DPC (damp-proof course) in-between the brick work of a building during construction helps to prevent rising damp. However, older buildings do not have this system in place. Therefore, a chemical DPC can be injected to create a continuous chemical barrier against rising damp. Other than the costly and risky process of re-installing a physical DPC. Which would require the breaking down of the damp effected walls and re-building them to include DPC in-between the brick work. Chemical injections are the only method of DPC re-reinstatement that has stood the test of time.

DPC Inject Process

Once the plaster of the damp effected area is hacked off to expose bare brick, a series of holes are drilled into the brick work. The number and pattern of the holes is determined by the construction of the wall and its thickness. The plaster is then replaced with a waterproof salt retardant plaster before starting the process of acrylic and painting.

This system is normally best suited for brick or block buildings, as these types of structures are generally more stable. However, it may not be effective if any gaps are left in the wall construction. Or if gaps form over time with material deterioration.

Damp in some older buildings may be caused by a leak or a defect in the wall construction (such as a cracking, rather than by rising damp). Therefore it is important that any defects are identified and corrected prior to accepting the cost and disruption of chemical DPC injection.

If you are facing any damp related issues and you’re not sure how to choose the right treatment procedure, get in touch with the team at Apex Waterproofing and Damp Proofing Johannesburg for a free quote today!