What’s A Damp Proof Membrane?

A damp proof membrane (DPM – or damp proofing membrane) is a membrane that prevents moisture from passing through it. It will help to avoid penetrating damp also but has a secondary advantage. Polyethene sheeting placed beneath a concrete slab, for example, prevents the concrete from absorbing moisture by capillary action – rising damp. It’s often used on damp proof course (DPC) treatments.

An inspection is the first step in fixing any moisture issues you may have in your home. Sussex Damp Experts’ team is available in both East and West Sussex. We provide all damp related services, from initial surveys and inspection to full treatment, repairs and upgrades to your property to create damp-free buildings.

We will not look for problems that do not exist in order to make money; instead, we will only report on legitimate damp issues and suggest useful and cost-effective solutions for all kinds of damp, including rising damp.

Sussex Damp Experts are a Sussex damp proofing company. Please get in touch with our damp proofing specialists’ team on 01273 257 765 for more information.

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Benefits Of A DPM And A DPC To Avoid Rising Damp

Despite being possible to use a DPM without completing a damp proof course, it’s advisable to install a DPC to fully retain the moisture from rising through the wall and/or floor. A DPC is a waterproof barrier that runs the length and breadth of your wall. Capillary action stops groundwater from creeping up through the wall. A DPM prevents moisture by attaching a waterproof silicone membrane to the structure. To assist regulate moisture, a DPM places a polyethene film beneath a sheet of concrete. This is a standard method of protecting structures from moisture and water, such as rain. It also includes cement, such as shotcrete, which is moisture and pressure resistant. Cavity walls between the inside and exterior keep water out, while pressure grouting seals masonry walls. The chemical DPC is used to avoid wet walls and floors by preventing water from entering and permanently waterproofing the walls and floors of a room.

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Damp Proof Membrane Vs Other Solutions

Damp Treatment – Liquid Or Sheet Membrane?

When it comes to damp proofing, you have the option of using a liquid solution (cream) or a sheet membrane. The liquid chemical damp proof is a less invasive but time-consuming solution, with some requiring many coats and all requiring a significant amount of drying time. It might also be challenging to produce the proper layer thickness and a consistent finish throughout the entire surface.

Sheet membranes are simple to install, come in various sizes, and can be set directly on the sub-surface before the flooring is installed. DPM sheets are also very quick and convenient when covering extensive areas, and the overlap can be secured with specially designed double-sided tape.

Other Solutions For Damp Proofing

Bitumen, slates, lead, pitch, asphalt, or low absorption bricks were once used to create damp-proof courses. They were popular throughout the Victorian era and can be seen in buildings dating back to circa 1900.

Nowadays, the most cost-effective approach to keeping moisture from rising through walls and floors is to use a DPM.

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Call Our Sussex Damp Experts team now for quote, consultation and advice:
Call on 01273 257 765.

When Is A Damp Proofing Membrane Necessary?

Capillary motion draws moisture up through the porous parts of a building’s fabric, causing rising damp. Faults in, or the absence of, a damp-proof course (DPC) or damp-proof membrane (DPM) can produce rising damp and some penetrating moisture.

A DPM is essential when applying a DPC as an effective physical barrier to prevent rising damp from the ground by capillary action.

A damp proof membrane (DPM) is a membrane that prevents moisture from passing through it. A DPM is a polyethene sheet that is placed beneath a concrete slab to prevent moisture from entering the concrete by capillary action. According to specialist recommendations, if the ground is covered with dense concrete built on a hardcore bed and a DPM is supplied, a ground-supported floor will meet the waterproofing requirements. The DPM could be above or below the concrete, and it could be continuous with DPC in walls, piers, and other structures. Please contact our damp treatments team to book a damp and timber survey and receive expert advice on the best rising damp solutions.

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What Costs Are Involved In Applying A Damp Proof Membrane?

The cost of a professional DPM installation varies according to location and provider. However, an average charge of £70 per metre of wall treatment is a reasonable estimate. This equates to around £275-£300 per wall.

This is the price of the damp injection alone. Other cosmetic work, including re-plastering and post-treatment décor, will raise the overall cost but will transform your structure into a far more pleasant setting, giving you peace of mind that your home will be damp-free for many years.

Why Choose Sussex Damp Experts?

Sussex Damp Experts has qualified workers who will provide excellent service in a friendly manner, which is something we take pride in. From the initial survey to the follow-up consultation, we offer knowledge, professionalism, and hard work so you can relax knowing you’re in excellent hands.

Some of the advantages of choosing our services:

  • Comprehensive damp and timber reports are a speciality of ours;
  • Surveyors who have completed the CSRT’s full training programme;
  • TrustMark members;
  • A reputable business;
  • A comprehensive approach to older constructions;
  • Providing you with a medical certificate of good health;
  • Employees who are courteous and friendly.

Because damp proofing is not a “one size fits all” problem, you should hire a damp proofing specialist with the skills and understanding to examine your property and recommend the best solution thoroughly.

Too many homeowners choose a contractor solely based on cost, only to discover that the work performed was inefficient. We’re different at Sussex Damp Experts; we believe in giving a cost-effective service that allows you to relax, knowing that your damp problems are permanently solved.

Please call us on 01273 257 765 to speak to our damp proofing specialists and discuss the options for the damp problems of your property.

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