Damp Proofing

DAMP PROOFING
The damp proof course (DPC) is generally applied at

basement levels, which restricts the movement of moisture through
walls and floors. Dampness is the presence of hydroscopic or
gravitational moisture in the building. One of the basic
requirements of the building is that it should remain dry or free
from moisture traveling through walls, roofs and doors.
Different sources of Dampness :
Rainwater penetration:
This is a major source, including leaks from roofs, faulty gutters,

poorly sealed joints, and cracks in exterior walls.
Rising damp:
Moisture rising from the ground through capillary action, often due
to a missing or ineffective damp proof course (DPC).
Condensation:
Moisture from warm air condensing on cold surfaces like windows,

walls, and ceilings due to inadequate ventilation.
Site conditions:
Poor drainage around the building, high water table levels, and
soil type can contribute to dampness.
Construction defects:
Improper construction practices, poor quality materials, and gaps

in walls can allow water to penetrate.
Entrapment of moisture:
Moisture trapped within building materials during construction can
lead to dampness issues.
EFFECTS OF DAMPNESS
Dampness in buildings can cause significant structural damage,

including: wood decay, metal corrosion, plaster disintegration, paint
blistering, electrical system degradation, and promotes the growth of
mold and mildew, leading to potential health issues for
occupants; essentially creating an unhealthy living environment by
damaging building materials and impacting air quality.
Structural damage:
Rotting of wooden components like beams and floorboards

Corrosion of metal fixtures and fittings
Cracking and crumbling of plaster
Deterioration of bricks and stones due to efflorescence
Weakening of concrete structures
Aesthetic issues:
Staining on walls and floors

Peeling paint and wallpaper
Discoloration of surfaces
Health concerns:
Mold growth, leading to respiratory problems like asthma and allergies

Increased risk of allergic reactions to airborne allergens
Potential for bacterial growth due to humid conditions
Other impacts:
Damage to furniture and carpets

Deterioration of electrical systems
Pest infestations (e.g., termites) due to moist environments
An effective damp proofing material should have the following

properties:
❖ It should be impervious.
❖ It should be strong and durable and should be capable of

withstanding both dead as well as live loads without damage.
❖ It should be dimensionally stable.
❖ It should be free from deliquescent salts like sulpates, chlorides,

and nitrates.
The materials commonly used to check dampness can be

divided into the following three categories:
❖ Flexible Materials:
Materials like bitumen felts (which may be hessian based or

fiber/glass fiber-based), plastic sheeting (polythene sheets), etc.
❖ Semi-rigid Materials:
Materials like mastic, asphalt, or a combination of materials

or layers.
 Rigid Materials:
Materials like first-class bricks, stones, slate, cement concrete,
etc.
SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR DAMP PROOF COURSE IN

BUILDINGS
The choice of material to function as an effective damp proof

course requires a judicious selection. It depends upon the climate
and atmospheric conditions, nature of the structure, and the
situation where DPC is to be provided. The points to be kept in view
while making selection of DPC materials are briefly discussed
below:
❖ DPC above ground level:
For DPC above ground level with wall thickness generally not
exceeding 40 cm, any one of the types of DPC materials above may
be used. Cement concrete is adopted material for DPC at plinth
level, 38 to 50mm thick layer of cement concrete M15 serves the
purpose under normal conditions. In the case of a damp and humid
atmosphere, a richer mix of concrete should be used. The concrete
is further made dense by adding waterproofing materials in its
ingredients during the process of mixing. It is used to apply two
coats of hot bitumen over the third surface of the concrete DPC.
❖ DPC Material for floors, roofs:
For greater wall thickness or where DPC is to be laid over

large areas such as floors, roofs, etc., the choice is limited to
flexible materials that provide a lesser number of joints like mastic,
asphalt, bitumen felts, plastic sheets, etc. Bitumen felts should be
adequately bonded to the surface with bitumen and laid with joints
properly lapped and sealed.
❖ DPC Material for differential thermal movements:
In parapet walls and other such situations, materials like

mastic, asphalt, bitumen felts, and metal (copper or lead) are
recommended. It is vital to ensure that the DPC material is flexible
to avoid any damage or puncture of the material due to differential
thermal movement between the material of the roof and the
parapet.
❖ DPC material for Cavity Walls:
In cavity wall construction, like cavity over the door or

window, it should be bridged by flexible material like bitumen felt,
strips or lead, etc.
METHODS OF DAMP PROOFING
The general methods of damp proofing are:
❖ Membrane damp proofing:
In this method of damp proofing a water repellent membrane

or damp proof course (D.P.C.) is introduced in between the source
of dampness and the part of building adjacent to it. Damp proofing
course may consist of flexible materials such as bitumen, mastic
asphalt, bituminous felts, plastic or polythene sheets, metal sheets,
cement concrete. Damp proofing course may be provided either
horizontally or vertically in floors, walls etc. Provision of Damp
Proofing
Course in basement is normally termed as 'Tanking'.
❖ Integral damp proofing:
This consist of adding certain water proofing compounds of

materials to the concrete mix so that it becomes impermeable. The
quantity of water proofing compound to be added to cement
depends upon the manufacturer's recommendations. In general
one kilogram of water proofing compound is added with one bag of
cement to render the mortar or concrete water proof.
❖ Surface treatment:
In the surface treatment method a layer of water repellent

substances or compounds are applied on these surfaces through
which moisture enters. Pointing and plastering of the exposed
surfaces must be done carefully, using water proofing agents like
sodium or potassium silicates, aluminum or zinc sulphates, barium
hydroxide and magnesium sulphates etc. Surface treatment is
effective only when the moisture is superficial and is not under
pressure. Sometimes, exposed stone or brick wall face may be
sprayed with water repellent solutions.
❖ Cavity wall construction:
Cavity wall construction is an effective method of damp

prevention. In this method the main wall of a building is shielded by
an outer skin wall, leaving a cavity between the two. The cavity
prevents the moisture from travelling from the outer to the inner
wall.
❖ Guniting:
In this method of damp proofing, an impervious layer of rich
cement mortar is deposited under pressure over the exposed
surfaces for water proofing or over pipes, cisterns etc. for resisting
the water pressure. The operation is carried out by use of a
machine known as cement gun. It consists of a machine having
arrangements for mixing materials and a compressor for forcing
the mixture under pressure through a 50 mm dia flexible hose pipe.
The nozzle is kept at a distance about 75 to 90 cm from the surface
to be gunited. The mortar mix of desired consistency and thickness
can be deposited to get an impervious layer. Since the material is
applied under pressure, it ensures dense compaction and better
adhesion of the rich cement mortar and hence the treated surface
becomes water proof.
❖ Pressure grouting:
This consists of forcing cement grout under pressure, into

cracks, voids, fissures and so on present in the structural
components of the building, or in the ground. Thus the structural
components and the foundations which are liable to moisture
penetration are consolidated and are thus made water-penetration-
resistant. This method is quite effective in checking the seepage of
raised ground water through foundations and sub- structure of a
building.

Damp Proofing

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DAMP PROOFING

The damp proof course (DPC) is generally applied at

Different sources of Dampness :

This is a major source, including leaks from roofs, faulty gutters,

Moisture from warm air condensing on cold surfaces like windows,

Improper construction practices, poor quality materials, and gaps

Dampness in buildings can cause significant structural damage,

Rotting of wooden components like beams and floorboards

Staining on walls and floors

Mold growth, leading to respiratory problems like asthma and allergies

Damage to furniture and carpets

An effective damp proofing material should have the following

❖ It should be strong and durable and should be capable of

❖ It should be dimensionally stable.

❖ It should be free from deliquescent salts like sulpates, chlorides,

The materials commonly used to check dampness can be

Materials like bitumen felts (which may be hessian based or

Materials like mastic, asphalt, or a combination of materials

SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR DAMP PROOF COURSE IN

The choice of material to function as an effective damp proof

❖ DPC above ground level:

❖ DPC Material for floors, roofs:

For greater wall thickness or where DPC is to be laid over

❖ DPC Material for differential thermal movements:

In parapet walls and other such situations, materials like

❖ DPC material for Cavity Walls:

In cavity wall construction, like cavity over the door or

METHODS OF DAMP PROOFING

The general methods of damp proofing are:

❖ Membrane damp proofing:

In this method of damp proofing a water repellent membrane

❖ Integral damp proofing:

This consist of adding certain water proofing compounds of

In the surface treatment method a layer of water repellent

❖ Cavity wall construction:

Cavity wall construction is an effective method of damp

This consists of forcing cement grout under pressure, into

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