What happens when damp course fails?

What happens when damp course fails?

A DPC may fail because it was not fitted properly or may fail due to deterioration, localised damage or bridging. If the DPC fails then your property may be suffering from rising damp. Rising damp is moisture which defies gravity and moves upwards through walls as a result of capillary action.

Can you repair damp proof course?

The easiest way to solve the rising damp issue is to repair the existing damp proof course. An incorrectly fitted, bridged or damaged damp proof course presents water with an opportunity to rise above the damp proof course level and therefore cause damp problems in your property.

How close can you get to the damp course?

The Building Regulations require at least 150mm between the dpc and the ground or any paving. This is what is known as ‘Best Practice’. However, there are situations where it is just not possible, or practical, to maintain this regulation.

Is a damp proof course necessary?

A functioning damp course is an essential part of any property in order to prevent moisture from the earth and soil rising up the walls through capillary action (also known as rising damp) and damaging the property as a result.

How long will a damp proof course last?

Typically, a physical damp proof course lasts for 20-25 years and can fail due to it not being fitted properly or deterioration. If a damp proofing course has failed then this could potentially lead to rising damp. Rising damp is the movement of moisture through the walls and floors by capillary action.

How long does damp proof course last?

20-25 years
Typically, a physical damp proof course lasts for 20-25 years and can fail due to it not being fitted properly or deterioration. If a damp proofing course has failed then this could potentially lead to rising damp. Rising damp is the movement of moisture through the walls and floors by capillary action.

Can patio go above damp course?

Taking the patio above the dpc will put the building at risk. If one is to raise the ground level to above the original DPM, one is affectionately bridging the system to prevent rising dampness and in this case , lateral penetration of water .

Can you concrete above damp course?

No you can not put the dpm above the damp course as you will be bridging the damp course. The damp will rise through the concrete, reach the dpm then move to the bricks then up. You need to protect the bricks above the damp course and below the dpm to stop the damp rising.

Do old houses have DPC?

A Damp Proof Course (DPC) is an impervious layer built into a wall. It is placed above ground level to prevent moisture rising up the wall via a capillary action. Older buildings used a range of materials for a DPC, including slate, bitumen, jute and hessian. Nowadays plastic DPCs or chemical injection DPCs are used.

Does DPC weaken wall?

As other people have mentioned with out a dpc in time the face of the bricks will blow and the motar joints get eaten away as damp travels up the wall. If fitted properly its doing its job with out weakening the wall.

Can you inject damp course yourself?

The new generation of UltraCure DPC Creams have appeared and for the first time private individuals and developers, builders and DIY enthusiasts can reliably and cheaply inject their own chemical DPC.

Can you hide damp from a surveyor?

Depending on why you have arranged the survey, you may be tempted to underplay or even cover up the extent of the dampness problem in the property, but as this will not solve the issue and will simply hinder the surveyor and the survey process, this is not advisable.

Can you lay decking up to a damp course?

Its usually good practice to have the decking 150mm below dpc level. If you want to run it level leave a decent gap between wall and decking. You should be 150mm below damp course.

How low should my patio be below damp course?

The external surface should be 150mm (6 inch) below the line of the damp proof course. Hope this helps from David at DMA Associates Preston. Any driveway should be at least 150mm/ 6 inches ( two course bricks) or more from damp course.

Can damp course be higher than floor level?

Unlike timber suspended floors where the damp proof course will be sited below floor level with solid constructed floors the DPC should always be sited above finished floor level and should be visible.

Can you slab up to damp course?

As long as there is a reasonable distance between the top of the patio and the damp course ie one course of brick you will be fine, even more so if you leave a ‘gravel margin’ as you mentioned.