Damp Proof Course
Concerned that your property may have a failed, damaged or missing damp proof course? Book a professional damp proof course inspection for £120 and we'll arrange for a vetted damp proofing contractor covering your area to assess the affected walls, investigate the likely cause of the moisture and recommend the appropriate next steps.
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Does Your Damp Proof Course Need Attention?
A damp proof course, commonly known as a DPC, is intended to help prevent moisture from the ground travelling upwards through the walls of a property.
Where a damp proof course is absent, bridged, damaged or no longer performing as intended, moisture may affect the lower sections of walls. However, low-level damp does not automatically mean that the DPC has failed.
Leaks, external ground levels, penetrating moisture, condensation and other defects can sometimes produce similar symptoms.
An onsite inspection allows the affected walls and surrounding conditions to be assessed before deciding whether damp proof course work or another form of remedial treatment may be appropriate.
- Damp appearing near the bottom of walls
- Damaged or crumbling plaster
- Peeling paint and wallpaper
- Salt deposits on walls or plaster
- Persistent low-level moisture
- Damp skirting boards
- Musty or damp smells
- Suspected rising damp
A Simple Way to Arrange Your Damp Proof Course Inspection
Tell us about the damp problem and we'll arrange for a vetted damp proofing contractor covering your area to assess the property.
Submit Your Details
Tell us where the property is, how many walls are affected and what symptoms you have noticed.
We Arrange a Contractor
We arrange for a vetted damp proofing contractor covering your area to attend the property.
The Walls Are Assessed
The contractor assesses the affected areas and considers whether the symptoms may relate to the DPC or another source of moisture.
Receive the Next Steps
Where remedial work is recommended, the contractor can provide a separate quotation. You decide whether you wish to proceed.
Why Might a Damp Proof Course Need Investigation?
There are several reasons why moisture may appear around the lower sections of walls. An inspection helps establish whether the damp proof course is likely to be involved.
Older Properties
Some older properties may have an original damp proof course that has deteriorated, while some buildings may have been constructed without a modern DPC.
Bridged Damp Proof Course
Raised external ground, render, plaster or other materials can sometimes bridge the level of an existing damp proof course.
Suspected Rising Damp
Persistent low-level moisture and associated plaster deterioration can sometimes lead to concerns about rising damp and the DPC.
Damaged Plaster
Moisture and salts can affect internal plaster and decorative finishes around the lower sections of walls.
External Ground Levels
Paths, driveways, patios or soil positioned too high against an external wall may contribute to moisture problems around DPC level.
Another Moisture Source
Not every low-level damp problem is caused by a defective DPC. Leaks, penetrating damp and other moisture sources may need to be considered.
Proceed With the Work? Your £120 Is Credited
Your £120 payment covers the damp proof course inspection service. Following the inspection, the appointed contractor can provide a separate quotation if remedial work is recommended.
There is no obligation to proceed with that quotation.
What May Be Recommended After an Inspection?
The appropriate solution depends on the cause of the moisture problem. Damp proof course treatment should not be assumed to be necessary until the property has been assessed.
DPC Treatment
Where appropriate, a contractor may recommend treatment intended to establish or improve a damp-resistant barrier within the wall.
Removing Bridging
Where the existing DPC is being bridged by ground levels or other materials, corrective work may be recommended.
Plaster Removal
Moisture or salt-contaminated plaster may sometimes require removal as part of an appropriate remedial specification.
Replastering
Affected internal surfaces may require suitable replastering after the underlying moisture problem has been addressed.
External Repairs
If the inspection identifies an external defect or another moisture source, different repairs may be recommended instead of DPC work.
No DPC Work Required
If the symptoms are caused by another issue, the contractor may recommend addressing that source rather than installing or treating a damp proof course.
Other Damp & Moisture Problems
Low-level damp can have more than one possible cause. Explore our related services or book an inspection if you're unsure what is affecting your property.
Damp Proof Course Inspections Across the United Kingdom
We arrange professional damp proof course inspections through vetted damp proofing contractors covering locations throughout the United Kingdom. Select your area below to find out more about damp proofing services near you.
Damp Proof Course FAQs
What is a damp proof course?
A damp proof course is a barrier incorporated into a building's walls to help prevent moisture from the ground travelling upwards through the wall structure.
How do I know if my damp proof course has failed?
Low-level damp, damaged plaster or salt deposits can sometimes raise concerns about the DPC, but these symptoms can have other causes. An onsite inspection can help assess the likely source of the moisture.
Does low-level damp always mean I need a new DPC?
No. Low-level damp can have several possible causes. The property should be assessed before deciding whether damp proof course treatment is appropriate.
Can external ground levels cause DPC problems?
Raised paths, patios, driveways or soil can sometimes bridge the level of an existing damp proof course and contribute to moisture problems.
How much does the damp proof course inspection cost?
The professional damp proof course inspection costs £120. We arrange for a vetted damp proofing contractor covering your area to attend the property and assess the problem.
What is included in the £120 inspection?
The contractor attends your property and assesses the affected walls and likely moisture conditions. Where remedial work is recommended, a separate quotation can be provided.
Do I have to accept the contractor's quotation?
No. You are under no obligation to proceed with remedial work following the inspection.
What happens to the £120 if I proceed with the work?
If you choose to proceed with recommended remedial work through the appointed contractor, an amount equal to your £120 inspection fee is credited against the agreed cost of that work, subject to the applicable terms.
Is the £120 a deposit for a new damp proof course?
No. The £120 is the fee for the inspection service. Any damp proof course treatment or other remedial work is quoted separately following the inspection.
Do you cover my area?
We arrange damp proof course inspections across a growing network of locations throughout the United Kingdom. Enter your address and postcode when submitting your request so we can arrange a contractor covering your area.
Concerned About Your Damp Proof Course?
Complete the form above to arrange a professional damp proof course inspection for £120 with a contractor covering your area.