DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream

Health & Safety Recommendations

Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use, and ensure the work is planned and carried out by a competent person. Wear suitable gloves, eye protection and workwear, and avoid prolonged skin contact. Provide good ventilation, particularly in confined areas such as basements and cellars.

Masonry drilling creates fine dust that can be hazardous. Use appropriate dust control, wear a suitable respirator where required, and use ear protection. Check for hidden services before drilling, including electrical cables, gas, water and drainage routes, and maintain a safe, tidy working area to prevent slips, trips and falls.

Do not inject into unknown voids, live electrical zones, or structurally unsound walls. If the wall is severely cracked, unstable, or shows signs of significant movement, the underlying issue should be resolved before any rising damp treatment is attempted.

Substrate Suitability

DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is intended for injection into masonry to help control rising damp, typically by dosing a selected mortar bed. It is suitable for most common forms of construction including solid brickwork, blockwork, cavity walls and many stone walls, provided a practical drilling line can be formed to create continuity across the chosen course.

Cavity walls may be treated by treating each leaf as a separate wall, or by drilling through the inner leaf across the cavity and into the outer leaf, but only where the cavity is clear at the intended DPC level and the drilling strategy maintains full coverage. Random stone and rubble-infill walls require particular care due to irregular mortar lines and variable porosity, and walls thicker than 350mm will often require drilling from both sides at matching heights to achieve effective distribution.

Surface Preparation

Rising damp should be confirmed as the primary moisture mechanism before treatment. Address defects that can mimic or worsen dampness, including leaking rainwater goods, overflowing gutters, defective downpipes, damaged drains and poor surface water management. External ground levels should not bridge the intended damp proof course line.

Internally, remove skirtings, fixings and finishes that obstruct access to the chosen mortar bed. Plaster contaminated with hygroscopic salts should be removed from the treatment area to at least 300mm above the highest visible sign of rising damp, or higher where contamination is extensive, to reduce the risk of future staining and finish failure.

Check low-level timbers for signs of fungal decay and address any repairs as part of the overall remedial specification. For cavity walls, ensure cavities are clear of debris at the intended DPC level, as bridging can compromise performance.

Drilling Preparation

Select the DPC line carefully. As a general rule, the chemical DPC should be installed at least 150mm above external ground level wherever feasible. Where internal floors are below external ground level, external trenching may be required (where foundation depth allows) to reduce bridging and lower the moisture load. Where this is not practical, the DPC line may need to be positioned 150mm above external ground level with appropriate internal measures below the DPC to reduce the risk of lateral moisture and salt migration.

Drill 12mm diameter holes horizontally in the selected mortar bed at centres not exceeding 120mm. Hole depth is typically approximately 90% of wall thickness, adjusted pro rata for intermediate sizes. As a practical guide, drill to around 100mm for 115mm walls, 210mm for 230mm walls, 320mm for 345mm walls, and 430mm for 460mm walls.

Maintain a consistent, level drilling line. In irregular masonry, ensure the drilling pattern targets the base of perpends along the chosen course so continuity is maintained. If drill holes become blocked, re-drill immediately prior to injection or drill an additional hole nearby to ensure the correct volume of cream can be introduced.

Product Sizes & Recommended Applicators

DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is supplied in multiple pack formats to suit different project scales and application preferences.

• The 380ml cartridge is designed for use with a C4 skeleton gun such as the Bond-It Economy C4 Sealant Gun or the Cox Professional C4 Sealant Gun, used with the extension nozzle supplied to reach the required hole depth.
  
  

• The 1L cartridge format is typically applied using a dedicated DPC cartridge gun such as the Cox Powerflow DPC Cartridge Gun fitted with a brass injection nozzle.
  
  

• For larger-scale works, 5L tubs are intended for use with a suitable pressure injection pump fitted with a DPC injection lance, such as our Selecta 7 DPC Injection Pump or the Osatu 7 DPC Injection Pump.

Whichever applicator is used, ensure it is in good condition and capable of delivering a steady, controlled output so each hole can be reliably backfilled from the rear outwards.

Application Method

Once drilling is complete and the wall line is ready, load the DampSolve pack into the chosen applicator. Insert the nozzle or injection lance to the full depth of the drill hole, ensuring it reaches the back of the hole.

Inject the cream steadily while slowly withdrawing the nozzle so the hole is backfilled from the rear towards the face. Fill each hole fully to within approximately 10mm of the surface. This method helps minimise voids and supports consistent distribution within the mortar bed for chemical DPC formation.

Continue along the full treatment line, ensuring no holes are missed, particularly around corners, chimney breasts, reveals and changes in wall thickness. For cavity walls, ensure the drilling and injection strategy delivers complete treatment to both leaves where required, and only drill through cavities where the cavity is confirmed clear at the intended DPC level.

Coverage

Coverage depends on wall thickness, drill spacing, hole depth and substrate type. As a simple volume guide, a 5L tub provides approximately 5x the material volume of a 1L cartridge under the same drilling pattern, but the practical outcome will vary with masonry type and drilling strategy.

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.

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. Alternatively, Universal DPC Injection Plugs can be used to provide a tidy, consistent appearance, with colours selected 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 and should maintain a clear, continuous line at the intended height.

Curing Time

DampSolve diffuses 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.

Even once the barrier has formed, walls may take longer to dry, especially where the masonry has been saturated for an extended period or where hygroscopic salts are present. Good background heat and steady ventilation support drying.

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 prevent 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 and contact areas promptly after use to avoid build-up and to keep the system ready for the next application.

Limitations

DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream 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 any adjoining structures, and provide vertical DPC continuity where required.

Where additional internal damp management is required, DampSolve may 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 the correct detailing and finishing specification. 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 Damp Proof DPC Cream, and what is it designed to do?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is a silane-based emulsion cream used to control rising damp in masonry walls by forming a new chemical damp proof course inside the wall. It is injected into a selected mortar bed through a line of 12mm drilled holes, where it migrates into the pore structure and then cures to create a hydrophobic barrier. That barrier helps restrict capillary moisture movement from the ground up, which is what typically causes low-level tide marks, salt deposits, blistering paint, blown plaster and skirting damage. DampSolve is designed for clean, controlled application with an applicator gun, avoiding high-pressure pumping and the mess that can come with liquid injection methods, while still delivering a robust in-situ DPC when installed correctly.

Q) How does DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream work inside brickwork and mortar joints?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream works by being placed directly into the mortar bed, which is usually the most continuous pathway for moisture movement in masonry. After injection, the cream gradually reverts towards a more fluid phase, allowing it to spread through the capillaries in the mortar and into adjacent brick, block or stone pores. As it passivates across the joint and cures, it forms a water-repellent zone that resists liquid water uptake while still allowing water vapour to diffuse. This is why it is described as an in-situ chemical damp proof course rather than a surface coating. For reliable performance, the treated line needs continuity along the full wall run, including corners, returns and junctions where damp pathways often bypass incomplete treatments.

Q) What types of damp problems can DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream fix, and what can’t it fix?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is designed specifically for rising damp, where moisture is drawn upward from the ground through capillaries in mortar and masonry. It can be very effective at reducing the moisture pathway that causes low-level damp symptoms, particularly when bridging and salt contamination are addressed properly. It will not solve penetrating damp caused by leaking gutters, cracked render, poor pointing, defective drains or wind-driven rain, because those introduce moisture laterally through the wall. It also will not solve condensation, which is caused by humid air meeting cold surfaces, often behind furniture or in poorly ventilated rooms. If the underlying cause is misdiagnosed, any chemical DPC can appear ineffective because moisture is still entering by another route.

Q) When should DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream be used instead of liquid injection systems?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is often preferred where you want cleaner handling and controlled dosing without setting up high-pressure pumps. Cream stays where it is injected rather than running out of holes, which makes it easier to work neatly in occupied homes and tight internal spaces. It also suits jobs where portability matters, such as multiple rooms, short wall runs, or properties with limited access, because the applicator-gun method is straightforward and avoids pump flushing and downtime between areas. In many typical UK brick and block walls, a correctly drilled and injected cream DPC can provide comparable remedial outcomes to liquid systems, provided the drilling pattern and continuity are right. The choice usually comes down to practicality, site workflow, and ensuring full coverage of the selected mortar course.

Q) Which wall types are suitable for DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is suitable for most common masonry walls where a practical drilling line can be formed along a selected mortar bed. This includes solid brickwork, blockwork, cavity walls (with correct strategy), and many stone walls, subject to sensible assessment of the construction. The wall should be structurally sound, with a mortar course that can be followed consistently enough to maintain continuity around corners and junctions. Cavity walls can be treated effectively, but only if both leaves are properly addressed and the cavity is clear at the treatment level, as debris can bridge moisture across the new barrier. Random stone and rubble-filled walls may still be treatable, but they often need adapted drilling positions and sometimes drilling from both sides to achieve distribution through the thickness.

Q) How do I know if I actually need DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream for rising damp?

A) Before using DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream, it is worth checking that the symptoms match rising damp rather than another moisture source. Rising damp typically shows as low-level dampness that is worst near the floor, often with powdery salts, a musty smell, blown plaster, and recurring decoration failure at the base of walls. However, similar symptoms can be caused by high external ground levels, bridged cavities, leaking rainwater goods, internal plumbing leaks, or condensation in cold corners. A sensible check includes looking at external levels and drainage, confirming gutters and downpipes are not saturating the wall, and considering room ventilation and heating patterns. If external ground bridges the DPC line, or water is entering through defects, you should fix those first, otherwise the wall can remain damp regardless of chemical DPC installation.

Q) Where should the DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream injection line be positioned?

A) The DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream injection line should be positioned to block capillary moisture while avoiding bridging by external ground and internal finishes. As a general rule, the DPC line should be at least 150mm above external ground level wherever feasible. Internally, it is commonly set as close to finished floor level as practical, particularly with solid floors, provided the external 150mm rule is still met or suitable measures are in place to prevent bridging and lateral moisture below ground. The most important factor is continuity: the injection line needs to run unbroken through corners, returns, chimney breasts, party wall junctions, and any changes in wall thickness. If the DPC line is interrupted, moisture can bypass the treated zone and reappear elsewhere, giving the impression the treatment has failed.

Q) What drilling pattern is recommended when installing DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is typically installed by drilling 12mm diameter holes along the selected mortar bed at centres not exceeding 120mm. Keeping centres consistent helps ensure the treated zones overlap and form a continuous hydrophobic barrier. The drill line should be level and should follow a single mortar course wherever possible, because hopping between courses can create weak spots. In irregular masonry, it helps to position holes so the treatment connects through the mortar bed and intersects the base of perpends, supporting continuity across the wall. After drilling, removing dust from each hole improves injection consistency and helps avoid short-filling. Blocked holes, missed holes, or uneven spacing are common causes of patchy performance, because they can create gaps in the chemical DPC line where moisture can continue to rise.

Q) How deep should the holes be for DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream injection?

A) Hole depth for DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is usually set at approximately 90% of the wall thickness, so the cream is delivered deep enough to treat the mortar bed effectively 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. Drilling too shallow can reduce effectiveness because the barrier may not extend far enough through the wall, while drilling through can cause loss of material and uneven dosing. On hard or variable mortar beds, holes can block or collapse, so re-drilling or adding an adjacent hole at the same level helps maintain dosing and continuity along the course.

Q) How do you inject DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream correctly with an applicator gun?

A) Correct injection with DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is about placing the cream from the rear of each hole outwards, consistently, so distribution in the mortar bed is reliable. Insert the nozzle fully to the back of the drilled hole, start dispensing, and then withdraw the nozzle slowly while maintaining steady pressure so the hole backfills evenly. The aim is to fill each hole to within roughly 10mm of the wall face without leaving voids. Work methodically along the full treatment line and avoid skipping around, because missed holes are easy to overlook once drilling dust and debris are present. If a hole is blocked and will not accept the full dose, re-drill it immediately or drill an additional hole nearby at the same level. A consistent method produces a more continuous chemical DPC and reduces patchy drying results later.

Q) How should DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream be used on cavity walls?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream can be used on cavity walls, but both leaves must be treated properly and the cavity must be clear at the DPC level. If debris bridges the cavity, moisture can bypass the treated line and still appear internally. The most straightforward approach is to drill and inject each leaf separately as if treating two independent walls, ensuring correct hole depth and spacing for each leaf thickness. Alternative drilling methods can work, but the end result still needs a complete treated line in both leaves. Pay extra attention around openings, corners and party wall junctions, because continuity is easiest to lose in these areas. Also check for bridging by render, internal plaster, or floor screeds that can carry moisture above the new DPC, making the wall look damp even when the DPC is present.

Q) Does DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream work in thick walls and older properties?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream can work well in older properties, but thick or irregular walls require the drilling strategy to match the construction. In walls above roughly 350mm thickness, drilling and injecting from both sides at the same height is often necessary to achieve distribution through the full thickness and avoid under-treated cores. Older brickwork can also have variable mortar quality, voids, and inconsistent bedding, which makes hole cleaning and continuity more important. If mortar is friable, holes may collapse or block, so re-drilling or adding holes at the same level helps maintain the correct dose. In random stone or rubble walls, the mortar line may not be consistent, so drilling positions sometimes need adapting while still keeping a continuous treated band. A careful, methodical installation generally produces better results than trying to rush a difficult wall.

Q) How long does DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream take to cure and become effective?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream forms its hydrophobic barrier as it migrates into the masonry and cures in situ, and final cure is typically achieved within 2 to 6 weeks. The exact time depends on wall thickness, temperature, initial moisture load, porosity and ventilation. In practice, the barrier can begin to reduce moisture movement earlier, but it is normal for walls to look damp for a period afterwards because the masonry and internal finishes still hold stored moisture and salts. The goal is to stop further moisture rise so the wall can progressively dry out. Keeping the property at steady background temperatures and maintaining sensible ventilation supports drying. If you replaster too early or trap moisture with impermeable finishes, the wall can appear slow to improve, even if the chemical DPC has formed correctly.

Q) Why is replastering often needed after DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream treatment?

A) Replastering is often needed after DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream because rising damp commonly leaves hygroscopic salts in old plaster. These salts attract moisture from the air, so surfaces can continue to look damp, stain, or blister even after a new chemical DPC is working and moisture rise is reduced. Removing salt-contaminated plaster helps break that cycle and prevents repeated decoration failure. A salt-resistant replastering system such as Wykamol Renovation Plaster or Wykamol Renderproof is typically used because it is designed to resist salt migration and provide a more stable background for decoration. Plaster is usually removed to at least 300mm above the highest visible damp mark, or higher if contamination is widespread. This is not about making the wall dry overnight; it is about preventing salts and weakened plaster from masking the real improvement over time.

Q) When can I redecorate after using DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) Redecorating after DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream should be timed around drying, salt management, and the curing of any new plaster system. Even when the chemical DPC has cured, the wall above it may still be drying for a period, especially in thicker masonry, colder conditions, or where the wall has been saturated for years. If salt-contaminated plaster has been removed and replaced with a salt-resistant system, decoration should only happen once the new plaster has cured and dried in line with its guidance. Breathable paints are often preferred during the drying phase because they allow moisture vapour to escape, whereas impermeable coatings and vinyl wallcoverings can trap moisture and prolong drying. A sensible approach is to avoid rushing to decorate over unstable backgrounds, because early decoration is a common reason for recurring staining and “damp-looking” walls.

Q) Can DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream be combined with Platinum DM2 Eco-Mesh or DM3 Pro-Mesh membranes?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream can be used as part of a combined damp management approach where an injected DPC is paired with internal mesh membrane systems such as Platinum DM2 Eco-Mesh or DM3 Pro-Mesh. The chemical DPC helps restrict rising moisture within the masonry, while a membrane system can provide additional control of residual moisture and salts at the internal surface and offer a consistent substrate for replastering or dry-lining. This type of combined approach is commonly considered where walls are heavily salt-contaminated, where drying times are likely to be long, or where a robust internal finish is required as part of refurbishment. The key is correct detailing so the system does not create bridging above the DPC line and does not trap moisture in a way that causes secondary issues. Used sensibly, a combined specification can improve finish reliability in challenging low-level damp scenarios.

Q) How should the injection holes be finished after installing DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) After installing DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream, finishing is mainly about keeping the DPC line tidy without creating bridging. Externally, holes can be pointed neatly with a compatible sand and cement mortar matched as closely as practical to the existing joint, compacted flush and finished to the original profile. Alternatively, purpose-made DPC injection plugs can provide a consistent, clean appearance where you want a uniform finish along the treatment line. Internally, holes are often left to be covered by the replastering system, especially when plaster is being replaced in the damp zone. If you do make good internally before replastering, avoid taking dense materials or finishes below the new DPC level in a way that could inhibit drying or create a moisture bridge. The aim is a continuous DPC line with finishes that support, rather than undermine, the drying process.

Q) How do I clean up spills and equipment after using DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream is designed for clean handling, but good housekeeping still matters because cured residues are harder to remove. Wipe any spills immediately with a cloth, then wash non-porous surfaces with warm soapy water as soon as possible. If cream contacts porous surfaces such as masonry faces or paving, it may dry with minimal visible change, but prompt cleaning is still best to avoid marks and dust pickup. Keep the nozzle clean during use, because drilling dust can build up around the tip and affect flow consistency. After use, clean the applicator and any nozzles in line with the tool manufacturer’s instructions so the system remains reliable for the next job. Avoid letting residual cream cure inside the nozzle, as that can lead to blockages and inconsistent dosing later, which is exactly what you want to avoid with a chemical DPC installation.

Q) What are the main limitations and common causes of poor results with DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) The main limitations of DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream usually relate to diagnosis, bridging, and incomplete continuity rather than the cream itself. If the damp problem is actually condensation or penetrating damp, a chemical DPC will not remove the moisture source, so symptoms can persist. Bridging is another major cause, such as external ground levels above DPC height, internal screeds or plaster taken below the DPC line, or debris in a cavity that transfers moisture across the wall. Poor drilling discipline also matters: missed holes, blocked holes that are not re-drilled, shallow drilling, or uneven spacing can create gaps in the treated line. Finally, salt persistence can make walls look damp even after moisture rise is reduced, which is why salt-contaminated plaster removal and salt-resistant replastering are often essential for a durable decorative outcome.

Q) How should DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream be stored, and what site conditions matter during installation?

A) DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream should be stored in its original packaging in cool, dry conditions and protected from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. On site, the conditions that matter most are access, drilling quality, and maintaining a consistent injection pattern at the correct height. Avoid working where masonry is frozen or where the wall condition prevents clean drilling, because blocked holes and irregular dosing increase the risk of weak spots in the DPC line. Good ventilation is helpful during drilling to manage dust and improve working comfort, and it also supports drying once treatment is complete. Try to plan the work so the injection line remains continuous through corners and junctions, because continuity is more important than speed. Finally, remember that a chemical DPC works best when external moisture sources are addressed and bridging is eliminated, so the wall is not being constantly re-wetted from above the treatment line.

Q) What does installing DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream in line with BS6576:2005 actually involve?

A) Installing DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream in line with BS6576:2005 is about following recognised good practice for diagnosis, DPC positioning, drilling, continuity and associated remedial measures. In practical terms, it means confirming rising damp is the correct diagnosis, setting the DPC line at an appropriate height that avoids bridging, and drilling a consistent pattern, typically 12mm holes at centres not exceeding 120mm and to an appropriate depth for the wall thickness. It also means ensuring the treated line is continuous through corners, returns, party wall junctions and changes in level, because gaps in continuity can allow moisture to bypass the new barrier. BS6576:2005 guidance also reflects the importance of managing salts and finishes, which is why salt-contaminated plaster is commonly removed and replaced with a salt-resistant replastering system to prevent ongoing staining and finish breakdown after the DPC is installed.

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet