The DPC is primarily applied at the plinth level, which is the base of the wall, just above the ground level. However, it can also be applied to areas prone to moisture ingress, such as below window sills and in the basement.
Typically made from hard-wearing and durable polymers, and in a variety of widths depending on the depth of wall and whether a horizontal, vertical, or stepped damp proof course is required. The physical DPC is installed between courses of brick or blockwork approximately 150mm above ground level.
Explanation: Plinth is a line between sub and superstructure. If D.P.C. is laid on top of plinth level, moisture penetration to the superstructure can be avoided.
The best location or position of DPC is the basement of the building. In case of buildings without basement DPC lies at the plinth level or in case of structures without plinth it should be laid at least 15 cm above the ground level. In case of basements, laying of DPC is called tanking.
Where is a Damp Proof Course Applied? A damp proof course is applied at the lower parts of the walls to restrict the movement of moisture rising up and through the walls.
Generally, the DPC can be seen coming through the bed joint. A DPC must be at least 150mm above ground level in order to comply with current Building Regulations. The reason a damp proof course is fitted at ground level is to protect a home or property from rising damp.
Hence, In ordinary residential and public buildings, the D.P.C. is generally provided at "plinth level".
Lay the DPC on a full even bed of fresh mortar in one continuous length, for the full width of the leaf. Provide at least a 100mm overlap at any joint or corners. The DPC must not obstruct the cavity. Ensure the external edge of the DPC is visible and not bridged by mortar when completing pointing of the mortar joint.
Membrane Walls or Courses
The membrane or damp proof course is applied to the troubled area of the foundation either horizontally or vertically, depending on the individual need. You can apply it to either a crawlspace or in a basement, which is also known as tanking.
Find your DPC by looking at your external walls. The damp course should sit 6 inches up from ground level. It will look like a thin black line that runs horizontally across your walls.
DPCs should:
be laid on a wet, even bed of mortar, free from projections which could puncture or adversely affect the DPC material, with masonry above bedded on wet mortar to ensure the DPC material is 'sandwiched' at ground level, generally be a minimum of 150mm above finished ground or paving level.
Consider vertical DPCs for places with a high risk of dampness around door and window openings. Particularly in areas that frequently get heavy rain, these prevent lateral moisture incursion.
Damp-proof courses are required in all new build properties in order to prevent rising damp from occurring.
The damp proof course may be horizontal or vertical. A DPC layer is usually laid below all masonry walls, regardless if the wall is a load bearing wall or a partition wall. A damp-proof membrane (DPM) is a membrane material applied to prevent moisture transmission.
Damp proof course located marginally above internal floor level and appropriately sited in relation to the external ground.
Most properties built in the UK have a barrier known as DPC (damp proof course) placed at the lower level preventing water from rising and damp patches on internal walls. A DPC is made of water-resistant non-absorbent materials like plastic, bitumen, and slate based on the time the building was developed.
A DPC prevents moisture rising up through walls from the ground as a barrier. It's built into all masonry walls, and is usually available as rolls of tape for ease of installation. A damp proof membrane (DPM) is wider than DPC. It's a polythene sheet that's made to cover wider surface areas than walls.
Therefore, it should be put near the place that is affected by moisture. It can be placed by the sink or the shower unit, as this is where the water condenses the fastest. With an absorber, we can get rid of excess moisture at the source.
The DPC should be drilled at 100mm – 115mm centres (or every perp joint) into a suitable mortar course at a minimum height of 150mm above external ground level, and above internal floor level (no set height as long as it is above the floor surface) if the floor is concrete or above the internal oversite (the oversite ...
DPCs may also be required: In masonry walls. In joints between wall, door, and window frames. In suspended timber and materials that can carry moisture from the ground.
To put it simply, all floors should have a damp-proof membrane installed. This includes laminate flooring, luxury vinyl, tiles and natural wooden flooring. The membrane should be placed below any insulation, to protect the concrete and insulation from any potential damage.
DPCs should be:
positioned a minimum of 150mm above external finished ground or paving level. linked with any DPM. of the correct width and fully bedded. either welded or lapped by 100mm minimum.
Damp-Proof Course (DPC)
The Damp-Proof Course is a vital component in building construction, typically consisting of a layer or barrier installed in walls or foundations. It acts as a moisture-resistant barrier to prevent the upward movement of water and moisture from the ground.
The most common type is the physical and visible DPC, often a type of thin waterproof material such as lead-lined bitumen, slate or plastic. These DPCs look like fine sheets of material situated between the brickwork of a building near ground level and can also be referred to as damp proof membranes.