Building Construction Handbook, Sixth Edition
Presenting its information in a highly illustrated and unique visual style, this vital learning resource provides extensive coverage of building construction practice, processes and techniques.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Building Construction Handbook, Sixth Edition
Damp-Proof Courses and Membranes
Function ~ the primary function of any damp-proof course (dpc) or damp-proof membrane (dpm) is to provide an impermeable barrier to the passage of moisture. The three basic ways in which damp-proof courses are used is to:-
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Resist moisture penetration from below (rising damp).
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Resist moisture penetration from above.
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Resist moisture penetration from horizontal entry.
Typical Examples ~
Materials for Damp-Proof Courses (1)
Building Regulations, Approved Document C2, Section 5:
A wall may be built with a damp-proof course of bituminous material, engineering bricks or slates in cement mortar, or any other material that will prevent the passage of moisture.
| Material | Remarks | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | BS EN 12588 | Code 4 (1 8 mm) | May corrode in the presence of mortar. Both surfaces to be coated with bituminous paint. Workable for application to cavity trays, etc. |
| Copper | BS EN 1172 | 0 25 mm | Can cause staining to adjacent masonry. Resistant to corrosion. |
| Bitumen in various bases: | BS 6398 | Hessian or fibre may decay with age, but this will not affect efficiency. Tearable if not protected. Lead bases are suited where there may be a high degree of movement in the wall. | |
| Hessian | 3 8 kg/m 2 | ||
| Fibre | 3 3.. .. | ||
| Asbestos | 3 8.. .. | ||
| Hessian & lead | 4 4.. .. | ||
| Fibre & lead | 4 4.. .. | ||
| LDPE (polyethylene) | BS 6515 | 0 46 mm |
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