Damp proof membranes form an effective barrier against moisture. When properly installed, they offer protection against damp, mould and many other serious problems that can affect your property.
Many homeowners wonder if having a damp proof membrane installed is worth the cost, so in this article we explain why a damp proof membrane is so important.
Find out more as the experts at Danford, Brewer & Ives answer the question, ‘Is a damp proof membrane necessary?’
What Is a Damp Proof Membrane?
A damp proof membrane is a thick sheet of waterproof materials, usually plastic composites, which is installed as a barrier to stop water from seeping into a property.
A damp proof membrane, or DPM, is required to be a minimum of 1200 gauge in thickness and is commonly installed above or below floorboards, and on the inside or outside of a property’s walls.
Is a Damp Proof Membrane Necessary?
So, is a damp proof membrane necessary? The short answer is yes, because a damp proof membrane can help protect your home against a variety of potentially serious issues.
As a waterproof barrier, damp proof membranes protect against moisture and water leaking into the walls, floorboards, timbers and masonry. This stops damp from forming, mould from spreading, and fungal spores from taking hold throughout the house.
Without a damp proof membrane, moisture can quickly spread through a property. If left unchecked, issues like damp and mould can cause serious structural problems, they can be costly to repair, and they can prove hazardous to human health.
An effective damp proof membrane, while also protecting against damp and mould, has the added bonus of being a useful insulator. It creates an impermeable barrier, trapping heat and lowering a property’s energy output. This not only helps you to save money on your gas or electric bills, but it’s an excellent way to save resources while helping the environment.
How Effective Is a Damp Proof Membrane?
A damp proof membrane has the potential to create a very effective barrier against moisture and water, but only if properly installed across your property.
Damp proof membranes can be cut to size and installed in such a way that they overlap, meaning there’s no way water can get through and into your home. Damp proof membranes are most effective when they are used in conjunction with a damp proof course and other damp proofing methods.
It’s always recommended to have a damp proof membrane installed professionally. A damp proofing specialist can identify the most strategic locations in your household for installation, ensuring that the damp proof membrane can function as both a waterproof and an insulating barrier.
Contact Danford, Brewer & Ives to Find Out More About Damp Proof Membranes
For more information and advice on installing damp proof membranes, please contact our friendly team on 01765 804050 or fill in our online contact form.
Our experienced specialists will be on hand and ready to offer expert advice tailored to resolve your problem.