DPC Damp Proof Course

DPC is provided to cut rise of water known as Dampness in walls. Generally a mix of 1:2:4 of concrete with a thickness of 50MM to 75MM is provided at just above the plinth Slab. At present scenario these practices are not common due to this Dampness in a wall, Fungal development on walls and life of paint is also reduced this direct impact on the maintenance cost of Building.

Dampness is very common problems in wet areas like toilet and wash area. But it can be seen anywhere in building on the interior or exterior walls. 

Dampness:- 

Presence of moisture on the surface of walls, which causes an adverse effect on the lifespan of a building.

 Dampness in a building is due to Poor construction practices, Poor quality of Materials and wrong method of waterproofing is used.

Adverse Effect due to Dampness:-

•    Efflorescence on the surface of walls.

•    Reduced the strength of plaster or finished coat.

•    Flaking of Putty and Paint from the wall. Also produced different color spots on the wall.

•    Rusting of RCC members like Beams and Columns.

•    Help in the growth of termites and cockroaches.

•    The growth of Fungi on a wall, it may cause an unhygienic condition like Skin infection and respiratory system infection problems.

Reasons of Dampness:-

A rise of moisture content in the walls, due to capillary action of water, available at the root of a wall. 

Source of Dampness:-

•    Rising moisture from wet areas like a toilet and Wash area.

•    Due to Rainwater absorption by walls.

•    Leakage in Plumbing or Sanitary Pipe Lines.

•    Poor waterproofing.

•    Open tiles Joints especially in toilets and wash area.

•    A joint between the Building Elements like “slab and walls”, “beam and walls” and “Column and Walls”.

Techniques of Damp-Proofing:-

•    Membrane damp-proofing

•    Integral damp-proofing

•    Surface Treatment

•    Guniting

•    Cavity wall Construction

One of the best methods is Membrane Damp proofing.

Membrane Damp-Proofing:-

It is done by placing a layer or Membrane of water repellant material between the source and the adjacent part of Building.

Water repellent materials like Bituminous felt, Mastic asphalt, Polymer, Silicon Epoxy, Polythene sheet, Cement Concrete layer also know as Damp Proof Course.

The most Economical way of damp proofing is laying of Cement Concrete Mix of 1:2:4 with waterproofing chemicals in 50mm to 75mm thickness, just above the slab (Plinth or First Floor or any floor slab).

Water Proofing chemicals are

1. “Masterproof IWP-1”   by Choksey Chemicals

2. “LW+”   by Dr.Fixit 

These chemicals are also mix in plaster mortar for better results. Generally, some good quality paints have waterproofing properties in it, like Asian Paints, Berger Paints, Nerolac, British paint. Etc.

In my Next Blog, I will show you a special product for the treatment of Dampness on a wall in a wet condition.