acts as a cover between the damp soil below and the concrete.
Together they help keep moisture away from concrete, preventing water absorption which can lead to cracks and further damage.
Not only do these measures prevent deterioration due to moisture ingress, but they also act as a physical barrier against other external factors such as wind, dust, and noise.
As an added benefit, both DPC and DPM are quick to install onsite which makes them ideal choices for most projects involving concrete structures.
