How much is a damp proof course?

If you’ve spotted rising damp in your home, you need to deal with it quickly and effectively. Damp can cause a variety of issues, from major structural damage, to unsightly marks and peeling paint, and even health challenges. The most common way of addressing rising damp involves installing a damp proof course. But what is it exactly and how much does a damp proof course cost?

Here, we explore the ins and outs of this waterproof membrane, and the various factors that can affect the price you ultimately pay.

Firstly, what is a damp proof course?

A damp proof course (DPC) is a horizontal barrier installed in the walls of a building to prevent moisture from rising from the ground (that is, rising damp). It’s usually installed just above ground level and runs through the entire thickness of the wall. You can often see DPCs if you look for a seal that runs across the brickwork on the outside of a house.

DPCs are specifically designed to treat rising damp. If you’re trying to treat condensation or penetrating damp, you’ll need to look into other ways to get rid of damp.

Read more: How to spot signs of damp in your house

The different types of damp proof courses

Before we look into the cost of a damp proof course, it’s worth understanding the different types available to you. A trained tradesperson will be able to assess which one is best suited to your unique situation. While some are quite easy to implement, others are more complicated, time and labour-intensive, and costly.

• Physical DPC is the traditional method that’s built right into the wall during construction. Using materials like slate, lead, or modern plastic sheeting, it creates an excellent barrier that’s reliable and robust. While it’s the easy and go-to choice for new builds, retrofitting damp proof courses can be difficult and expensive.
• Injection DPC has revolutionised damp treatment in existing buildings. The process involves drilling holes in the mortar joints and injecting a special silicone-based cream or liquid that spreads to form a continuous water-repelling barrier throughout the wall’s thickness.
• Electro-osmotic DPC uses a mild electric charge to keep moisture at bay. The system works by installing titanium wires in the wall, which are connected to a control unit. It’s often used in buildings where other types of DPC aren’t as practical, such as historic buildings that require minimal intervention.
• Pressure grouting DPC creates a solid barrier by forcing mortar into the wall under pressure, effectively filling all the pores and gaps. This method is particularly useful if your walls are so thick or filled with rubble that other approaches might struggle to create an effective barrier.
• Membrane DPC systems offer a way to insert a new physical barrier into an existing wall where there is severe damp. While it’s quite an invasive approach, it can be particularly effective when it’s combined with other waterproofing measures.

How much does it cost for a damp proof course in the UK?

The cost of installing a damp proof course in the UK varies depending on several factors (we’ll explore these in a bit more detail in a moment). Typically, however, you’re probably looking at the following prices for most physical DPCs:

• £400 to £700: For a small wall section or single wall
• £2,000 to £4,000: For a typical terraced house
• £4,000 to £6,000+: For larger properties

Factors affecting the cost of a damp proof course

The final price you pay will be influenced by the following:

• The cost of any initial inspections and surveys: A thorough damp survey by a qualified professional will identify the true cause and extent of your damp problems. They’ll help to ensure you’re not paying for unnecessary treatments or neglecting areas that are likely to be problematic down the line. These surveys typically include moisture readings, assessing your existing DPC if you have one, and identifying any other contributing factors.
• The extent of the existing damage: When damp has been present for a long time, it may have significantly deteriorated your walls, timbers, and interior finishes, all of which will need addressing alongside the DPC installation. Sometimes, what starts as a seemingly simple damp problem can reveal more extensive issues once your contractor gets to work.
• The property size and the number of walls that need to be treated: These issues have a direct impact on material and labor costs. A single wall in a terraced house will inevitably cost less than treating the entire perimeter of a detached property. Each wall requires its own section of DPC installation, with costs multiplying every time.
• How easy it is to reach the area that needs to be treated: Accessibility to the treatment area can make a big difference to your final bill. If walls are difficult to reach due to conservatories, extensions, or steep gardens, your contractor may need special equipment or extra time to complete the work. Sometimes, temporary structures might need to be moved or protected during the installation.
• The thickness of the walls and how they’re constructed: Older properties often have thicker walls or unusual construction methods that require special treatments. Some walls may be solid and others not — each type needs a slightly different installation method.
• The cost of the labour: Labor costs vary depending on the complexity of the job and how long it will take. Some installations might need multiple specialists, from the DPC installers themselves to plasterers and decorators. If the job is particularly complex, it might take several days or even weeks to complete properly. Standard projects tend to take between two and seven days.
• Where your house is located in the UK: This reflects not only the general cost of living in different regions but also the varying availability of qualified contractors and materials in different areas. DPC work in London and Southeast England typically costs more than other areas.
• Whether you’ll need to redecorate the interior again: Once the DPC is installed, you’ll likely need to replaster damaged walls and replace affected skirting boards. This isn’t just about aesthetics: proper replastering with damp-resistant materials helps ensure the long-term success of your damp proofing.
• Whether there are any associated costs like penetrating damp: Associated issues like penetrating damp often need addressing alongside a DPC installation. For example, you might find that your guttering needs repair, that external ground levels need lowering, or that you need new ventilation installed. These complementary works are crucial for ensuring your damp problems don’t come back.

Before you proceed, take the time to get at least three quotes from qualified contractors, and ensure they provide a long-term guarantee (typically 20 to 30 years). Be wary of significantly lower quotes. While they might be tempting from a cost perspective, they could be an indication that your contractor is using inferior materials or processes, or that they can’t provide a reliable guarantee.

Quickfire summary: Is a damp proof course worth it?

A damp proof course is a horizontal waterproof barrier built into or injected into walls to prevent moisture from rising up from the ground into a building’s structure. The cost of installing or retrofitting a damp proof course can vary from a few hundred pounds for a single wall to several thousand pounds for a large home

If your home has rising damp, it’s definitely worth investing in a damp proof course. If left untreated, rising damp can lead to much more expensive problems, like structural damage, timber decay, and health issues. Think of it like treating a cavity in a tooth: the process might seem inconvenient and pricey initially, but ignoring it will almost certainly lead to more severe and costly issues down the line.

Before you begin, due your due diligence. Get several quotes from reputable experts who can prove their expertise and who can provide a 20 to 30-year guarantee.

Does home insurance cover damp? While most insurance policies don’t cover the source of the damp, some might cover the damage caused by damp. It all depends on your particular policy. For all your home-related insurance questions, speak to the team at Howden. We’re here to ensure your home and belongings are as well protected as they can possibly be.

Also read:

• House viewing checklist: What to look out for
• Is home emergency cover worth it?
• The unexpected quirks of buying a house

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