Chemical Damp-Proof Course (DPC) Specification
Client's Responsibility
Prior to our arrival all fixtures, fittings, furniture, effects, carpets, and floor coverings must be removed and protected/covered to provide clear working access of at least 1.5m. The owners of any adjoining properties party wall must have given permission for the works to proceed.
Specialist Treatment by Dryside Ltd.
To control rising damp we propose to use the Dryzone/Drytech chemical damp proofing system. This process recommends that the existing wall plaster is removed to the specified areas (this may be carried out by your own contractor prior to our arrival), a series of 12mm diameter holes drilled at predetermined horizontal centres to the correct depth into the mortar joint, and water-repellent cream is injected into the holes. On completion of the aforementioned works the holes can be plugged, pointed over, or plastered over to our specification.
Replastering (ideally by Dryside Ltd.)
Replastering subsequent to our Damp Proof Course (DPC) installation is an integral part of the chemical damp proofing system. The importance of compliance with our replastering specification cannot be stressed enough. Water rising from the ground contains mineral salts (chlorides, nitrates, sulphates, etc.). These mineral salts are hygroscopic and can attract moisture from the atmosphere. Replastering to our specification is designed to contain these salts within the body of the wall whilst providing a vapour-permeable finish to enable the drying out of the residual moisture within the wall. The installation of the Dryside chemical DPC alone will not control all of the effects of rising damp or the effects of salt contamination to the existing wall plasters.
Skirting boards and Architraves
The existing skirting boards and architraves when in contact with damp walls become brittle and weakened or decayed and are likely to be damaged on removal. We cannot accept any claim for such damage. Refitting of the original or new should be delayed until the initial moisture has evaporated (usually a couple of weeks) and only suitably primed timbers should be used. The refitting or renewal of these timbers has not been allowed for within our quotations unless stated otherwise.
Decorations
Initial redecoration may be carried out as soon as the initial drying out of the moisture has occurred (usually two to four weeks), but only trade emulsion paints should be used. Permanent decoration should be delayed until the final drying out has occurred. This may take one year following replastering and even then the use of impermeable coverings and paint is not recommended. The B.R.E. (Building Research Establishment) Digest 245 states that for every 25mm thickness of wall, at least 1 month should be all owed for the drying out of residual moisture.
Maintenance
It is important that the property is regularly and correctly maintained. Particular attention should be given to rain water goods, internal and external plumbing, ground levels, condensation, pointing, rendering, roofs, window sills, etc.
Warning
Please be advised that our proposed works can generate a considerable amount of noise and dust. Naturally we will try to keep these disturbances to a minimum but despite our best endeavours some, dust will travel throughout the property to untreated areas and some additional cleaning will be necessary under a separate contract. This has not been allowed for within our quotation.