Step 1: Damp Proof Courses
The Role of a Damp Proof Course The primary role of a damp proof course (DPC) is to be a VAPOR BARRIER from the ground to prevent or minimize the excessive evaporation of water into the wall fabric, which over time…
The Role of a Damp Proof Course The primary role of a damp proof course (DPC) is to be a VAPOR BARRIER from the ground to prevent or minimize the excessive evaporation of water into the wall fabric, which over time…
Rising Damp – Different ViewpointsAmongst all moisture-related problems rising damp is probably one of the more controversial topics in the UK. As mentioned on the previous page, an important piece of the puzzle - that vapour movement alone, without liquid…
Dampness is Always Accompanied by Electrical ActivityOne of the recent important discoveries was that the movement of humidity in masonry is ALWAYS accompanied by complex electrical activity. Whenever a wall fabric gets damp, electrical voltages and currents spring to life…
When facing with dampness problems, the most common practical questions being asked are: What dampness problems my building has?How can I fix them?Diagnosing Dampness Problems - By Building AreaAlthough dampness in old buildings is a complex and comprehensive topic, we have…
One of the fundamental points of confusion on the subject of dampness is the confusion between rising damp and condensation. Recent research on condensation has finally clarified the differences between these two phenomena.Rising Damp vs. Condensation – Simple, Non-Technical ExplanationRising…
The topic of moisture sources in old buildings can be easiest understood by inspecting and understanding the main Water Cycle in nature. The moisture content of old buildings, which are an integral part of the greater environment, are being driven…
Research & Development Phases The overall development of the magnetic DPC technology followed a top-down approach in two main stages:Stage 1: Building Level ResearchBecause the objective was to non-invasive;y handle rising damp at building-level, the initial research focused on the "big…
Here are some (common) solutions for the handling of rising damp - both traditional and modern approaches. Some of them are partial solutions to rising damp (e.g. they don't address all critical aspects of rising damp) or they are just…
The Main Challenge - SaltsAfter the installation of a damp proof course, renovation is the second major phase of handling rising damp.The main challenge in renovating after rising damp is the presence of GROUND SALTS.Walls affected by rising damp contain…
The Role of a Damp Proof CourseThe primary role of a damp proof course (DPC) is to be a VAPOR BARRIER from the ground to prevent or minimize the excessive evaporation of water into the wall fabric, which over time develops…
Understanding the BasicsBefore diving into the comprehensive topic of "solving rising damp", if you haven't done so, please familiarize yourself with the following pages, which contain important information about the movement of moisture and salts in the building fabric.Moisture Sources…
Opposite FlowsThere are significant differences between condensation and rising damp. They are NOT the same.Condensation occurs when humidity from the air liquefies on cold surfaces. The water (vapors) from the environment move in TOWARDS the wall fabric . This is an inflow.Rising…
The existence of rising damp and the problems caused by it have been documented since antiquity. In the UK, various documented and professional publications have documented rising damp since the early Victorian times, going back almost 200 years.The Roman PeriodThe…
Various videos about diagnosing and solving rising damp, as well as about the its background.
Recreating Rising Damp in the LabRising damp can be recreated in a lab under "artificial" conditions very easily.We used some common "old-style" porous bricks, purchased from a brick factory. We put it in a plastic tray, added some water to…
Electrokinetics - Explosive DevelopmentIn the previous section we looked at various electrokinetic effects.During the past 10 years the field of Electrokinetics has undergone explosive development, as a better understanding of molecular phenomena near different surfaces can open the door to…
Fact: this is not true because they are used all over Europe and the world.I have seen DPCs in several countries I visited, including: Italy (including Venice), Austria, Germany, Monaco, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Romania - just to name a few.Here is…
Fact: it is not true. Some forms of damp proof courses go back to ancient Roman times.The Romans, being excellent engineers, that have built some masterpieces that lasted over 2000 years. Historic records show that they not only were aware…
Fact: damp proof courses are one of the most important defense mechanisms against rising damp and they are used all over the world.Just think for a moment. Up to about a hundred years ago buildings have been built without damp…