What Is DPC On Building?
What Is DPC On Building?
A damp-proof course (DPC) is a barrier through the structure of a building designed to prevent moisture from rising by capillary action, such as through a phenomenon known as rising damp.
This barrier is typically made of durable, impermeable materials such as slate, felt paper, metal, plastic, or specially engineered bricks bedded into the mortar between two courses of bricks or blocks. A DPC can also be a chemical membrane injected into the brickwork/mortar near ground level.
The purpose of a DPC is to protect the building from damage caused by moisture rising from the ground.
It should be placed at a lower point than any materials used in timber-suspended floors and internal décor finishes (plaster and paints of wallpapers etc.) to prevent wet/dry rot or spoilage due to dampness. In London, it became mandatory in 1975 for all new build properties to have a DPC installed.
Where Does A DPC Go On A Building?
A damp proof course (DPC) is a material applied to buildings and houses to prevent the movement of water through their walls, floors, and roofs. It is usually installed in the lower parts of the barriers to prevent rising dampness.
Still, it can also be installed below floors, in basements, foundations, and roofs to ensure total water resistance. The DPC should never be left exposed during the finishing work or it will be damaged. Installing a damp-proof course in a building is essential to maintain its condition.
How to Install a Damp-Proof Course?
To install a damp-proof course (DPC), the DPC should cover the full thickness of the walls, excluding rendering. The mortar bed upon which the DPC is to be laid should be made level and in one continuous length for the full width of the leaf.
A minimum overlap of 100mm should be provided at any joint or corner. The external edge of the DPC must be visible and not bridged by mortar when completing the pointing of the mortar joint.
The inner leaf damp proof course must link with the upstand to the damp proof membrane, by a minimum of 50mm and be sealed to it. External render must not bridge the DPC. The lean mix cavity fill material should be at least 225mm below the lowest DPC.
The DPC must also be a minimum of 150mm above external ground level. If building on a sloping site, a stepped DPC may need to be installed, with each step being no less than 150mm above the finished ground level.
What Are The Various Types Of DPC?
There are various types of damp proof courses (DPCs) available, including DPC injection, electro-osmotic damp proofing course, damp proof membrane, pressure grouting, cavity wall damp proof course, bitumen roll DPC, slates and cement mortar DPC, mastic asphalt DPC, lead or copper sheeting DPC and tar and pitch DPC.
Damp-proof courses are typically made from impervious materials such as bitumen, mastic asphalt, bituminous felts, plastic or polythene sheets, metal sheets, and cement concrete.
They can also be created using double layers of slates in cement mortar or engineering bricks bedded in Portland cement mortar.
The most important property of a DPC material is that it should be impervious. It should also be dimensionally stable and cheap to make the structure economical.
A damp-proof course is designed to prevent moisture from rising by capillary action through a phenomenon known as rising damp. This can cause damage to property if not prevented.
What Is The Purpose Of DPC?
The purpose of a damp-proof course (DPC) is to prevent moisture from rising through the structure by capillary action, also known as rising damp.
A DPC is typically made of a durable, impermeable material such as slate, felt paper, metal, plastic, or specially engineered bricks bedded into the mortar between two courses of bricks or blocks. The material used for DPC should be cheap in order to make the structure economical.
In addition to preventing moisture from rising through the structure, a DPC can also provide other benefits such as reducing heat loss and providing additional insulation. It can also help reduce condensation and improve air quality in the building.
