In certain circumstances, the installation of a remedial Damp Proof Course is not suitable to the needs of some buildings. In these instances, commonly listed buildings and Barn Conversions, an effective alternative is the installation of a Damp Proof Membrane to the walls.

A Damp Proof Membrane works by isolating any movement of capillary rising dampness behind the membrane, preventing it from affecting the finished wall surface.

Comprising of high density polypropylene membrane. Damp Proof Membranes have a pattern of raised studs which face the wall and form an impermeable barrier against damp penetration.

Damp Proof Membranes can be finished by either directly applying plasterboard to the surface of the membrane via specialist fixings or by constructing an insulated stud wall depending on the type of membrane used.

Damp Proof Membranes are an ideal solution when dealing with Listed Buildings. The installation of a Damp Proof Membrane to the walls is a fully reversible system that is favoured by conservation officers seeking to protect the integrity of historical buildings.Barn Conversions present a unique set of challenges when considering dampness within the structure. Often contaminants from the previous agricultural uses of the building, such as fertiliser or ammonium nitrates mean that the introduction of a traditional injected chemical Damp Proof Course would be largely ineffective. This is often highlighted when replastering directly to the substrate.

A Damp Proof Membrane offers an alternative solution that it not compromised by the presence of the aforementioned contaminants. For more information or examples of the use of Damp Proof Membranes in Barn Conversions please CLICK HERE:

When dealing with older buildings it is accepted that many floors such as flagstone floors and quarry tiled floors do not benefit from the provision of a Damp Proof Membrane. However, the density of the materials used can provide some resistance to the passage of Rising Damp.

The absence of a Damp Proof Membrane can result in timbers adjacent to damp floors being attacked by Wood Rotting Fungi and/or infested by Wood Boring Beetles. Discolouration of floor coverings and unpleasant odours associated with dampness can also be present. With the introduction of moisture sensitive floor finishes such as timber and laminates etc, problems with dampness and defective/absent Damp Proof Membranes can have dramatic and costly consequences.

Protectahome provide a service to test existing solid floor slabs for the presence of moisture. In the event that a floor is identified as suffering from dampness, Protectahome are specialists in providing a remedial Damp Proof Membrane solution.