DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits

Health & Safety Recommendations

Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use and follow local site safety rules. Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and workwear, and avoid prolonged skin contact. Provide good ventilation, particularly in cellars, basements and other confined areas. Keep the work area tidy and well lit, and control dust at source when drilling, as masonry dust can be harmful. Use suitable respiratory protection where required, and wear hearing protection when using SDS drilling equipment.

Before drilling, check for hidden services. Do not drill or inject where cables, pipework, or unknown voids may be present. If the wall is structurally unsound, badly cracked, or subject to ongoing movement, rectify this before treatment. DampSolve Damp Proof Cream is intended for low-pressure injection by hand using the supplied cartridge-and-gun method, and it should not be forced into unsafe cavities or unstable substrates.

Substrate Suitability

DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits are intended for the control of rising damp in common masonry, typically by injection into a selected mortar bed. The system is suitable for most typical UK brickwork and blockwork, and many stone constructions, provided a practical drilling pattern can be formed to create continuity across the chosen course.

Cavity walls may be treated provided drilling and injection are planned so that continuity is achieved within the masonry leaf being treated, and cavities are clear at the intended DPC level. Random stone and rubble-filled walls require additional care due to irregular mortar lines and varying porosity, and drilling positions may need adjustment to ensure the base of perpends along the chosen course is treated. In unusually thick, highly friable, or irregular walls, specialist advice should be sought to confirm the most appropriate drilling strategy.

Drilling Preparation

Successful rising damp treatment begins with correct diagnosis and preparation. Check and repair rainwater goods and drainage so gutters, downpipes and gullies discharge correctly and surface water is carried away from the building. Confirm external ground levels are not bridging the proposed damp proof course. As a general rule, position the DPC line at least 150mm above external ground level wherever practicable, and as close to internal floor level as possible where solid floors are present.

Internally, remove skirtings, fixings and any plaster or render that obstructs 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 signs of rising damp, or higher where contamination is extensive. Check low-level timbers for signs of fungal decay and address defects as part of the overall remedial programme. Ensure cavities are clear of debris at the intended DPC level where relevant, and plan for continuity at corners, chimney breasts, and adjoining walls.

Drill 12mm diameter holes horizontally into the selected mortar bed at centres not exceeding 120mm. Hole depth should be approximately 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 perpends along the chosen course to maintain continuity. If holes become blocked, re-drill immediately prior to injection or drill a new hole nearby to ensure the correct volume of cream is introduced.

Application Method

Ensure the cartridges and accessories are at a workable temperature and that the drilled holes are clean and open to full depth. Prepare the cartridge by cutting the nozzle end above the thread, then screw on the supplied injection nozzle securely. Load the cartridge into the supplied sealant gun, ensuring the drive mechanism engages smoothly and the cartridge is seated correctly.

Insert the injection nozzle to the full depth of the drilled hole. Begin dispensing and backfill steadily as you withdraw the nozzle, aiming to fill the hole fully to within approximately 10mm of the face. Filling from the rear of the hole outwards helps reduce voids and supports more consistent distribution within the mortar bed. Work methodically along the full length of the chosen course and take particular care around corners, reveals, changes in wall thickness and junctions with internal partitions, as continuity is most easily lost in these areas.

If treating cavity construction, ensure the drilling plan achieves continuity in the masonry being treated and that cavities are clear at the intended DPC level. Keep the nozzle clean during use, wipe away any excess cream promptly, and maintain consistent fill levels so the treated course forms an unbroken chemical damp proof line.

Coverage

Coverage depends on wall thickness, hole depth, hole spacing and substrate type. The 380ml cartridge kit format is designed for controlled dosing along the selected mortar bed using the standard 12mm hole pattern at up to 120mm centres. For accurate planning and ordering, refer to the coverage table below, as thicker walls and deeper holes require proportionally more cream.

Where masonry is unusually porous, irregular, or where drilling strategy must be adjusted due to wall construction, allow additional material to ensure continuity is maintained. Coverage can also be affected by missed holes, blocked holes, or inconsistent filling depth, so a methodical approach is essential for reliable results.

Curing Time

DampSolve migrates into the surrounding pore structure after injection and cures to form a hydrophobic barrier within the masonry. Final cure typically occurs within 2–6 weeks depending on wall thickness, moisture content, temperature and ventilation. Walls may remain damp for some time after installation, particularly where they have been saturated for long periods or where hygroscopic salts are present.

For best results, allow injected walls to dry for as long as practicable before replastering and redecorating. As a general minimum, allow at least 14 days before commencing salt management and replastering, with longer drying times preferred where programme allows. Good ventilation and stable background heat support drying and help reduce the likelihood of condensation adding further moisture during the drying phase.

Finishing

After injection, make good the drill holes once the cream has been absorbed and the surface is clean. Externally, holes can be finished neatly using colour-matched Universal DPC Injection Plugs to create a tidy, durable and weather-resistant closure. Alternatively, holes may be re-pointed with a compatible sand and cement mortar, compacted firmly into the recess to provide a robust finish that blends with the existing masonry.

Internally, holes can be plugged or pointed in the same way, or they can be left open where the replastering specification is designed to stop short of the DPC line. Whichever approach is chosen, avoid bridging the new damp proof course with finishes, render, plaster or screed that can bypass the treated mortar bed.

Decoration

Decoration should only take place after the wall has had sufficient time to dry and after salt-contaminated plaster has been managed correctly. Rising damp commonly leaves hygroscopic salts that can continue to attract moisture and cause staining even when the DPC is functioning, so removal of contaminated plaster and replacement with a salt-resistant system is often essential to achieve a durable internal finish. Suitable systems include Wykamol Renovation Plaster or Wykamol Renderproof, applied in accordance with an appropriate specification.

Avoid redecorating too early. Allow replacement plaster to cure and dry as instructed by the plaster manufacturer, and use compatible, breathable decorative finishes where specified. Impermeable coatings or wall coverings can trap residual moisture and prolong drying unless the wall build-up has been designed to manage vapour effectively.

Cleaning

Wipe up spillages immediately. Wash contaminated non-porous surfaces promptly with warm soapy water. If cream contacts porous but non-target surfaces such as paving, it will often dry clear, but cleaning straight away remains best practice for appearance and housekeeping.

Keep the outside of the nozzle and the gun clean during use to prevent build-up. Dispose of contaminated wipes, empty cartridges and drilling debris responsibly in accordance with local regulations. Once cured, residues are difficult to remove and may require mechanical removal from tools or surfaces.

Limitations

DampSolve Damp Proof Cream is designed to control rising damp by forming a hydrophobic chemical barrier within masonry, but it does not resolve other causes of dampness such as penetrating damp, leaks, lateral moisture ingress below ground level, or condensation. Bridging of the DPC by external ground levels, internal floor screeds, render, debris within cavities, or plaster taken below the DPC line can compromise performance and must be addressed as part of the remedial works.

Correct drilling pattern, correct hole depth and complete continuity are essential. Missed holes, blocked holes, shallow drilling or inconsistent filling can create gaps in the treated line and reduce effectiveness. In highly irregular walls, rubble-filled constructions, or unusually thick masonry, drilling strategy may need adjustment and specialist advice may be required.

Other Information

Plan the full treatment line before drilling, including corners, returns, changes in ground level and junctions with adjoining walls. Provide vertical DPC continuity where required to connect horizontal DPC lines and isolate untreated wall sections. Maintain the DPC height at least 150mm above external ground level wherever practicable, and keep the treated line consistent and level to support reliable moisture control.

Rising damp control works best as part of a complete remedial package. This includes moisture source control, correct DPC placement, salt management, appropriate replastering and sensible decoration choices. Where damp diagnosis is uncertain, or where building construction is unusual, obtain competent professional advice before specifying or installing a chemical damp proof course system.

Q) What are DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits, and what are they designed to solve?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits are designed to treat rising damp in existing masonry walls by forming an in-situ chemical damp proof course within a selected mortar bed. Rising damp occurs when moisture is drawn upwards from the ground through capillaries in mortar and masonry, often leading to low-level tide marks, salt deposits, blown plaster, peeling paint and skirting damage. The kit uses a silane-based emulsion cream that is injected into a line of 12mm drilled holes, where it migrates through the pore structure and cures to create a hydrophobic barrier. This barrier restricts further capillary moisture movement while allowing the wall to dry progressively under normal ventilation and heating conditions.

Q) What is included in a DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kit?

A) A DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kit combines the core rising damp treatment cream with key essentials for clean, controlled installation in typical UK walls. The kit includes DampSolve silane-based DPC injection cream supplied in 380ml cartridges, a Bond-It Economy Sealant Gun for steady hand-pressure injection, Beeswift green nitrile gauntlets to support safer handling and cleaner working, and 12mm x 260mm SDS drill bits to help form consistent injection holes in mortar beds. The intention is to provide a practical set-up for one-off remedial jobs and keen DIY projects without the need for high-pressure pumping equipment. Correct drilling layout, complete injection along the full run, and sensible follow-on finishing remain essential for reliable results.

Q) How does DampSolve Damp Proof Cream create a damp proof course inside the wall?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream forms a damp proof course by treating the moisture pathway within the masonry rather than coating the surface. After injection into the mortar bed, the silane-based cream migrates into the surrounding pore structure and gradually reverts towards a more fluid phase. This helps it spread laterally through the mortar joint and into adjacent brick, block or stone pores. As curing progresses, the active chemistry passivates across the treated course and creates a continuous hydrophobic zone. That zone repels liquid water, restricting capillary rise from the ground, while still allowing vapour diffusion so the wall can dry out over time. Continuity matters: the treated line must be complete through corners, returns and junctions to prevent moisture bypass.

Q) What makes DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits different from pump-applied 5L systems?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits are designed around portability and controlled, low-mess application using hand pressure rather than a pump. The cartridge format suits shorter wall runs, isolated damp patches, room-by-room remedial work and one-off projects where set-up speed and simplicity matter. There is no pump chamber to load and no pump cleaning routine between areas, which can be helpful in occupied properties and tight internal spaces. Pump-applied tub systems can be more efficient for long, continuous runs and repeat work where higher throughput is needed. Both approaches rely on the same fundamentals: correct diagnosis of rising damp, correct DPC height, consistent drilling centres and depth, and complete continuity. Results depend more on method and detailing than on format alone.

Q) Where are DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits typically used in a property?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits are typically used at low level in ground-floor walls where rising damp symptoms are present or where an existing physical DPC is missing, bridged or no longer performing. Common locations include front rooms, hallways, dining rooms, internal partitions on the ground floor, chimney breasts, and perimeter walls where external ground levels or damp soil conditions have contributed to long-term moisture rise. The injection line is normally installed in a selected mortar bed that provides the most continuous route across the affected wall run. These kits are often used during refurbishment when skirtings are removed and plaster is stripped back, making the mortar bed accessible for drilling. They can be used internally or externally, provided the DPC line is set correctly relative to external ground and internal finishes.

Q) Which wall materials are suitable for DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits are suitable for many common UK masonry walls where a continuous drilling line can be formed along a mortar bed. This includes solid brickwork, blockwork, and many stone walls, subject to sensible assessment of the construction and mortar condition. The wall should be structurally sound, with mortar that can be drilled cleanly and consistently so holes remain open to full depth for injection. Cavity walls can also be treated, but the drilling and injection strategy must ensure the correct leaf or both leaves are treated fully, and the cavity should be clear at DPC level to avoid bridging. Random stone and rubble-filled walls can be more variable, so drilling positions may need adapting to maintain a continuous treated band across the chosen course.

Q) How can rising damp be confirmed before using DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits?

A) Confirming rising damp before installing DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits helps avoid treating the wrong problem. Rising damp is typically associated with low-level dampness that is worst near the floor, often accompanied by salts, powdery deposits, blown plaster, decayed skirtings and repeated paint failure close to ground level. However, similar symptoms can be caused by penetrating damp from defective gutters, downpipes, pointing, render cracks or leaking drains, and by condensation in cold rooms with poor ventilation. A sensible check includes inspecting rainwater goods, drainage and external ground levels, looking for bridged cavities or render bridging, and considering whether the damp pattern worsens after rainfall or during cold weather. If another moisture source is present, it should be corrected first, otherwise dampness can persist even after DPC injection.

Q) Where should the DampSolve Damp Proof Cream injection line be installed for best results?

A) The injection line for DampSolve Damp Proof Cream should be positioned so it blocks capillary moisture while avoiding bridging by external ground and internal finishes. A common good-practice target is at least 150mm above external ground level wherever feasible. Internally, the line is often set as close to finished floor level as practical, particularly with solid floors, provided external detailing still prevents bridging. If internal floors sit below external ground level, additional measures below the DPC line may be needed to manage lateral moisture risk, so positioning must be considered carefully. The most important factor is continuity: the injection line should run unbroken through corners, returns, chimney breasts and junctions with internal partitions. A continuous treated course is more reliable than multiple interrupted sections, because moisture will exploit any bypass route.

Q) What drilling pattern is used with DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits are typically installed using 12mm diameter drill holes along the selected mortar bed at centres not exceeding 120mm. Keeping spacing consistent helps ensure the treated zones overlap to form a continuous hydrophobic barrier. The drilling line should be level and should follow one mortar course wherever possible, as jumping between courses can create weak points. In irregular masonry, hole positions should aim to maintain continuity along the bed and help connect through the joint network, including at perpends where appropriate. Drilling dust should be removed from each hole after drilling, as compacted spoil can restrict nozzle entry and cause short-filling. Around corners, reveals and returns, the same spacing principle should be maintained so the treated line remains continuous rather than thinning out where damp often persists.

Q) How deep should holes be drilled for DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits?

A) Hole depth for DampSolve Damp Proof Cream injection is typically set at around 90% of the wall thickness, which helps achieve effective distribution through the wall without breaking through. As practical examples, a 115mm wall is commonly drilled to around 100mm, a 230mm wall to around 210mm, a 345mm wall to around 320mm, and a 460mm wall to around 430mm, with intermediate thicknesses calculated proportionally. Depth matters because shallow holes can under-treat the wall thickness and reduce continuity, while drilled-through holes can lead to loss of material and uneven dosing. If the mortar is friable, holes may collapse or block, so re-drilling or drilling an additional hole at the same level helps maintain the correct dose along the treated course. Clean, open holes make injection more consistent and predictable.

Q) How is DampSolve Damp Proof Cream injected correctly using the supplied sealant gun?

A) Correct injection with DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits focuses on consistent backfilling from the rear of each hole outwards. The injection nozzle should be inserted to the full depth of the drilled hole, then the cream should be dispensed steadily while the nozzle is withdrawn slowly. This approach helps minimise voids and ensures the hole is filled evenly along its length, typically to within about 10mm of the wall face. Working methodically along the full treatment line reduces the risk of missed holes, which can create gaps in the chemical DPC. If a hole will not accept a full dose due to blockage, it should be re-drilled to full depth or a nearby hole drilled at the same height so continuity is not lost. Keeping the nozzle clean during injection also helps maintain a steady flow and consistent dosing.

Q) Can DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits be used on cavity walls?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits can be used on cavity walls, but the strategy must ensure the treated barrier is continuous and not bridged within the cavity. The safest approach is usually to treat each leaf as its own wall by drilling and injecting the correct pattern into each leaf at the same height. Cavity debris at DPC level is a common reason for ongoing damp transfer, so a clear cavity is important where possible. Particular care is needed around openings, corners and party wall junctions where continuity is easiest to lose. The injection line should not be bridged by internal plaster below DPC level, external render, high external ground, or internal screeds that can transmit moisture above the treated course. When planned properly, treating both leaves helps reduce capillary rise and supports long-term low-level dryness and finish stability.

Q) Do DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits work on thick walls and older solid masonry?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits can work well on older properties, but thick or irregular walls require careful drilling strategy and continuity checks. In very thick masonry, distribution through the full thickness can be harder to achieve from one side, so access, hole depth, and consistency become more important. Older brickwork may also have variable mortar quality, voids, and irregular bedding, which can lead to blocked holes or uneven uptake if drilling is rushed. Where holes collapse or block, re-drilling or adding adjacent holes at the same height helps maintain dosing. Random stone and rubble-filled walls can be treated in some cases, but drilling positions may need adapting to maintain a continuous treated band through the most consistent joint network. For best outcomes, combine the chemical DPC with correct DPC height, bridging control, and proper salt management in internal finishes.

Q) How much coverage do DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits provide?

A) Coverage for DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits depends mainly on wall thickness, drilling centres, and hole depth, because thicker walls require deeper holes and more cream per linear metre. A useful way to estimate requirements is to measure the total linear metres of wall to be treated, confirm the wall thickness, then plan holes at up to 120mm centres and calculate material use based on the drilled volume being filled. Refer to the table in the Coverage section. In practice, irregular mortar, hard masonry, and blocked holes can increase consumption because extra drilling and dosing may be needed to maintain continuity. Corners, returns, chimney breasts and junctions also add length that is easy to overlook when calculating. For reliable ordering, measure each run carefully, include both sides where thick walls are treated from both faces, and allow a margin for site variables and any localised re-drilling.

Q) How long does DampSolve Damp Proof Cream take to cure, and how long does a wall take to dry?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream typically achieves final cure within around 2 to 6 weeks, depending on wall thickness, initial moisture load, porosity, temperature and ventilation. During this period the cream migrates through the mortar and masonry pores and cures to form the hydrophobic barrier within the selected course. Wall drying takes longer than chemical cure because the masonry above the new DPC may hold stored moisture and salts from long-term dampness. Visible damp patches can persist until moisture profiles stabilise and salts are managed properly. Good background heating and steady ventilation support drying, while cold, unventilated rooms slow improvement. Even when the DPC is working, finishes can still look damp if hygroscopic salts remain in old plaster. A complete specification, including salt management and sensible decoration timing, helps the drying phase translate into a stable internal finish.

Q) Why is salt-resistant replastering recommended after DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits?

A) Salt-resistant replastering is recommended because rising damp usually leaves hygroscopic salts within old plaster. These salts attract moisture from the air and can continue to cause staining, powdering and blistering even after DampSolve Damp Proof Cream has reduced moisture rise within the wall. Removing contaminated plaster helps break that cycle and prevents salts from undermining new decorations. A typical approach is to strip plaster in the damp zone to at least 300mm above the highest visible sign of dampness, then reinstate using a salt-resistant system such as Wykamol Renovation Plaster or Wykamol Renderproof, applied to a suitable specification. This provides a more stable background, reduces the risk of recurring salt bloom, and helps the wall’s gradual drying translate into lasting internal finishes. Without salt management, a chemical DPC can be working correctly while the room still looks damp.

Q) When can decoration be carried out after DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits are installed?

A) Decoration should be timed around drying, salt management, and the curing of any replacement plaster system. After DampSolve Damp Proof Cream is injected, the treated wall course needs time to cure and the wall above it needs time to dry down, which varies with wall thickness, saturation level, ventilation and heating. If salt-contaminated plaster is removed and replaced with a salt-resistant system, decoration should only start once that plaster has cured and dried in accordance with its guidance, otherwise paint and wallpaper can fail prematurely. Breathable finishes are often preferred during the drying phase because they allow moisture vapour to escape more readily, whereas impermeable coatings can trap moisture and slow progress. Early redecoration is a common cause of recurring staining, so patience and correct sequencing usually produce a cleaner, more durable result.

Q) How should the drill holes be finished after using DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits?

A) Finishing the drill holes is mainly about achieving a tidy appearance without creating bridging at the DPC level. Externally, holes can be pointed with a compatible mortar matched as closely as practical to the joint profile and colour, compacted firmly to a neat finish. Alternatively, Universal DPC Injection Plugs can be used to provide a consistent, clean-looking closure where a uniform finish is preferred. Internally, holes are often covered by the replastering system where plaster is being replaced in the damp zone. If internal holes are made good before replastering, the fill should not create a dense bridge that traps moisture or bypasses the treated course. Keeping the DPC line continuous and avoiding finishes that extend below it in a way that bridges the barrier helps the wall dry more predictably and reduces the risk of damp symptoms reappearing above the treatment line.

Q) What safety precautions apply when using DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits?

A) Safe use involves both drilling and chemical handling. Wear the supplied nitrile gauntlets, along with suitable eye protection and workwear, and use respiratory protection when drilling because masonry dust can be hazardous. Hearing protection is sensible when using SDS drills, especially on long runs. Ensure the work area is well ventilated, particularly in basements, cellars and confined rooms, and control dust to reduce spread through occupied spaces. Before drilling, check for hidden services such as cables and pipework, and avoid drilling where routes are uncertain. During injection, avoid skin and eye contact, clean splashes promptly with soap and water, and keep materials away from children and food areas. Maintain tidy access along the wall line and manage cables, tools and debris to reduce trips and falls. If a wall is structurally unsound or severely cracked, it should be stabilised before damp treatment.

Q) What are the main limitations and common mistakes with DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits are designed to control rising damp, not penetrating damp, plumbing leaks, condensation, or lateral moisture ingress below ground level. Misdiagnosis is a common reason for disappointment, so moisture sources such as rainwater defects, high external ground, and condensation risks should be addressed first. Bridging is another major issue, including external ground levels above the DPC line, internal screeds, render, debris in cavities, or plaster taken below DPC level that allows moisture to bypass the treated course. Installation mistakes also matter: missed holes, blocked holes not re-drilled, shallow drilling, uneven centres, and inconsistent filling can create gaps in the treated line. Finally, leaving salt-contaminated plaster in place can keep finishes looking damp even when the DPC is working, so salt management and correct replastering are often essential for a durable decorative result.

Q) How should DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits be stored and handled before use?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof Cream - 380ml Cartridge Kits should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight and extremes of temperature, and kept in original packaging until needed. Cartridges should be kept sealed to prevent contamination and to maintain consistent extrusion when loaded into the supplied gun. Before use, ensure the work area is prepared, drilling dust is cleared from holes, and access along the wall run is safe and tidy. Handling is simpler than pump systems, but good practice still matters: keep cartridges clean, keep the nozzle free of drilling dust, and avoid leaving open nozzles where debris can enter. During installation, maintain a consistent method and do not rush corners and junctions where continuity is easiest to lose. After use, wipe down the gun and nozzle externally so dried residues do not interfere with smooth operation on the next section of work.

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet