Is a damp proof course necessary?
Often damp proof courses are added in old buildings when the damp problem is not fully understood. Before going down this route think carefully what may be the cause of the problem. Is the problem caused by leaking rainwater pipes or damaged drainage gullies? Is the problem largely one of condensation? Has a damp proof membrane been added to a solid ground floor which has directed damp into the walls? There are many types of works outside the building which can alleviate damp and make the insertion of a damp proof course unnecessary. Often this can simply mean removing vegetation adjacent to the walls. Lowering external ground levels can have a significant impact on reducing dampness within a wall. Providing the house’s foundations are not too shallow and the ground is permeable the addition of a drainage trench can significantly help the problem. Structural movement in old buildings Most old buildings move to some degree during their life, but this movement may not be a problem. Crack
