Damp Proof Course Suspended Timber Floor

A minimum ventilation void of 150mm should be provided below the underside of precast concrete and timber suspended floors.

Damp proof course suspended timber floor.

Solid concrete floors in older houses rarely had a damp proof membrane dpm under the concrete. Damp proofing concrete floors above ground damp proofing for extensions. Rising damp is the symptom. In the case of timber floors ventilators should be spaced at no more than 2m centres and within 450mm of the end of any wall.

If the floor is slightly damp moisture can wick up the walls causing rising damp. At the turn of the 18th century when construction techniques moved from boarded floors installed directly on the ground to suspended timber floors over a ventilated chamber the innovation solved a significant problem. When constructing an extension or a new build home it is important that damp proofing measures are taken during the initial construction phase itself. The floors are suspended timber 9.

Conversely the damp course could be above the floor but the plaster may be covering it. Standards for damp proof courses are provided in bs 8215 1991 code of practice for design and installation of damp proof courses in masonry construction. The damp proof course dpc is generally applied at basement levels which restricts the movement of moisture through walls and floors. The selection of materials for the damp proof course and its various methods of applications in buildings is discussed.

Whilst not commonly spoken about by property owners dpcs play a key role in almost all buildings so it makes sense to stay fully aware of what a dpc looks like what it does and why it matters. These days damp proof membranes are required in the construction of all new buildings to prevent rising damp. In suspended timber ground floors between the timber and materials that can carry moisture from the ground.