Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

Refs:

BS 743: Specification for materials for damp-proof courses.

BS 5628-3: Code of practice for the use of masonry. Materials and

components, design and workmanship.

BS 8102: Code of practice for protection of structures against

water from the ground.

BS 8215: Code of practice for design and installation of damp-proof

courses in masonry construction.

BRE Digest 380: Damp-proof courses.

Note: It was not until the Public Health Act of 1875, that it

became mandatory to instal damp-proof courses in new buildings.

Structures constructed before that time, and those since, which

have suffered dpc failure due to deterioration or incorrect

installation, will require remedial treatment. This could involve

cutting out the mortar bed joint two brick courses above ground

level in stages of about 1m in length. A new dpc can then be

inserted with mortar packing, before proceeding to the next length.

No two adjacent sections should be worked consecutively. This

process is very time consuming and may lead to some structural

settlement. Therefore, the measures explained on the following two

pages are usually preferred.

Material Remarks

Mastic

asphalt BS 6925 12 kg/m^2

Does not deteriorate.

Requires surface treatment

with sand or scoring to

effect a mortar key.

Engineering BS EN 771-1 <4„5%

bricks BS EN 772-7 absorption

Min. 2 courses laid breaking

joint in cement mortar 1:3.

No deterioration, but may

not blend with adjacent

facings.

Slate BS EN 12326-1 4 mm Min. 2 courses laid as

above. Will not

deteriorate, but brittle so

may fracture if building

settles.

Materials for Damp-Proof Courses (2)