DAMP PROOF MEMBRANE

A damp-proof membrane, or DPM, is a thick sheet of material designed to stop moisture from seeping into the walls of a property. Damp-proof membranes are waterproof and generally made of durable plastic composites that also act as insulation for energy-saving purposes when installed around the home.

A damp-proof membrane can be installed above or below floor level, or against the walls. Government regulations stipulate that an effective DPM needs to have 1,200-gauge thickness. When professionally installed in key locations, a damp-proof membrane is very effective at stopping damp from moving through a building using capillary action.

How Does a Damp-Proof Membrane Work?

Because damp-proof membranes are produced using waterproof plastic materials, they form an effective barrier against moisture that prevents dampness from occurring. Water simply can’t permeate a damp-proof membrane, meaning that your home is effectively damp-proofed.

Importantly, when a damp-proof membrane is installed, it needs to be positioned in such a way that it forms a continuous barrier to moisture. This means that sheets need to overlap, while there also needs to be an air gap between the wall or floor and the membrane in order to allow moisture to evaporate.

To ensure that your damp-proof membrane is properly installed, it’s always best to seek professional expertise.

The Damp-Proofing Membrane Installation Process

It’s vital to have damp-proof membrane installed professionally. An incorrect setup can result in an ineffective damp-proof membrane that doesn’t prevent dampness (and that will cause problems that cost more money to fix in the long run).

First, you’ll need to have a damp survey carried out. This determines any existing sources of damp and identifies the areas where a damp-proof membrane needs to be installed. If there is already dampness in the home, this needs to be removed before the DPM is installed.

The damp-proof membrane is cut to size so it fits over the walls or flooring where it is to be installed. DPMs are then firmly fixed in place, keeping them stable while also allowing that all-important air gap to form. Any visible joins or edges are sealed, and the damp-proof membrane can be painted over if needed.

How Does a Damp-Proof Membrane Work with a Damp-Proof Course (DPC)?

To fully protect your home against damp, it’s recommended that a damp-proof membrane be installed in conjunction with a damp-proof course (also known as a DPC).

A damp-proof course is designed to stop groundwater from rising up through the brickwork. They are installed within the brickwork to form a waterproof barrier.

A damp-proof membrane can be installed in such a way that it overlaps with the damp-proof course, and therefore helps to form a double-protective barrier against moisture.

A damp-proof membrane isn’t just designed to stop groundwater from entering the home through capillary action (otherwise known as rising damp), but also to help combat other causes of dampness, which include penetrating damp and condensation.

If a home is left unprotected, then damp can cause major problems within the building as well as to your health. In effect, a DPM helps to prevent the following:

The best damp-proof membranes for walls are made to strict government regulations, meeting minimum requirements for thickness and quality.

Damp-proof membranes are cut and shaped to size, and they should be professionally installed in almost all buildings and homes to combat damp.

Always remember to contact a professional damp-membrane specialist, as a DPM needs to be correctly installed for it to be an effective barrier to dampness.