DPC stands for Damp Proof Course, an essential component in building construction designed to prevent moisture from being absorbed through the walls from the ground or surrounding soil. Moisture can cause significant damage to buildings, leading to problems like dampness, mold, mildew, and even structural weakening over time. The DPC acts as a barrier to stop this moisture from rising up through capillary action, a process known as rising damp.

 

Key Characteristics of DPC Materials

Damp Proof Course (DPC) materials are selected based on certain essential characteristics that ensure they effectively prevent moisture from rising up through the walls of a building. The effectiveness of a DPC is determined by its ability to resist the passage of water and water vapor, its durability, and its compatibility with the structure it is intended to protect. Here are some key characteristics of DPC materials:-

• Impermeability: DPC materials must be impermeable to water to prevent moisture from passing through. This is the core function of a DPC, to act as a barrier against rising damp.
• Durability: The materials used for DPC should be durable and capable of maintaining their damp-proofing properties over the life of the building without degradation.
• Strength and Toughness: DPC materials should possess adequate tensile strength and toughness to resist damage during installation and the life of the building. They should be able to withstand mechanical stresses such as those caused by structural movements or settlement.
• Flexibility: The DPC should be flexible enough to accommodate slight movements in the building without cracking or tearing, ensuring the continuity of the moisture barrier.
• Compatibility: DPC materials should be chemically compatible with other building materials with which they come in contact, such as mortar, concrete, and masonry units, to avoid chemical reactions that could impair the DPC's effectiveness or the integrity of the structure.
• Ease of Installation: The material should be easy to handle and install, ensuring a continuous barrier without gaps or breaks. Proper installation is crucial for the effectiveness of the DPC.
• Thickness: The thickness of the DPC material should be sufficient to provide an effective barrier to moisture but should also consider the ease of installation and the interface with other construction elements.
• Cost-effectiveness: While the primary concern is the effectiveness of the DPC material, cost is also a consideration. The material should provide value for money, considering both the initial costs and the longevity it offers.
• Environmental Considerations: Ideally, DPC materials should have a minimal environmental impact, both in terms of their production and their disposal at the end of the building's life.
• Resistance to Decay: The materials should be resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation to ensure long-term effectiveness.

 

DPC Components

The components of a Damp Proof Course (DPC) can vary depending on the materials used and the specific requirements of the building construction. However, DPC systems generally involve a combination of materials and techniques designed to create an effective barrier against moisture. Here are some common components and materials used in DPC systems:-

 

1. Flexible Materials

• Bituminous Felt: A widely used DPC material, it's made from felt saturated with bitumen, making it waterproof. It's flexible and easy to lay in position.
• Plastic Sheets: Polyethylene sheeting is a popular choice for DPC because of its high resistance to moisture penetration. PVC and other plastic materials are also used.
• Rubber Sheets: Sheets made from rubber or rubberized materials offer good flexibility and water resistance.

 

2. Rigid Materials

• Engineering Bricks: These bricks have low porosity and high compressive strength, making them suitable for use as a DPC, especially in areas subjected to high loads.
• Slate: Natural slate has low porosity and can be used as a DPC, particularly in traditional constructions.
• Mortar with Waterproofing Compounds: Mortar mixed with specific additives that enhance its waterproofing capabilities can serve as a DPC layer in some constructions.

 

3. Metal Sheets

• Lead: Lead sheets are durable, flexible, and highly impermeable, making them an effective, though less commonly used, DPC material due to cost and environmental concerns.
• Aluminum and Copper: These metals are sometimes used for DPC, especially in specialized applications, due to their durability and resistance to corrosion.

 

4. Chemical DPC

• Silicone-Based Chemicals: Injecting water-repellent silicone-based chemicals into masonry works to create a barrier against rising damp in existing structures where physical DPC might be difficult to install.

 

5. Integral DPC

• Waterproofing Additives: These are mixed into concrete or mortar at the time of mixing to provide an integral waterproofing quality to the material, thereby serving as a DPC.

 

6. Cavity Wall Construction

• In cavity walls, the DPC is placed in both the inner and outer leaf of the wall at the base, above openings like windows and doors, and at other critical points to prevent moisture transmission from the outer to the inner wall.

 

7. Joints and Seals

• Mastic and Sealants: Flexible sealants and mastic compounds are used to seal joints in the DPC material, especially at corners and intersections, to ensure continuity of the damp-proof barrier.

 

8. Protective Coatings

• Bituminous Paints and Coatings: These are applied over the surface of some DPC materials to enhance water resistance and protect against mechanical damage.

 

 

Importance of DPC

The importance of DPC in construction cannot be overstated, as it plays several key roles in maintaining the integrity, durability, and habitability of structures:-

• Moisture Protection: The primary function of DPC is to block the passage of moisture from the ground into the walls, protecting the building from potential dampness, which can lead to various structural and health issues.
• Structural Integrity: Moisture can weaken building materials, especially those that are porous, such as bricks, mortar, and concrete. By preventing moisture ingress, DPC helps maintain the structural integrity of the building, reducing the risk of damage and collapse over time.
• Preventing Salt Migration: Groundwater often contains soluble salts, which can be carried into the walls along with moisture. As the moisture evaporates, these salts crystallize within the pores of the masonry, leading to efflorescence and spalling (the chipping or flaking of concrete). DPC helps prevent this by blocking the moisture's upward movement.
• Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency: Damp walls can significantly reduce the thermal insulation properties of a building, leading to increased heat loss, higher energy consumption for heating, and reduced thermal comfort for occupants. DPC contributes to maintaining the energy efficiency of buildings by keeping the walls dry.
• Indoor Air Quality and Health: Damp conditions within buildings foster the growth of mold and mildew, which can lead to poor indoor air quality. Exposure to mold is associated with respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. By preventing dampness, DPC helps protect the health of the building's occupants.
• Preservation of Building Materials: Moisture can cause corrosion of metal components within the structure, such as reinforcement bars in concrete, and can also lead to the rotting of wooden elements. DPC helps preserve these materials by keeping moisture away.
• Aesthetic Preservation: Damp walls can cause paint and plaster to deteriorate, wallpaper to peel, and can leave unsightly stains, affecting the aesthetic appeal of the building. DPC helps in maintaining the appearance of the structure.
• Property Value: Buildings with effective damp proofing, including a proper DPC, are likely to have higher property values and are more attractive to buyers and renters, as they are perceived to be better maintained and healthier to live in.

 

 

DPC Placement

• Foundation Level: Install the DPC at the foundation level above the ground to prevent rising damp. The DPC should be continuous and cover the entire width of the wall.
• Windows and Doors: Place a DPC under window sills and above lintels to prevent moisture from entering around window and door openings.
• Cavity Walls: In cavity walls, the DPC should be placed in both leaves of the wall to ensure moisture does not transfer from the outer to the inner leaf.

 

 

Height of Installation

The DPC should typically be installed at least 150mm (about 6 inches) above the finished ground level. This height is considered sufficient to protect the building from splashback caused by rain hitting the ground and bouncing up, which is a common way moisture can breach the DPC. Inside the building, the DPC should be aligned with, or slightly above, the level of the internal finished floor. This ensures that there is a continuous barrier to moisture rising from the ground into the walls or the interior of the building.

 

Points to Remember

• The DPC must be continuous horizontally without any breaks or gaps. For areas like corners or junctions, ensure the DPC overlaps adequately to maintain continuity.
• In multi-story buildings, a DPC should be provided at each floor level to prevent the vertical movement of moisture.
• Where DPC materials join, they should overlap sufficiently (typically at least 100mm or about 4 inches) to ensure there are no gaps through which moisture can pass.
• Ensure the DPC is integrated with the Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) used in the floor construction to create a continuous barrier against moisture.
• Protect the DPC from damage during construction, especially from sharp objects, heavy loads, or construction traffic. Damaged sections should be repaired or replaced to maintain the integrity of the moisture barrier.
• Allow concrete and mortar near the DPC to cure properly before proceeding with further construction to prevent displacement or damage to the DPC.
• Regularly inspect the DPC during and after installation to ensure it's correctly placed and intact. Address any issues immediately to prevent future moisture problems.