Damp-proof courses (DPCs) for single or cavity walls

Damp-proof courses are a form of horizontal waterproofing installed between two layers of mortar in the bearing joint of the masonry.
In this way, the masonry is safely protected against rising damp from the ground up.

In accordance with the new waterproofing standard DIN 18533, damp-proof courses are now only installed in one layer. Damp-proof courses should have a non-slip surface for good bonding with the masonry mortar.
The width of the DPC naturally depends on the wall thickness. It should be wide enough for the waterproofing of the floor can be brought up to the horizontal waterproofing of the walls or bonded to it.
In this way, moisture bridges can be prevented.

Cavity wall construction, also known as "faced brickwork", consists of an inner load-bearing wall and an outer facing wall. This non-load-bearing wall serves as weather protection and for the facade design. The cavity in between is filled with insulation – either with an air layer or completely in the form of core insulation.

Depending on the quality of the facing brick and mortar joints, moisture can get into the cavity due to strong wind and rain. For this reason, the base of a cavity wall is particularly protected and drained by installing L or Z shaped DPC; DIN-compatible, 1.2 mm thick plastic membranes are usually used as a DPC.

Z-shaped DPCs are built into the load-bearing wall – with the risk that damage will occur in the further process of the construction work on site. L-shaped DPCs are only installed when the faced brickwork is built and attached to the load-bearing wall. The installation of DPC is also designated for all window openings, lintels, parapets or windowsills.