Damp Proofing & Membranes

DPC (Damp Proof Course), DPM (Damp Proof Membrane), Gas and Tanking Membranes are all products that stop the penetration of water, gas or both.

Most common types

PVC DPC and Polythene DPM (often referred to as Visqueen) are the 2 most commonly used products that you will find in the majority of new buildings and structures.

Why is it vital to use Damp Proofing?

DPC products are laid horizontally below the floor level in any wall be it external or internal. This eliminates the issue of rising damp. They can also be installed vertically over openings such as windows to form a cavity tray. By doing this, any water which has penetrated the masonry will be sent back towards the outside skin and drained out through weep vents.

DPM products are generally used to cover the whole floor area prior to floors being laid. Providing any joints are taped correctly, this forms a watertight layer to stop any rising damp.

Gas Membranes are similar to DPM products but as well as stopping rising damp stop harmful gases. They are made from extruded LDPE and MDPE, sometimes with an aluminium core. Gas membranes are usually required where the ground has potential for rising gases such as Radon and Methane. Such products will normally be specified on architect’s drawings.

Tanking Membranes come in rolls and liquid form. Both are bitumen-based products which are used vertically to form an impermeable skin on masonry structures.

A wide selection of products

Here you will find products and accessories to solve just about any damp or water ingress problem from leading manufacturers such as Hyload, Fosroc and Alderburgh.