DAMP COURSE - Which is the best?

Mighty_Mariner_2

Hello,

I need a damp course for the whole of my house, I have had quotes but I just don't know which is the best? Physical barrier or injection? Does anybody know the answer to this question??? If any body has any advice or experiences I would be very grateful if they could share it with me. Thanks Mighty.

bordercars

im not in the trade but i guess a physical barrier will either be to expensive or impossible, surely it goes in between the bricks as you are building up.

wallbash

I need a damp course for the whole of my house,

1st question is ... why ?
Need a little more info .

daveyjp

wallbash wrote: »

1st question is ... why ?

+1.

Chances are the OP doesn't, but they have been told by someone who knows no better that they do.

johnjackson

I had an electro osmosis DPC (do a Google search) fitted about 15 years ago. I had to remove any effected plaster and they came and installed the dpc which consists of a titanium wire. 15 years on and there is still no sign of damp, so it looks like it worked. I also know 4 friends that had the same system fitted with no problems!

I'm not sure what the physical barrier method is though?

themacster

Physical barrier involves cutting a horizontal slot through the full thickness of the wall or skins of the cavity wall and inserting a damp-proof course material (usually polymeric sheet strip - e.g. Ruberoid Hyload). Needs to be installed at least 150mm above ground level. Difficulty is potential weakening of the wall as you have to cut through the full width of a mortar joint, and possible problems cutting pipes or wires.

MX5huggy

I doubt you need a damp proof course, the damp will be caused by the miss application of modern building practice in an old building external cement render, ventilation blocked etc or some external factor such as a patio built too high up the wall.

themacster

How old is and what is the construction of your house? How have you come to the decision that you need a dpc - have you found damp and got a specialist damp-proofing company (who are principally interested in making money and won't necessarily give you an honest opinion in to advise)? Too many people get conned into having a dpc installed when it isn't really needed, any damp problem being caused by leaking rainwater goods, bridging of the current dpc etc etc.

Mighty_Mariner_2

Its a terraced house (approx built in 1940's) I have bought, it really is damp and it needs something doing. The damp is over 1 metre in some places! I have had a few people round to give me quotes. Some doing the chemical and some doing the physical and each one "slagged" off the other technique so I don't know what to believe. The physical membrane is more expensive but not by too mucha dna I am willing to pay the extra if its better? The house is empty so mess and time isn't an issue. Thanks Mighty.

wallbash

Some doing the chemical and some doing the physical and each one "slagged" off the other technique so I don't know what to believe.

Two experts ... two ideas.

Vast majority of houses are and have been built with the tried and tested physical membrane.
But the question is , why has your physical membrane failed or has it .

Have you tried looking for other factors . don't take this as a criticism , have to ask , what is your building skills like??
Have you tried a builder , too look at downpipes gutters windows etc . You must eliminate the cheap fixers before the expensive.

Ps 1940 house , damp course should be ok.

25rts

A physical damp proof course will stop any further rising damp whilst a chemical damp proof course can only ever control it. Whatever system you choose if the property is actually affected by rising damp re-plastering to a damp proofing specification will still be required. For peace of mind ensure any guarantees are insurance backed. If you have doubts about the contractor's recommendations consider an independent specialist, if you can't find one via Google that covers your area there are list of freelance surveyors on the PCA website http://www.property-care.org/index.php?option=com_userlist