DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proofing Cream

Health & Safety Recommendations

Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use and follow site rules for safe working on masonry. Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and workwear, and avoid prolonged skin contact. If splashes occur, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Drilling creates fine mineral dust that can be harmful. Use suitable dust control, wear a properly rated mask, and use hearing protection. Ensure safe access along the full wall run, keep the area clear of trip hazards, and check for hidden services before drilling.

DampSolve-40 is installed at low pressure using injection equipment. Do not inject into unknown voids, live electrical areas, or structurally unsound walls. Where damp diagnosis is uncertain or the wall is cracked, unstable or heavily degraded, seek competent advice before starting.

Substrate Suitability

DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream is intended for injection into masonry to control rising damp by forming a chemical damp proof course within a selected mortar bed. It is suitable for most common UK masonry types, including brickwork and blockwork, and can be used internally or externally where the drilling pattern can be formed at the correct height.

Solid walls are commonly drilled and injected from one side only. Cavity walls can be treated by dealing with each leaf as a separate wall, provided the drilling and injection line delivers full continuity along the selected course and the cavity is clear at that level.

Random stone and rubble infill walls require more care because the mortar line can be irregular. Where practical, follow the mortar course. If porous stone is present, drilling positions can be varied between mortar and stone, provided perpends are treated and continuity is maintained. For walls thicker than 350mm, drilling from both sides at a corresponding height is typically required to achieve full depth coverage.

Surface Preparation

Successful rising damp treatment depends on controlling other moisture sources and removing bridging. Check and overhaul rainwater goods so gutters, downpipes and overflows are clean, intact and discharging correctly. Repair or install drains where needed so surface water is carried away from the wall base.

Confirm that external ground levels are not bridging the intended DPC line. Where internal floors sit below external ground level, form an external trench where foundation depth allows so the wall base is relieved and the DPC line can be positioned correctly. If lowering ground is not feasible, position the chemical DPC at least 150mm above external ground level and tank internal walls below the DPC to reduce lateral moisture and salt migration.

Internally, remove skirtings, fixings and finishes that obstruct access to the selected mortar bed. Strip salt-contaminated plaster to at least 300mm above the highest visible damp mark, or higher where contamination is extensive. Check low level flooring timbers for signs of fungal decay and address any repairs as part of the overall damp specification.

Drilling Preparation

Before drilling, plan the full treatment route so the chemical DPC line remains continuous around corners, chimney breasts, reveals and changes in wall thickness. Where ground levels change, or where adjoining structures are not being treated, provide vertical DPC continuity to connect horizontal lines and isolate untreated wall areas such as adjoining properties and garden walls.

Ensure cavities are clear of debris at the intended DPC height. For cavity walls, each leaf may be treated as a separate 115mm wall. Alternatively, a continuous drill and injection approach can be used by drilling through the selected mortar course, across the cavity and then drilling into the outer leaf to around 100mm, but only where the cavity is confirmed clear at that level.

Drill 12mm diameter holes horizontally in the selected mortar bed at centres no greater than 120mm. Hole depth should be approximately 90% of the wall thickness, adjusted pro rata for intermediate thicknesses. As a practical guide, drill to 100mm for 115mm walls, 210mm for 230mm walls, 320mm for 345mm walls, and 430mm for 460mm walls.

Where masonry is irregular, ensure the drilling line targets the base of all perpends along the chosen course to maintain continuity. If a hole becomes blocked, re-drill immediately prior to injection or drill a new hole nearby so an adequate volume of DampSolve-40 can be introduced.

Product Sizes & Recommended Applicators

DampSolve-40 is supplied in 1L cartridges and 5L buckets. Choose the applicator method that suits the project scale and access conditions, ensuring the equipment can deliver a steady, controlled output for consistent backfilling of every drill hole.

For 1L cartridges, apply using the Cox Powerflow DPC Cartridge Gun fitted with a brass injection nozzle. This set-up supports controlled dosing and reliable depth placement when injecting along longer runs or where consistent output is required.

For larger-scale works, 5L buckets are intended for use with a pressure injection pump fitted with a DPC injection lance, such as the Selecta 7 DPC Injection Pump or the Osatu 7 DPC Injection Pump. Keep the pump and lance clean and in good condition so the cream is delivered smoothly to the back of each hole.

Application Method

Once drilling is complete, ensure the wall line is clear and the chosen applicator is prepared. Load the DampSolve-40 pack into the equipment in accordance with the tool manufacturer’s set-up method, and confirm the nozzle or lance can reach the full drilled depth.

Insert the nozzle or injection lance fully to the back of the hole. Begin injecting and steadily backfill as you withdraw the nozzle, aiming to fill the hole to within approximately 10mm of the surface. Backfilling from the rear outwards helps minimise voids and supports even distribution through the mortar bed for chemical DPC formation.

Continue along the full treatment line without missing holes, taking extra care around corners, junctions, reveals and changes in wall thickness where continuity is most at risk. For cavity walls, ensure the chosen drilling strategy delivers complete treatment to both leaves where required, and only drill across cavities where the cavity is confirmed clear at the intended DPC level.

Coverage

Coverage depends on wall thickness, drill spacing, hole depth and the porosity of the masonry. A 5L bucket provides approximately 5x the material volume of a 1L cartridge under the same drilling pattern, but practical coverage varies with wall construction and drilling strategy.

For accurate ordering and job planning, refer to the coverage table below. The table should be based on 12mm holes at up to 120mm centres and the standard hole depth guidance for common wall thicknesses.

Finishing

After injection, wipe away any excess cream immediately to maintain a clean finish. Externally, drill holes can be made good by pointing with a matching sand and cement mortar, compacted neatly to a sound finish that blends with existing masonry.

For a tidy, consistent appearance, Universal DPC Injection Plugs can be used to close the holes, selecting the closest colour to suit the masonry where possible. Internally, holes may be plugged and made good, or left open where the replastering specification is designed to stop short of the DPC line.

Any finishing detail should avoid bridging the DPC level. Maintain a clear, continuous treated line at the intended height so the chemical damp proof course remains effective and the remedial specification remains consistent.

Curing Time

DampSolve-40 migrates into the mortar and surrounding masonry and cures to form a hydrophobic chemical damp proof barrier in-situ. Final cure is typically achieved within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on wall thickness, moisture load, porosity, temperature and ventilation.

Walls may take longer to dry even once the barrier has formed, particularly where masonry has been saturated for extended periods or where hygroscopic salts are present. Good background heat and steady ventilation support drying and help stabilise internal moisture profiles.

Decoration

Do not redecorate too early. Rising damp commonly leaves hygroscopic salts that can continue to attract moisture and cause staining even after a chemical DPC is installed. Salt-contaminated plaster should be removed to at least 300mm above the highest damp mark and replaced with an appropriate salt-resistant replastering system.

Where replastering is required, salt-resistant options such as Wykamol Renovation Plaster or Wykamol Renderproof help reduce the risk of recurring staining and failure of internal finishes. Allow injected walls to stand for as long as practical, and for at least 14 days, before commencing salt management and replastering, then follow the plaster system guidance on curing and decoration.

Cleaning

Wipe spillages immediately. Wash contaminated non-porous surfaces with warm soapy water as soon as possible. Where cream contacts porous, non-target surfaces such as paving, it will often dry to a clear finish, but prompt cleaning remains best practice.

Clean and maintain applicator equipment in line with the tool manufacturer’s instructions. Remove residual material from nozzles, lances and contact areas promptly after use to prevent build-up and keep the equipment ready for the next application.

Limitations

DampSolve-40 is designed to control rising damp by forming a chemical damp proof course within masonry. It does not resolve penetrating damp, plumbing leaks, condensation, or lateral moisture ingress below ground level, and these must be diagnosed and addressed separately.

Performance depends on correct DPC height, correct drilling pattern, correct hole depth, and complete treatment continuity. Bridging by external ground levels, internal screeds, render, debris in cavities, or plaster carried below DPC level can compromise results and must be corrected as part of the specification.

Other Information

Installations should follow good practice and, where possible, align with BS6576:2005 Code of Practice for the installation of chemical damp-proof courses. Plan the full treatment line before drilling, including corners, party walls, changes in elevation and adjoining structures, and provide vertical DPC continuity where required.

Where additional internal damp management is needed, DampSolve-40 can be used as part of a wider system alongside studded damp proof mesh membranes such as Platinum DM2 Eco-Mesh and Platinum DM3 Pro-Mesh Membranes, subject to correct detailing and finishing. For unusual wall constructions, historic buildings, or uncertain damp diagnosis, a competent survey should be undertaken before specifying chemical injection treatment.

Q) What is DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream, and what does it do?

A) DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream is a professional rising damp treatment cream used to form a chemical damp proof course in masonry mortar beds. It is formulated with 40% active ingredients and is injected into a line of 12mm drilled holes along a selected mortar course. After injection it migrates through the pore structure, reverts towards a liquid phase, and reacts to form water repellent polysiloxanes in-situ. Once cured it creates a continuous hydrophobic barrier that reduces capillary moisture movement, helping walls dry out over time when used as part of a complete rising damp specification.

Q) How does DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream stop rising damp?

A) Rising damp is driven by capillary action drawing ground moisture up through porous mortar and masonry. DampSolve-40 is designed to interrupt that pathway inside the wall, not just mask the symptoms on the surface. Once injected into the mortar bed it spreads through the pore structure and reacts to form polysiloxanes, which line the pores and make the treated zone water repellent. This creates a hydrophobic barrier across the treated course, reducing further capillary uptake while allowing the wall fabric above to dry gradually. Results are best when bridging is removed and salt contaminated plaster is dealt with, as salts can continue to attract moisture even after the DPC is working.

Q) What are the typical signs that DampSolve-40 is suitable for a property?

A) DampSolve-40 is typically chosen where rising damp is the confirmed issue and a new damp proof course is needed because an original DPC is missing, bridged or has failed. Common signs include low level dampness, tide marks, powdery salts on plaster, peeling paint, blown skirting finishes, and musty odours that are worst near floor level. These symptoms often appear on ground floor external walls and sometimes on internal loadbearing walls. It is important to rule out other moisture sources first, such as leaking rainwater goods, high external ground levels, plumbing leaks, penetrating damp, and condensation, as these can mimic or overlap with rising damp and need different solutions.

Q) Where should the DampSolve-40 injection line be installed in a wall?

A) The injection line should be set so it blocks capillary moisture but is not easily bridged by external ground or internal finishes. As a general rule the chemical DPC line is positioned at least 150mm above external ground level wherever practical. Internally it is often installed as close to floor level as sensible, while still respecting the external ground relationship and avoiding bridging from screeds, plaster, render or debris. Continuity matters as much as height, so the selected mortar course should run through corners, returns, chimney breasts and junctions without gaps. Where levels change, vertical continuity can be needed to stop damp bypassing the treated line.

Q) What wall types are suitable for DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream?

A) DampSolve-40 is designed for most common UK masonry where a workable drilling line can be formed, including solid brickwork, blockwork, and many cavity wall situations where each leaf can be treated correctly. It can also be used on many stone walls, but irregular mortar lines and variable porosity mean the drilling layout may need more care to maintain continuity. Walls should be structurally sound and stable. Cavity walls must not be bridged at DPC level, as debris can allow moisture to bypass the treated course. Very thick walls often need drilling and injection from both sides at matching heights to achieve full depth coverage and avoid leaving an untreated core.

Q) What drilling pattern is recommended for DampSolve-40?

A) DampSolve-40 is normally installed by drilling 12mm holes horizontally into the selected mortar bed at centres not exceeding 120mm. Hole depth is typically around 90% of the wall thickness, so the cream is placed deep enough to treat the course effectively without breaking through. Keep the drilling line level and consistent, and aim for a continuous run along the mortar bed. In irregular masonry it helps to target the base of perpends along the chosen course so the treated zone links together. Clear drill dust from holes to reduce blockages and improve dosing consistency. Missed holes, blocked holes and uneven spacing are common causes of weak spots in the finished barrier.

Q) How deep should the holes be for DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream?

A) Hole depth is usually set at approximately 90% of the wall thickness, which supports good distribution through the mortar course while helping maintain control during drilling. As a practical guide, that is around 100mm for 115mm walls, 210mm for 230mm walls, 320mm for 345mm walls, and 430mm for 460mm walls. These depths assume a standard horizontal drill line into the mortar bed. If the wall is thicker than around 350mm, drilling from both sides at the same height is often recommended to achieve effective coverage through the full thickness. If holes repeatedly block due to friable mortar, re-drill immediately before injection or add an adjacent hole at the same level.

Q) What applicator equipment is used to inject DampSolve-40?

A) DampSolve-40 is a ready to use injection cream that can be applied using suitable low pressure injection equipment, chosen to suit the pack size and the job scale. Cartridge application is typically done with a robust cartridge gun and an injection nozzle that reaches the full hole depth, supporting steady backfilling from the rear outwards. Larger jobs may use a bucket and pump set-up with an injection lance to speed up work on long wall runs. The key requirement is controlled output and reliable depth placement, so each hole can be filled consistently without voids. Whatever tool is used, keep it clean and in good condition so flow remains smooth and dosing stays repeatable along the full DPC line.

Q) How do you inject DampSolve-40 properly to avoid voids?

A) The most reliable method is to backfill each drill hole from the rear outwards. Insert the nozzle or lance to the full depth of the hole, begin injecting, then withdraw steadily as the hole fills. Aim to fill each hole to within roughly 10mm of the wall face so the dosing is consistent along the course. Work methodically in one direction to avoid missing holes, and double check corners, returns and tight spots where continuity is easiest to lose. If a hole short fills, it is usually blocked by drilling dust, so clear and re-drill the hole before re-injecting. Consistent drilling depth, spacing and filling technique are what turn a line of holes into a continuous damp proof course.

Q) How long does DampSolve-40 take to cure and form the barrier?

A) DampSolve-40 forms its barrier as it migrates and reacts within the mortar and surrounding masonry. Final cure is commonly in the range of two to six weeks, influenced by wall thickness, moisture levels, temperature, ventilation and pore structure. The cream reverts towards a liquid phase after placement, helping distribution, then reacts to form water repellent polysiloxanes in-situ across the treated course. Even once the barrier has formed, the wall above may take longer to dry, especially where the masonry has been wet for a long time or where hygroscopic salts remain in plaster. Maintain steady ventilation and background warmth to support drying, and avoid expecting instant cosmetic change, as drying is usually progressive.

Q) How long will a treated wall take to dry out after DampSolve-40 installation?

A) Drying time varies widely and depends on how saturated the wall was, wall thickness, ventilation, heating and whether salts remain in the internal finishes. DampSolve-40 reduces further capillary moisture rise, but it does not remove water already held in the masonry. As the wall dries, moisture moves out by evaporation, which is faster with good airflow and steady background warmth. A common reason walls seem to stay damp is salt contamination in old plaster, because hygroscopic salts attract moisture from the air and can keep surfaces looking wet even when the wall fabric is improving. For best outcomes, remove salt contaminated plaster and reinstate with a salt resistant specification where needed, then allow time for the new finish to cure and dry before final decoration.

Q) Why is replastering often needed after using DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream?

A) DampSolve-40 tackles the moisture pathway in the wall, but it does not remove salts deposited by long term rising damp. These salts are hygroscopic, meaning they attract moisture from the air and can continue to cause staining, blistering paint, and plaster breakdown even after the damp proof course is working. That is why rising damp repairs often include removing contaminated plaster to a suitable height and replacing it with a salt resistant replastering system. This helps isolate salts, provides a stable background, and prevents recurring cosmetic failures that can be mistaken for ongoing damp. Skipping replastering can lead to disappointment, because the DPC can be effective while the internal finish still looks damp due to salt behaviour.

Q) How much coverage do you get from DampSolve-40, and what affects it?

A) Coverage depends on wall thickness, hole spacing, hole depth, and the porosity of the masonry. Using the standard pattern of 12mm holes at centres up to 120mm and drilling to around 90% of wall thickness, thicker walls will naturally use more material per linear metre. Highly porous masonry can also increase consumption because more cream is absorbed into the pore structure, and irregular construction may require additional holes to maintain continuity. Practical coverage is also affected by workmanship, such as blocked holes, inconsistent depth, or short filled holes that have to be corrected. For accurate planning, measure the linear metres of wall to be treated, confirm wall thicknesses, and use the product coverage guidance for those thicknesses, allowing a sensible margin for corners and awkward areas.

Q) Can DampSolve-40 be used on cavity walls, and what is the correct approach?

A) DampSolve-40 can be used on cavity wall construction, but the key is ensuring the barrier is formed where it needs to be and that bridging is not present at DPC level. In many cases each leaf is treated as its own wall, with a drilling and injection line that suits the leaf thickness. The cavity must be clear at the DPC height, because debris can transfer moisture and bypass the treated course. Continuity is especially important around openings, corners and junctions, where it is easy to miss sections or lose the drilling line. If the cavity is bridged by rubble or mortar droppings, deal with that first, as a chemical DPC cannot compensate for a physical bypass route. Where wall thickness is substantial or access is limited, a survey led approach helps set the correct drilling strategy.

Q) Is DampSolve-40 suitable for thick walls and older masonry buildings?

A) DampSolve-40 is often a strong option for older masonry where rising damp is confirmed, but thick walls and irregular construction need the drilling plan to match the wall build-up. In walls thicker than around 350mm, drilling and injection from both sides at the same height is commonly recommended to achieve full depth coverage and avoid leaving an untreated core. Older buildings can have variable mortar quality, voids, and mixed materials, which can lead to blocked holes or uneven absorption, so drilling accuracy and hole cleaning become more important. In stone or rubble walls, maintaining continuity can be more challenging, and drilling positions may need careful adjustment to keep the treated zone continuous across the wall. Where the wall is friable or structurally compromised, stabilise it first, as chemical DPC work relies on a sound mortar line to perform predictably.

Q) What are the main advantages of DampSolve-40 compared with lower strength DPC creams?

A) DampSolve-40 is formulated with 40% active ingredients, which is intended to support efficient diffusion and strong performance within the mortar bed compared with lower solids systems. After injection it rapidly migrates through the masonry pore structure, reverts towards a liquid phase and reacts to form water repellent polysiloxanes in-situ, creating a durable hydrophobic barrier. It is also designed for clean, controlled remedial work without high pressure pumping equipment, supporting precise dosing and tidier application than free flowing liquids. Low odour handling can make it more comfortable for internal work, particularly in occupied properties. As with any chemical DPC, the best results come from correct diagnosis, correct drilling layout, and proper control of bridging and salt contaminated finishes.

Q) What are the most common mistakes with DampSolve-40, and how do you avoid them?

A) The most common mistake is treating the wrong damp problem. DampSolve-40 is for rising damp, not condensation, leaks, or penetrating damp, so diagnosis and external checks matter. Bridging is another major issue, such as high external ground levels, internal screeds, render, or debris in cavities allowing moisture to bypass the treated line. Poor drilling discipline also causes problems, including uneven centres, shallow holes, blocked holes, or missed sections at corners and returns that break continuity. Inconsistent injection is equally common, especially failing to backfill from the rear outwards, leading to voids and weak spots. Finally, skipping salt management can leave walls looking damp, so remove contaminated plaster and replaster with a salt resistant system where salts are present. A methodical approach protects performance and finish quality.

Q) What safety precautions should be followed when using DampSolve-40 High Strength Damp Proof Cream?

A) Safe use involves both drilling and handling the cream. Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and protective workwear, and avoid prolonged skin contact. When drilling masonry, fine dust can be hazardous, so use dust control, a suitable mask, and hearing protection. Check for hidden services before drilling, including cables and pipes, and keep the work area tidy to prevent trips from tools and leads. Provide ventilation, particularly in confined areas such as basements and cupboards. Do not inject into unknown voids or unstable masonry, and do not work on walls showing significant cracking or movement until the underlying issue is addressed. If any product contacts skin or eyes, rinse promptly with clean water and follow the Safety Data Sheet guidance if irritation persists.

Q) How should DampSolve-40 be stored, and what site conditions matter during application?

A) Store DampSolve-40 sealed and upright in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. On site, the most important factors are maintaining a clean drilling line, ensuring holes are open to full depth, and keeping the injection method consistent. Avoid applying where masonry is frozen or where conditions prevent controlled drilling, as blockages and poor continuity increase the risk of weak spots. Plan access so you can work continuously along the treatment line, especially at corners and junctions, and protect surrounding surfaces where needed for a clean finish. After installation, drying depends heavily on ventilation and background warmth, so sensible occupancy conditions help walls stabilise. Storage protects product quality, but site method and preparation protect the final outcome.

Q) Can DampSolve-40 be used in basements and cellars?

A) DampSolve-40 can be used in basements and cellars where rising damp is part of the moisture picture, but it is important to understand the limits of a chemical DPC in below ground settings. A chemical damp proof course addresses capillary rise in a wall, but basements can also suffer lateral moisture ingress from surrounding ground pressure, which typically needs separate measures such as tanking or membrane systems. If the damp is primarily lateral, injecting a DPC alone will not solve it. Where rising damp is confirmed, set the DPC line carefully, control bridging and detail continuity, and plan the internal finish specification to manage salts and drying. Good ventilation is especially important in basements, both for safe drilling and to support drying after the moisture pathway has been reduced.

Q) What does installing DampSolve-40 in line with BS6576:2005 mean in practice?

A) BS6576:2005 is the UK code of practice for the installation of chemical damp proof courses, and following it is about doing the basics correctly and consistently. In practice that means confirming rising damp is the correct diagnosis, removing bridging, selecting an appropriate DPC height, and forming a continuous treated line through corners, returns, junctions and changes in level. It also means using a suitable drilling pattern, typically 12mm holes at centres up to 120mm, drilling to an appropriate depth, and ensuring each hole is fully and consistently backfilled. The standard also supports the idea that rising damp remediation is a system, so managing hygroscopic salts and reinstating finishes with a suitable specification is part of achieving a durable, customer visible outcome.

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet