DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream - 5 Litre Kits

Health & Safety Recommendations

Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use and follow all site safety rules. Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and workwear, and avoid prolonged skin contact. Provide good ventilation when working indoors, particularly in confined areas such as cellars and basements. When drilling, use suitable dust control and respiratory protection, as mortar and masonry dust can be harmful, and wear hearing protection when using SDS drills.

DampSolve-40 is designed for low-pressure injection using the supplied Selecta 7 pump and brass gel lance. Do not inject into unknown voids, live electrical areas, or structurally unsound walls. If the masonry is heavily cracked, unstable, or shows signs of significant movement, rectify this before treatment. Where there is uncertainty about services, wall construction, or the true cause of dampness, seek competent professional advice before starting.

Substrate Suitability

DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream is intended for injection into masonry to control rising damp, typically via a mortar bed. It is suitable for most common wall types, including solid brickwork, blockwork, cavity masonry (with an appropriate drilling and injection strategy), and many stone constructions where a practical drilling line can be formed to achieve continuity.

Walls should be structurally sound and free from severe cracking, loose rubble cores, or ongoing water ingress that would undermine the specification. Random stone and rubble-filled walls require particular care because mortar lines can be irregular and some stones may be porous, meaning drilling positions may need to be adjusted to ensure the chosen course and perpends are fully treated. In walls thicker than 350mm, drilling from both sides at a corresponding height is typically required to achieve effective distribution through the full thickness.

Drilling Preparation

Before drilling, confirm that rising damp is the problem being addressed and reduce external moisture sources that can mimic or worsen symptoms. Check and repair rainwater goods, gutters and downpipes, and ensure drains and falls carry surface water away from the building. Confirm that external ground levels are not bridging the damp proof course. The DPC line should be at least 150mm above external ground level wherever feasible, and in the case of solid floors it should be positioned as close to internal floor level as practical.

Internally, remove skirtings, fixings and finishes that obstruct access to the chosen mortar bed. Salt-contaminated plaster should be removed from the area to be treated to at least 300mm above the highest visible level of damp staining, and higher where contamination is extensive. Check embedded low-level timbers for signs of fungal decay and address timber defects as part of the overall remedial scope. For cavity walls, ensure the cavity is clear of debris at the intended DPC level, as bridging within the cavity can compromise performance. Where ground levels change or walls adjoin untreated structures, plan vertical DPC continuity to isolate and connect treated areas as required.

Drill 12mm diameter holes horizontally in the selected mortar bed, keeping hole centres no greater than 120mm apart. The target hole depth is typically around 90% of the wall thickness, adjusted pro rata for intermediate thicknesses. As a practical guide for common wall thicknesses, drill to approximately 100mm for 115mm walls, 210mm for 230mm walls, 320mm for 345mm walls, and 430mm for 460mm walls. In irregular masonry, ensure the drilling pattern targets the base of all perpends along the chosen course so continuity is maintained. If holes become blocked, re-drill immediately prior to injection or drill an additional hole nearby to ensure the correct volume of cream is introduced.

Application Method

Open the bucket and transfer the DampSolve-40 cream into the Selecta 7 pump chamber, taking care to keep the product clean and free from rubble, dust or debris. Screw the black pump handle assembly tightly onto the chamber so the seal is secure and the unit can hold pressure. Use the black handle to pump and build pressure gradually in accordance with the pump’s normal operating method, avoiding sudden over-pressurisation and keeping the equipment upright and stable throughout use.

Insert the brass DPC gel lance to the full depth of the drilled hole. Begin injecting and steadily backfill the hole as the lance is withdrawn, aiming to fill each hole fully to within approximately 10mm of the surface. This rear-to-front method helps minimise voids, supports consistent migration along the mortar bed, and improves continuity of the chemical DPC line. Continue along the full treatment run, working methodically to avoid missing holes, particularly around corners, chimney breasts, reveals and changes in wall thickness where continuity is most at risk.

Take care to avoid overfilling and clean any spills immediately. If the wall construction requires drilling from both sides, keep the drill line at a corresponding height and follow the same injection approach on the opposite face so the treated zone aligns correctly through the wall thickness.

Coverage

Coverage varies depending on wall thickness, hole spacing, hole depth and substrate type. For accurate planning and ordering, refer to the coverage table below, which should be based on 12mm holes at up to 120mm centres and the standard depth guidance for common wall thicknesses.

If the masonry is unusually porous, irregular, or thicker than expected, allow additional material and consider drilling from both sides where required.

Curing Time

DampSolve-40 forms its hydrophobic barrier as it migrates and cures within the masonry. Final cure typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, depending on wall thickness, substrate porosity and site conditions. Walls may remain damp for a period after installation, particularly where hygroscopic salts are present or where the wall has been saturated for a long time.

For best results, allow injected walls to dry for as long as practical before replastering. A minimum waiting period of 14 days is commonly recommended before commencing salt management and replastering, but longer drying times are beneficial where programme allows. Good ventilation and stable background heat support the drying process.

Finishing

Externally, drill holes can be finished by re-pointing with a matching sand and cement mortar, compacted neatly to a sound finish that blends with the existing masonry. Alternatively, Universal DPC Injection Plugs can be used to close and tidy holes cleanly, selecting the closest colour to suit the wall finish for a consistent appearance.

Internally, holes can be left open if the replastering specification is designed to stop short of the DPC line, or they can be filled as part of making good prior to finishing, depending on the chosen detailing. Any finishing approach should avoid bridging the DPC level and should maintain a clear, continuous treated line at the intended height.

Decoration

Decoration should only take place after the wall has had sufficient time to dry and after salt-contaminated plaster has been addressed correctly. If salts remain in place, staining and finish failure can occur even when the DPC is functioning. Where replastering is required, use a salt-resistant system such as Wykamol Renovation Plaster or Wykamol Renderproof in line with an appropriate specification.

Do not redecorate too early. Allow new plaster systems to cure and dry as instructed by the plaster manufacturer, and use breathable finishes where specified. Avoid impermeable wall coverings or coatings that trap residual moisture unless the wall system has been designed for that purpose.

Cleaning

Wipe spillages immediately and wash contaminated non-porous surfaces promptly with warm soapy water. Keep the pump, seals and lance clean during use to avoid build-up and maintain smooth operation. If DampSolve-40 contacts porous, non-target surfaces such as paving, it will often dry to a clear finish, but prompt cleaning remains best practice to maintain appearance.

After use, depressurise the pump safely in accordance with the pump’s normal operating method and clean the equipment promptly so material does not cure within the system. Remove residual product from the lance and contact areas and store the pump clean and dry, ready for re-use.

Limitations

DampSolve-40 is designed to control rising damp by forming a chemical DPC barrier, but it does not resolve other damp mechanisms such as penetrating damp, leaks, condensation, or lateral moisture ingress below ground level. Bridging of the DPC by external ground, internal screeds, render, debris in cavities, or plaster carried below DPC level can compromise performance and must be addressed.

Walls heavily contaminated with hygroscopic salts typically require removal and replacement of affected plaster. Without proper salt management, staining and a damp appearance can persist even after the DPC is installed. In very thick walls, highly irregular masonry, or where access is only possible from one side, drilling strategy may need adjustment and in some cases drilling from both sides is necessary.

Other Information

Plan the full treatment line before drilling, including corners, party walls, changes in ground level and adjoining structures, and provide vertical DPC continuity where required to connect horizontal DPC lines and isolate untreated areas. Always keep the DPC height at least 150mm above external ground level wherever feasible, and as close to internal floor level as practical where solid floors are present.

If wall construction is uncertain, establish whether it is solid, cavity, rubble-filled, or unusually thick before treatment so drilling depth and injection strategy are correct. Rising damp control works best as part of a complete remedial package that includes moisture source control, correct DPC placement, salt management, and appropriate replastering and decoration.

Q) What is DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits, and what is it designed to treat?

A) DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits are designed to control rising damp by installing a chemical damp proof course within a selected mortar bed. Rising damp is driven by capillary action, drawing ground moisture upwards through masonry and often leaving hygroscopic salts that continue to cause staining and plaster failure. This kit format combines DampSolve-40 high strength 40% active cream with the Selecta 7 DPC Injection Pump and a brass gel lance, plus 12mm x 260mm SDS drill bits. The aim is fast, consistent low pressure dosing along long wall runs and multi room projects, supporting a durable hydrophobic barrier when installed correctly.

Q) How does DampSolve-40 form a chemical damp proof course inside the wall?

A) DampSolve-40 is injected into a continuous line of drilled holes along a chosen mortar course. After placement, the cream migrates into the masonry pore structure and reverts towards a liquid phase, allowing it to spread and passivate across the mortar joint. As curing progresses, it forms water repellent polysiloxanes in-situ, creating a hydrophobic barrier through the treated course that reduces further capillary moisture movement. The barrier does not instantly dry the wall, it prevents ongoing moisture rise so the wall can dry progressively under normal heating and ventilation. Continuity and correct dosing are essential, particularly at corners and junctions.

Q) What is included in DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits?

A) DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits are supplied as a high output contractor set up for repeated site use. You receive a 5L supply of DampSolve-40 high strength 40% active injection cream, a Selecta 7 DPC Injection Pump, and a brass gel lance designed to reach full hole depth and support rear to front backfilling. The kit also includes 12mm x 260mm SDS drill bits for the standard chemical DPC drilling pattern, helping produce clean, consistent holes in common UK masonry. The format is aimed at longer treatment lines where cartridge changeovers slow the job and consistency matters.

Q) Why choose the 5L pump kit instead of a cartridge kit for DampSolve-40?

A) The 5L kit is mainly about productivity and consistency on larger jobs. With DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits, the pump format allows longer uninterrupted application runs, which reduces downtime from frequent cartridge swaps and helps keep the dosing rhythm consistent along long walls. The Selecta 7 pump supports controlled low pressure delivery, while the brass lance helps reach full depth and maintain proper backfilling, which is harder to keep perfect when working fast with smaller packs. For multi room perimeters, long elevations, or regular remedial work, the 5L approach tends to be quicker, cleaner, and more repeatable.

Q) Which wall types are suitable for DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits?

A) DampSolve-40 is suitable for most common UK masonry where a sensible drilling pattern can be formed along a mortar bed. This includes solid brickwork, blockwork, and many cavity wall situations, provided the drilling and dosing strategy treats the correct leaf or leaves and cavities are clear at the intended DPC level. Many stone walls can also be treated, but random stone and rubble filled walls require more planning due to irregular mortar lines and variable porosity. The wall should be structurally sound and stable, as severe cracking, movement, or friable masonry can make drilling and dosing unreliable. For walls thicker than 350mm, drilling from both sides is often required.

Q) How do I confirm the issue is rising damp before using DampSolve-40?

A) It is important to avoid treating the wrong damp mechanism. Rising damp is typically a low level issue, often with tide marks and salt related plaster deterioration, but similar symptoms can come from leaking gutters, defective pointing, cracked render, plumbing leaks, bridged cavities, or high external ground levels. Condensation can also mimic damp, especially with mould and colder surfaces. Before using DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits, check external defects and drainage, confirm ground levels are not bridging the intended DPC, and consider internal ventilation and heating patterns. If damp is present below ground level or across a wide area, lateral moisture may be involved and needs different measures.

Q) Where should the new DPC line be positioned when using DampSolve-40 5L kits?

A) Positioning is about avoiding bypass routes. As a general rule, set the DampSolve-40 injection line at least 150mm above external ground level wherever practical. Internally, it is commonly placed close to floor level, but only where screeds, plaster, or floor build ups will not bridge the treated course. If internal floor level is lower than external ground, lowering external ground locally may be necessary where foundations allow. If that is not possible, position the DPC line relative to the external ground and manage the below DPC zone internally with suitable measures. Keep the treatment line level and continuous through corners, returns, and junctions to avoid weak points.

Q) What drilling pattern is recommended for DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits?

A) A standard pattern is 12mm diameter holes drilled horizontally in the selected mortar bed at centres not exceeding 120mm. The drilling line should be planned before starting so it remains continuous around corners, chimney breasts, reveals, party walls, and changes in wall thickness. In irregular masonry, you may need to adjust positions slightly while still targeting the same course and maintaining continuity, often by ensuring the base of perpends along the run is treated. Holes must be clean and open to full depth before injection, as dust blockages reduce dosing and can create gaps. If holes repeatedly block, re drill immediately before injection to restore full depth.

Q) What hole depth should I drill for common wall thicknesses?

A) Hole depth is usually around 90% of wall thickness to ensure effective treatment without breaking through. As a practical guide, drill to about 100mm for 115mm walls, 210mm for 230mm walls, 320mm for 345mm walls, and 430mm for 460mm walls. Adjust proportionally for intermediate thicknesses. In walls thicker than about 350mm, drilling from both sides at matching heights is commonly required so the treated zone aligns through the full thickness and an untreated core is avoided. If a hole collapses or blocks due to mortar condition, clear and re drill, or add a nearby hole at the same height to maintain correct dosing.

Q) How do I use the Selecta 7 pump and brass gel lance correctly?

A) Keep the product clean, and keep the method consistent. Transfer DampSolve-40 into the pump chamber carefully so dust, rubble, or drill spoil does not contaminate the system. Seal the pump assembly properly so it can hold pressure, then build pressure gradually following the pump’s normal operating method. Insert the brass gel lance to full hole depth, inject steadily, and backfill as you withdraw the lance so the hole fills from the rear outwards. Aim to finish around 10mm back from the face. Maintain the same approach hole by hole along the full run. Clean spills immediately and keep the lance exterior clean during use, as residue build up can affect placement and job finish.

Q) What are the most common mistakes when installing DampSolve-40 5L kits?

A) Most failures come down to continuity, bridging, or poor preparation. Missing holes, drilling shallow, spacing holes too far apart, or inconsistent filling can leave gaps in the chemical barrier. Corners, reveals, chimney breasts and junctions are the most common places where the treated line is accidentally broken. Bridging is another major issue, including high external ground levels, internal screeds, plaster taken below DPC level, debris in cavities, or render bridging the intended line. Misdiagnosis also causes problems, because penetrating damp, condensation, and plumbing leaks will not be fixed by a chemical DPC. A methodical drilling plan, full depth injection, and correct salt management avoid most call backs.

Q) Can DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits be used on cavity walls?

A) Yes, but cavity walls must be treated with a clear strategy. In many cases, each leaf is treated as its own wall at the selected mortar course, with continuity maintained along that leaf. The cavity must be clear at the intended DPC height, because bridging within the cavity can continue moisture transfer regardless of injection. Returns, corners and openings need extra attention to ensure the treated line connects properly and does not stop short. If the wall build up is uncertain, it is worth checking construction and cavity condition before drilling. A chemical DPC cannot overcome a physical bridge, so clearing debris and correcting external ground bridging are part of the job.

Q) How much coverage should I expect from a 5L kit of DampSolve-40?

A) Coverage depends on wall thickness, hole depth, hole spacing, and masonry porosity, so it is best estimated from measured linear metres and known wall thicknesses. Using 12mm holes at up to 120mm centres, thicker walls consume more cream per metre because each hole is deeper. Irregular masonry can increase usage if extra holes are needed to maintain continuity, or if blockages require re drilling and re dosing. The 5L volume is intended to support longer continuous runs, but it is not a fixed metres per bucket number without wall details. For ordering, measure the full treatment length, allow for corners and returns, and follow the relevant coverage guidance for the drilling pattern used.

Q) How long does DampSolve-40 take to cure, and when will the wall start to dry?

A) DampSolve-40 forms its hydrophobic barrier as it migrates and cures within the masonry, with final cure typically taking two to six weeks depending on wall thickness, porosity, moisture load, temperature and ventilation. Drying of the wall above the treated course usually takes longer, because the chemical DPC reduces ongoing moisture rise but does not instantly remove water already held in the masonry. Drying is gradual and is helped by stable background heat and steady ventilation. Hygroscopic salts can also keep the surface looking damp by pulling moisture from the air, even while the wall is improving. This is why salt management and replastering are often essential for a proper finish.

Q) Why is salt resistant replastering often needed after using DampSolve-40?

A) Rising damp commonly leaves hygroscopic salts in plaster and masonry, and these salts can continue to attract atmospheric moisture long after the moisture pathway is reduced. That means staining, powdering, blistering paint, and recurring decorative failure can continue even if DampSolve-40 has formed an effective barrier. For this reason, DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits should be part of a complete specification that includes removing contaminated plaster to a suitable height and reinstating with a salt resistant system such as Wykamol Renovation Plaster or Wykamol Renderproof where required. Without salt management, many people judge the outcome too early or incorrectly, because the wall surface still looks damp or discoloured.

Q) When can I replaster and redecorate after a DampSolve-40 5L injection treatment?

A) Timing depends on drying and salt control, not just the injection date. A common minimum is allowing at least 14 days before beginning salt management and replastering, but longer drying time is beneficial where the programme allows. If salt contaminated plaster is left in place, staining and finish failure can persist regardless of how well the DPC performs. Once replastering is completed, follow the plaster system’s curing and drying guidance before decorating, and choose finishes that do not trap moisture where breathability is required. Redecorating too early is a frequent cause of disappointment, because residual moisture and salts are still moving and stabilising. Treat the DPC as the start of the drying process, not the end.

Q) How should drill holes be finished after using DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits?

A) After injection, wipe away any excess cream promptly to keep the job tidy. Externally, holes can be re pointed using a matching sand and cement mortar compacted neatly to a sound weather resistant finish that blends with the existing masonry. Alternatively, Universal DPC Injection Plugs can be used to close holes cleanly and consistently, choosing a colour that suits the brickwork where possible. Internally, holes can be left open if the replastering detail is designed to stop short of the DPC line, or they can be filled as part of making good. Whatever method is chosen, avoid bridging the treated course with plaster, render, screed, or finishes that bypass the new DPC level.

Q) What are the best practical tips for consistent results on long runs with the 5L pump kit?

A) Preparation and rhythm matter. Mark the DPC line clearly, measure and mark hole centres, and plan continuity around corners and junctions before drilling. Drill all holes first where practical, clear dust and confirm depths, then inject methodically so no holes are missed. With the Selecta 7 pump, build pressure gradually and keep the pump stable, then use the brass lance to reach full depth every time and backfill from the rear outwards to a consistent finish depth. Pay extra attention at reveals, chimney breasts and returns where continuity is often lost. Keep the lance clean, wipe spills immediately, and avoid rushing, because a few missed or underfilled holes can undermine the whole run.

Q) What are the limitations of DampSolve-40 Damp Proof Cream – 5 Litre Kits?

A) DampSolve-40 is designed to control rising damp by forming a chemical DPC barrier, but it will not fix penetrating damp, leaking services, condensation, or lateral moisture ingress below ground level. Bridging remains a major limitation, including high external ground, internal screeds, render, debris in cavities, or plaster taken below DPC level, all of which can bypass the treated course. Results also depend on correct drilling centres, correct hole depth, full dosing and continuity through corners and junctions. Very thick walls, highly irregular masonry, rubble cores, and one sided access can require changes to drilling strategy, often including drilling from both sides. If diagnosis is uncertain, treating rising damp alone can waste time and money.

Q) How do I clean the Selecta 7 pump and lance after using DampSolve-40?

A) Clean up is easiest if you treat it as part of the workflow rather than an afterthought. Wipe spills immediately and wash contaminated non porous surfaces with warm soapy water. During use, keep the lance exterior clean to avoid build up that smears onto walls and reduces control. When finished, depressurise the pump safely following the pump’s normal operating method, then clean contact areas and the lance promptly so product does not cure within the system. Do not store the pump with material left to harden in the delivery path, as this can cause blockages and unreliable output on the next job. Store the equipment clean and dry, ready for repeat use, and keep the cream bucket sealed to prevent contamination.

Q) What health and safety steps should be followed when installing DampSolve-40 5L kits?

A) Drilling and site conditions are the main hazards, so treat them seriously. Wear gloves, eye protection and suitable workwear, and avoid prolonged skin contact. Provide good ventilation indoors, especially in cellars and basements. SDS drilling creates fine mineral dust, so use dust control and respiratory protection where needed, and wear hearing protection. Keep the work area clear of trip hazards and trailing cables, and maintain safe access along the full treatment line. Check for hidden services before drilling and never inject into unknown voids or live electrical zones. Do not proceed on structurally unsound walls, as cracking, bulging, or unstable masonry can make drilling unsafe and dosing unreliable. If damp diagnosis is uncertain, get competent advice before starting.

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet