DampSolve DPC Cream

Health & Safety Recommendations:

Take the usual labour hygiene into account.

PPE should be worn during application. See our Safety & PPE Products.

Consult label and material safety data sheet for more information.

Substrate Preparation:

1. Check and overhaul rainwater goods to ensure they are clean and in good working order. Repair or install drains to carry away surface water.
   
   

2. If internal floors are below external ground level, form trenches along the external face of the walls to at least 150 mm below the proposed DPC level (where foundation depth allows). If this approach is not feasible the DPC must be placed at 150 mm above external ground level and the internal walls tanked below the DPC to prevent lateral migration of moisture/ salts.
   
   

3. Remove skirtings, fixings and render / plaster to expose the line of the proposed DPC (mortar bed). Internal plaster affected by hydroscopic salts is removed from the area to be treated to a height of 300mm above the maximum level of the Rising Damp.
   
   

4. Check flooring timbers for signs of fungal decay and recommend repair / replacement as appropriate.
   
   

5. Ensure wall cavities are cleared of debris.

Drilling Preparation:

Walls vary in thickness and type of construction so it is essential these factors are taken into account before deciding on an appropriate drilling pattern. DPC height should always be at least 150mm above external ground level. In the case of solid floors, insert the DPC as close to floor level as possible.

Vertical DPCs should be provided to connect horizontal DPCs where ground levels change and to isolate untreated wall areas (adjoining properties, garden walls etc.) In most cases solid brick walls may be drilled and injected from one side only.

For cavity walls each leaf may be dealt with as a separate 115mm thick wall.

Alternatively, if preferred, drill through the selected mortar course, across the cavity, then drill the outer leaf of brickwork to a depth of 95mm and inject in one continuous process (the physical properties of DampSolve ensure the cream remains in contact with the surrounding mortar even when the mortar bed is drilled through in this way). Always ensure that the cavity is clear before treatment.

In random stone and rubble infill walls, as far as practically possible, follow the mortar course at the appropriate level. However, if the stone is of a porous type, it may be possible to vary the drilling locations (mortar / stone) as long as the mortar bed perpends are treated. In walls of a thickness greater than 350mm, it is recommended that drilling is undertaken from both sides at a corresponding height. In the case of drill holes becoming blocked these should be re-drilled just prior to injection or a new hole should be drilled nearby to ensure that an adequate volume of DampSolve is introduced.

Drill Hole Size, Depth & Location:

Drill 12mm diameter holes horizontally in the mortar bed at distances no greater than 120 mm. The depth of the hole required for various sizes of wall is shown in the table below (approx 90% of any given wall thickness).

For walls of intermediate thickness the depth of holes should be pro-rata. Where the masonry is irregular, ensure the horizontal drilling pattern targets the base of all perpends of the course selected.

Drill hole depth required, dependent on wall thickness:

Product Sizes & Applicator Required:

• DampSolve - 380ml Cartridge: Use a C4 Skeleton Gun and Extension Nozzle (Extension Nozzle is supplied with product, however Spare Nozzles can be purchased separately).
  
  

• DampSolve - 1 Litre Cartridge: Use the Cox Powerflow DPC Cartridge Gun & Brass Injection Nozzle.
  
  

• DampSolve - 5 Litre Tub & 8 Litre Box: Use the Selecta 7 DPC Injection Pump or Osatu Tango 7 DPC Pump.

Injection:

Insert DampSolve Cartridge into appropriate gun applicator (Or pour contents into Injection Pump if using a 5 Litre Tub or 8 Litre Box).

Insert the applicator nozzle into the full depth of the pre-drilled hole. Squeeze the gun and trigger and back fill each hole fully with DampSolve cream to within one centimetre of the surface. When treating cavity walls from one side make certain that the holes in each leaf are filled.

Spilt material should be wiped up immediately and the wipes disposed of appropriately. Contaminated surfaces should be washed immediately with warm soapy water. If DampSolve cream penetrates non-target surfaces (e.g. a patio slab) it will normally dry clear to finish.

Coverage:

Individual site conditions can cause variations. Always allow at least 10% extra when estimating the quantity of material required.

Plugging:

On external faces of walls, drill holes can be re-pointed using a matched mortar or can be plugged with DPC Injection Plugs (Available in a variety of colours).

On internal faces holes can be left open and plaster stopped short of the DPC.

Curing:

Final cure takes 2 - 6 weeks depending on the thickness of the wall.

Finishing:

The removal and replacement of internal salt contaminated plaster is an important part of an effective damp-proof course. Salts left behind by rising damp are hygroscopic and can cause future staining independent of any issues with structural dampness.

It is therefore essential to follow specific re-plastering guidelines drawn up for dealing with the particular challenges posed by damp / salt-affected surfaces.

It is advisable to leave walls injected with DampSolve to dry for as long as possible, and for at least 14 days, before removing excess salts and commencing replastering.

It should be noted that whilst insertion of a chemical DPC inhibits further moisture from rising up into the wall, the moisture present before the DPC will take time to dry out.

Redecoration:

A damp wall takes time to dry out. As a general guide, the drying rate is given as 1 month for every 25mm of wall thickness (BRE Digest 163, ‘Drying out buildings’). Thus 230mm will take approximately 9 months to dry. However, the drying processes depend on conditions, ventilation and the type of masonry, so drying may take considerably longer.

Due to the potential prolonged drying of the wall, the following must be considered:

1. Delay any decoration for 4-6 weeks following re-plastering and allow for good natural ventilation to enhance drying. Do not apply heat or accelerated drying methods.

2. Do not use wallpaper for at least 12 months (longer on thick walls).

3. Redecorate using a non vinyl based emulsion.

4. Maintain good ventilation around walls.

Note: The initial decorations should be regarded as temporary, the final decorations not taking place for at least 12 months after completion of the damp proofing and ancillary work.

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet