Newton Newtonite - Non-Meshed Damp Proof Membrane (3mm Stud)

Health & Safety And Installer Competency

Read the Newton Newtonite technical data sheet and the separate instructions and safety information for every fixing, tape, mastic, treatment and lining product before work begins. Wear suitable personal protective equipment for drilling, cutting, substrate preparation and treatment application. Check for concealed electrical cables, pipes and other services before drilling into any wall.

The cause of dampness must be diagnosed before Newtonite is specified. Above-ground moisture may arise from rising damp, rain penetration, plumbing leaks, condensation, bridged cavities, defective external finishes or several combined faults. Correct practical defects and complete any required timber, masonry or chemical damp-proofing treatment before the wall is concealed.

Installers should understand above-ground damp remediation and the relationship between the membrane, fixing seals, joints and selected internal finish. Complex buildings, historic masonry, severe salt contamination, active decay or uncertain moisture sources should be assessed by a suitably experienced damp-proofing professional.

Intended Use And System Selection

Newtonite is an above-ground damp-proofing membrane for non-earth-retaining walls. Use it where the purpose is to isolate a new protected internal wall finish from dampness and salts within a suitable concrete, brick, blockwork or stone background.

Do not specify Newtonite for a basement wall, retaining wall, tunnel, vault or any construction with earth against the opposite side. It is not designed to resist hydrostatic pressure or channel free water to a drainage system. Where earth retention or groundwater ingress is present, use a project-specific Newton CDM Type C waterproofing system instead.

Confirm the intended finish before installation. Newtonite is non-meshed and cannot receive direct plaster or render. It is intended for timber battens supporting boards or sheeting, independent timber or metal frames, compatible wall-supported metal systems or internal block walls.

Suitable Substrates And Finishes

Surface Preparation

Remove loose debris, dust, organic matter and unstable material from the wall. Existing plaster should normally be removed because it can soften and weaken the membrane fixing. Sound, well-bonded render may remain, but loose, hollow, crumbling or friable areas must be removed or repaired so the fixings reach a dependable substrate.

Identify and correct the source of moisture wherever practicable. Where rising damp has been properly diagnosed and a chemical DPC is specified, install DampSolve Damp Proof DPC Cream in accordance with its separate instructions. Repair defective rainwater goods, external pointing, plumbing leaks or other building faults before the membrane is concealed.

Where dry rot has affected suitable masonry, apply Lignum Pro M50 in accordance with its label and instructions as part of the complete remedial specification. Wet rot, timber decay, insect attack and other biological contamination require appropriate specialist assessment and treatment; covering affected material with Newtonite is not acceptable.

Tools And Ancillary Products Required

Typical tools include a good-quality SDS hammer drill, sharp 10mm masonry bits, a mallet or wide-headed hammer, a sharp utility knife with spare blades, scissors or shears, a tape measure, pencil, long spirit level and clean dry cloths. A rotating laser level is useful for accurate setting out but is not essential.

The main installation products are Newton MultiPlugs for suitable sound backgrounds, Newtonite Cob Plugs where the approved weak-substrate fixing is required, Newton CDM OverTape for butt joints and repairs, and Newtonite 801 Mastic for compatible protrusions and resin-anchor seals. Lining components, wall ties, screws and remedial treatments must suit the confirmed substrate and finished wall design.

Cutting And Setting Out

Measure the wall carefully and decide whether horizontal or vertical installation will produce the neatest layout with the fewest avoidable joints. Coordinate the sheet orientation with corners, reveals, return walls, service penetrations and the fixing centres required for battens, brackets or wall ties.

Cut Newtonite with a sharp utility knife, scissors or shears. Support the sheet during cutting and avoid ragged edges, unnecessary holes or cuts extending beyond the intended termination. Plan sheets so that joints remain accessible for OverTape application and final inspection.

Where practicable, continue the membrane into the ceiling void and down past the slab to the oversite. If this is not possible, cut it to finish tightly against the soffit and floor finish. Do not introduce a deliberate ventilation gap at the top or bottom of the membrane cavity.

Wall Installation

Position Newtonite with the studs facing the wall and the flat surface facing into the room. Align the first sheet accurately with a long spirit level or rotating laser, then hold it without stretching, excessive tension or distortion while the initial fixings are installed.

Newtonite may be fitted horizontally or vertically. Drill through the centre of a selected membrane stud and into sound substrate using a 10mm masonry bit. For standard Newton MultiPlugs, the data sheet requires a minimum drilling depth of 60mm into the wall. Clear loose drilling dust from the fixing area before inserting the plug.

Install enough MultiPlugs to hold the membrane neatly against the wall without sagging or uncontrolled movement. Add further plugs at the centres required for timber battens, dry-lining brackets or wall ties. Bring each adjoining sheet into position ready to form a clean close butt joint.

Fixing With Newton MultiPlugs

Use Newton MultiPlugs on compatible sound concrete, brick, blockwork and suitable stone. Drill a straight 10mm hole through a membrane stud to the required depth, avoiding mortar voids, damaged masonry and concealed services. Keep the drill perpendicular so the plug head can sit evenly against the membrane.

Insert the MultiPlug squarely and drive it home with a wide-headed hammer or mallet. The fitted soft rubber washer must compress consistently against the membrane without crushing the stud, splitting the sheet or distorting the fixing head. Replace any damaged or poorly seated fixing before finishes are installed.

The hollow MultiPlug core accepts suitable 5mm (No. 10) self-tapping screws for compatible battens, dry-lining brackets or wall ties. Select a screw length that engages securely within the plug but cannot extend through its end into the damp background.

Fixing To Weak Or Friable Substrates

Where slightly friable mortar or another compatible weak background prevents a standard MultiPlug from obtaining dependable grip, use Newtonite Cob Plugs in accordance with their separate instructions. These expanding fixings are intended to improve anchorage in low-density or friable substrate conditions.

Drill the correct 10mm hole to the depth required for the selected Cob Plug, remove loose dust and insert the fixing without enlarging the hole through repeated drilling. Drive the central expansion pin fully so the plug expands as designed. Seal the fixing with Newtonite 801 Mastic or another confirmed system detail where required to prevent damp or salts bridging to the internal finish.

Severely crumbling, detached or structurally unsound masonry must be repaired before membrane installation. A specialist fixing cannot compensate for a substrate that is incapable of supporting the membrane and the chosen lining.

Membrane Jointing

Newtonite sheet joints may run horizontally or vertically. Bring the edge of each new sheet tightly against the previous sheet to form a clean close butt joint. Do not leave an open gap, overlap the studded sheets or force distorted edges together.

Ensure both membrane faces are clean and dry before applying Newton CDM OverTape. Centre the tape over the butt joint so it bonds evenly to each sheet, remove the release liner progressively and press firmly across the entire width. Work along the joint to remove wrinkles, trapped air and areas of incomplete contact.

In cold or damp conditions, use controlled warm air to evaporate surface moisture before taping. Do not overheat or distort the membrane. Replace contaminated or poorly bonded tape rather than attempting to reuse it, and keep every completed joint visible for inspection before the wall lining is installed.

Corners, Returns And Reveals

Newtonite can be taken around internal and external corners where the membrane will form a neat crease without stretching or becoming misshapen. Work the sheet carefully into the corner and maintain the correct orientation, with the studs towards the wall throughout the return.

If the wall contour causes the membrane to distort, stop the sheet at a controlled position and begin again with a new section. Bring the edges together as a close butt joint and seal the complete joint with Newton CDM OverTape. Avoid small unsupported pieces or unnecessary cuts that are difficult to inspect.

Continue Newtonite onto return walls where dampness could otherwise pass around the end of the treated area and affect the new finish. The membrane may also be taken into door and window reveals, with junctions, frames, sills and perimeter seals detailed to preserve continuous separation from the damp substrate.

Pipes, Services And Other Protrusions

Plan services before installing Newtonite and keep pipes, cables, conduits, sockets and brackets on the room side wherever possible. Every cut through the membrane creates a potential route for dampness or salts to reach the protected finish.

Where a service must pass through Newtonite, cut the membrane closely and neatly around the protrusion. Apply Newton Newtonite 801 Mastic continuously around the opening so the seal contacts both the membrane and the compatible service surface without gaps. Tool the mastic as required before it skins, following its separate application and curing instructions.

Avoid using expanding foam, general-purpose tape or an unconfirmed sealant as the primary damp-proof detail. Inspect the full circumference before covering it, and allow for movement, vibration or future access where the service requires maintenance.

Timber Battens And Dry-Lining Frames

Where timber battens are used, select appropriately treated timber suitable for the environment and coordinate every batten line before installing the membrane fixings. Position additional Newton MultiPlugs at the centres required to support the battens and finished boards safely.

Fix battens through the hollow MultiPlug cores using suitable 5mm (No. 10) self-tapping screws. The screws must be long enough to secure the batten but short enough to remain within the plug. Do not drill separate screw holes through Newtonite or allow fixings to reach the damp substrate beyond the plug.

Independent timber or self-supporting metal frames can minimise direct loading on the membrane. Wall-supported metal systems must use compatible brackets aligned with suitable MultiPlugs. Follow the lining manufacturer’s requirements for centres, board thickness, insulation, fire performance, movement joints and maximum wall height.

Wall Ties And Internal Masonry Linings

Where an internal block wall is specified, design the lining, foundation support, cavity width, restraint and head detail before Newtonite is installed. The membrane separates the new wall from the damp background but does not support the masonry or replace the structural design.

Newton MultiPlugs are designed to accept compatible Newton Helifix Wall Ties. Select the tie length to suit the complete wall build-up and use the correct hand tool so the tie achieves its specified insertion into the plug. Newton information identifies 30mm insertion into the MultiPlug as the allowance to consider when sizing the tie.

Locate ties at the centres required by the masonry-lining design and coordinate them with membrane joints, openings and returns. Do not substitute unverified screws or drill uncontrolled tie holes through the membrane, as this can create moisture bridges and damage the separation layer.

Fixing Heavier Objects To The Finished Wall

Plan cupboards, radiators, sanitary fittings, shelving, televisions and other heavy items before the wall lining is completed. Lightweight lining fixings or MultiPlug screw sockets must not be assumed to carry loads outside their stated capacity.

Where the finish design permits, a suitable sheet material may be secured across closely spaced MultiPlugs to distribute compatible loads before the final lining is installed. The spacing, board grade, screws and supported weight must be checked for the proposed item rather than selected by rule of thumb.

Heavier objects should be anchored back to the structural wall using a compatible resin-anchor system. Seal the penetration around the resin anchor with Newtonite 801 Mastic so moisture and salts cannot bridge through to the internal finish. Obtain appropriate fixing or structural advice for significant loads.

New Floor Slab And DPM Junctions

Where a new floor slab forms part of the works, Newton recommends installing Newtonite before the concrete is placed. Continue the wall membrane to the required lower level so the floor damp-proof membrane can extend upwards in front of it, ready for the slab placement and perimeter detail.

Coordinate the floor DPM, wall membrane, insulation, slab, screed and final floor level before work begins. The junction must maintain damp-proof continuity without trapping the wall lining beneath the new construction or leaving an exposed route for moisture and salts.

Protect Newtonite during reinforcement placement, concrete pouring, compaction and follow-on trades. Repair any puncture or damage before it becomes concealed. This is an above-ground damp-proofing junction and must not be treated as a substitute for a Type C drainage detail where the wall retains earth or free water is present.

Protection And Internal Finishes

Protect Newtonite promptly after fixing, jointing and inspection. Suitable protection includes treated timber battens carrying plasterboard or wooden sheeting, independent timber stud walls, self-supporting metal frames, compatible wall-supported metal systems and properly restrained internal block walls.

The membrane is classified as Euroclass E and must be covered by a finish that provides the fire protection required for the building and room use. The finish must also protect it from ultraviolet light, impact, abrasion and accidental puncture throughout service.

Do not plaster, render or bond dot-and-dab plasterboard directly to the smooth non-meshed face. Tell follow-on trades where the membrane is located and identify no-fix zones. All later wall fittings and services must use planned support positions or a reviewed penetration detail rather than uncontrolled drilling through the finished wall.

Inspection Before Finishes

Inspect the entire Newtonite installation before battens, frames, boards or masonry linings conceal it. Check that the studs face the wall, sheets lie neatly without sagging, and every fixing is secure and correctly seated.

Confirm that each butt joint is closed and completely sealed with firmly bonded Newton CDM OverTape. Examine internal and external corners, return walls, reveals, top and bottom terminations, floor DPM junctions, service penetrations, resin anchors and all local repairs.

Look for punctures, tears, distorted studs, loose tape, unsealed holes, contaminated bonding surfaces and unnecessary penetrations. Repair every defect and reinspect the area before finishing work begins. Photograph concealed joints and service details where a future maintenance record would be helpful.

Repairs To Newtonite

Clean and dry the membrane around every damaged area before repair. Small punctures and clean cuts can be sealed with a patch of Newton CDM OverTape that extends onto sound membrane beyond the complete defect. Press the tape firmly over the flat room-facing surface and check all edges for full contact.

For larger tears or irregular damage, remove only unstable loose material and fit a compatible Newtonite patch that extends beyond the affected area. Join or face-seal its complete perimeter with OverTape so dampness and salts cannot pass through the repair to the internal finish.

Do not conceal damaged, wet, dirty or poorly bonded tape. Where damage is extensive, close to a complex junction or unsuitable for a dependable local repair, replace the affected membrane section and remake the surrounding butt joints before the protective lining is installed.

Cavity Closure And Room Ventilation

Newtonite’s studded space is intended to support vapour equalisation behind the membrane, not to operate as an open ventilated cavity. Continue the sheet into the ceiling void and down past the slab where practicable, or otherwise finish it tightly at the soffit and floor. Do not leave deliberate top or bottom ventilation gaps behind the membrane.

The room itself still requires appropriate ventilation, heating and humidity control for its intended use. Newtonite isolates the finish from damp masonry but does not prevent condensation caused by high indoor humidity, cold surfaces, poor extraction or inadequate airflow.

Bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and other moisture-producing spaces require suitable extract ventilation. Investigate condensation on the room-facing finish as an environmental issue rather than assuming it represents failure of the damp-proof membrane.

Key Limitations

• Newtonite is for above-ground, non-earth-retaining walls only and must not be used where the structure is exposed to groundwater or hydrostatic pressure.
  
  

• The membrane manages damp isolation rather than correcting the source of moisture. Diagnose and address leaks, external defects, rising damp, condensation and decay as required.
  
  

• Newtonite is non-meshed and cannot receive direct plaster, render or dot-and-dab plasterboard. Protect it with a suitable mechanically supported or independent lining.
  
  

• Install the studs towards the wall and keep the flat surface facing the room. Do not reverse the membrane or crush the stud profile during fixing.
  
  

• Form adjoining sheets as clean close butt joints and seal them with Newton CDM OverTape. Do not overlap the studded membrane or leave joints open.
  
  

• Use Newton MultiPlugs on suitable sound substrates and Newtonite Cob Plugs where their expanding weak-substrate fixing is required. Repair structurally unsound masonry before installation.
  
  

• Do not install membrane fixings when the temperature is above 30°C or below -5°C. Follow the separate application limits for tapes, mastics and remedial treatments.
  
  

• Newtonite is not ultraviolet stable and must not remain in direct sunlight for longer than 7 days. Protect installed membrane behind a suitable internal finish.
  
  

• Avoid unnecessary penetrations. Seal required services, resin anchors and other openings with Newtonite 801 Mastic or another confirmed Newton detail before concealment.
  
  

• Do not leave damaged membrane, loose plugs, unsealed joints or poorly bonded repairs behind the finished lining. Complete a full inspection before covering the installation.

Storage And Shelf Life

Store Newtonite rolls upright on end, under cover and away from direct sunlight. Protect the 2m x 20m rolls from impact, crushing, sharp objects, excessive heat and other conditions that could distort the studs or damage the membrane before installation.

Keep Newton CDM OverTape and Newtonite 801 Mastic within the storage conditions stated in their own product information. Tapes must remain clean and dry, and cartridges must be protected from damage and unsuitable temperatures.

Inspect the roll before use and reject any section that is torn, heavily creased, contaminated or permanently distorted. After installation, protect Newtonite from ultraviolet exposure, fire, impact and wear with the specified internal wall finish.

Other Technical Information

Newton Newtonite is supplied by Platinum Chemicals only as a 2m x 20m roll with nominal coverage of 40m². Allow for cuts, corners, reveals, returns, joints and site waste when calculating the number of rolls required.

The membrane has a unit weight of 500g/m², a nominal thickness of 0.50mm, a stud depth of 2.90mm and an overall height of approximately 3.50mm. The complete packaged roll weighs approximately 23.0kg and must be handled using appropriate site methods.

Published data records thermal conductivity of 0.461W/mK, water-vapour diffusion resistance above 3020MNs/g and an Sd value above 604m. The declared reaction-to-fire classification is Euroclass E, and compressive strength is stated as 250kN.

Newton states a 30-year product warranty and a life expectancy of at least 50 years. When correctly specified, installed and protected, and permanently isolated from ultraviolet light, physical damage and wear, Newtonite has a stated service life that can equal the design life of the structure.

Q) What is Newton Newtonite Non-Meshed Damp Proof Membrane?

A) Newton Newtonite is a low-profile HDPE damp-proof membrane designed to isolate new protected internal finishes from damp and salt-contaminated above-ground walls. Its raised studs face the wall, holding the main sheet away from the substrate and creating narrow channels that support vapour equalisation. The flat room-facing surface sits behind timber battens, dry-lining frames, suitable boards or a correctly designed internal block wall. Newtonite is non-meshed, so plaster and render cannot be applied directly to it. It is intended exclusively for non-earth-retaining walls where hydrostatic pressure and free water are not expected, and it must remain fully protected behind the specified internal finish after installation.

Q) How does Newton Newtonite Damp Proof Membrane work?

A) Newtonite forms a physical separation layer between the damp wall and the new internal lining. Its 2.90mm studs face the substrate, creating narrow air channels that support natural vapour equalisation while preventing moisture and salts from passing directly into plasterboard, wooden sheeting or an independent masonry finish. The cavity is not deliberately ventilated into the room and does not function as a drainage route for free water. Correctly sealed butt joints, fixings, corners and penetrations maintain continuity across the treated surface. Newtonite does not dry the original wall or correct the cause of dampness, so leaks, rising damp, rain penetration, condensation and other contributing defects must still be diagnosed and treated where necessary.

Q) What does non-meshed mean on Newton Newtonite Membrane?

A) Non-meshed means the room-facing side of Newtonite has a smooth HDPE surface rather than a bonded mesh designed to receive a wet-applied finish. Conventional plaster, render and dot-and-dab plasterboard will not form a suitable direct finish on this surface. Newtonite must instead be protected by a mechanically supported or independent construction, such as treated timber battens carrying plasterboard, an independent timber or metal frame, a compatible wall-supported lining system or a properly restrained internal block wall. The non-meshed format is particularly appropriate when a dry-lining or masonry finish has already been selected. Where direct plastering or rendering is required, a purpose-designed meshed damp-proof membrane should be specified instead.

Q) What roll size and coverage does Newton Newtonite provide?

A) Newton Newtonite is supplied as a 2m x 20m roll with a nominal gross area of 40m². This figure represents the complete uncut sheet and should not be treated as guaranteed finished wall coverage. Allow for corners, reveals, return walls, openings, protrusions, local repairs, awkward geometry and reasonable cutting waste when calculating requirements. Although adjoining Newtonite sheets form close butt joints rather than broad overlaps, accurate measurement and a planned sheet layout remain essential. Decide whether horizontal or vertical installation will minimise unnecessary joints, then calculate Newton CDM OverTape, MultiPlugs, Cob Plugs, mastic and lining fixings separately. The complete requirement depends on the wall dimensions, substrate and chosen internal finish.

Q) What are the main advantages of Newton Newtonite Membrane?

A) Newtonite provides a clean and durable separation between damp masonry and a new protected wall finish without relying on a bonded coating. Its shallow 3mm stud profile limits unnecessary loss of internal space, making it useful around stairways, corridors, reveals and return walls. The lightweight HDPE sheet can be cut easily and installed horizontally or vertically, while sound existing render may remain where it is suitable to receive dependable fixings. Newtonite resists water, salts, alkalis and biological degradation under appropriate service conditions. Its smooth surface works with several mechanically supported finishing systems, and hollow Newton MultiPlugs can receive compatible screws or wall ties without creating uncontrolled additional holes through the membrane.

Q) Where can Newton Newtonite Non-Meshed Membrane be used?

A) Newtonite is intended for internal above-ground walls that do not retain earth and are not exposed to groundwater or hydrostatic pressure. Typical applications include damp walls in houses, commercial premises and refurbishment projects; masonry affected by hygroscopic or efflorescent salts; walls receiving treated timber battens or dry lining; and areas where a shallow membrane helps preserve room width. It can be installed over properly prepared concrete, brick, concrete block and suitable stone using fixings appropriate to the background. It may also form part of a correctly designed rising-damp refurbishment where the cause has been diagnosed and any required remedial damp-proof course has been specified separately. Newtonite must always be concealed behind a compatible protective wall finish.

Q) Can Newton Newtonite be used when treating rising damp?

A) Newtonite can isolate a new protected internal finish from a wall affected by correctly diagnosed rising damp, preventing residual moisture and salts from transferring directly into plasterboard, sheeting or a masonry lining. It does not create a new damp-proof course or stop moisture rising through the wall. Where a remedial chemical DPC is required, it should be installed as part of the complete damp-proofing specification before the membrane is concealed. Contaminated plaster and unstable material must be removed, while salt-affected masonry, floor junctions and adjoining untreated areas require careful assessment. The treatment should address the actual moisture mechanism rather than using Newtonite as a substitute for diagnosis, building repairs or a necessary damp-proof course.

Q) Does Newtonite protect finishes from salt-contaminated walls?

A) Newtonite is well suited to separating protected finishes from hygroscopic and efflorescent salts within damp masonry. Without an effective separation layer, these salts can migrate towards a new internal surface and contribute to staining, blistering, powdering or repeated decorative failure. Correctly installed Newtonite keeps plasterboard, wooden sheeting or an independent masonry lining physically apart from the affected substrate. The HDPE membrane is resistant to water, salts and alkalis commonly encountered in damp walls, but it does not remove contamination from the masonry. Loose deposits, defective finishes and unstable areas should still be removed, and the moisture source should be corrected wherever practicable. All joints, fixings and penetrations must remain continuous so salts cannot bridge around the membrane.

Q) Which wall substrates are suitable for Newton Newtonite?

A) Newtonite can be installed on properly prepared concrete, brickwork, concrete blockwork and suitable stone masonry. Standard Newton MultiPlugs are intended for compatible sound backgrounds, while Newtonite Cob Plugs provide an expanding fixing option for slightly friable mortar and other approved weak or low-density substrates. The wall must be stable enough to retain the selected fixing and support the completed lining system. Sound, well-bonded render may remain where it will not weaken the fixing, but loose plaster, hollow render, crumbling mortar and severely unstable masonry must be removed or repaired. The product is not suitable merely because a wall is masonry; its moisture exposure, earth-retaining status, condition and proposed finish must all fall within Newtonite’s above-ground application scope.

Q) How should a wall be prepared before installing Newtonite?

A) Diagnose the source of dampness and correct practical defects such as leaking pipes, defective rainwater goods, failed pointing or external water penetration before covering the wall. Remove loose debris, dust, wallpaper, timber grounds and other organic material that could decay behind the membrane. Existing plaster should normally be removed because it may soften and weaken the fixings, although sound, firmly bonded render can remain where suitable. Repair hollow, friable or structurally defective areas so every plug reaches a dependable substrate. Dry rot, wet rot, timber decay and insect attack require appropriate specialist treatment rather than concealment. Finally, check for hidden services, clean the fixing areas and ensure all surfaces receiving OverTape or mastic are suitably clean and dry.

Q) Can Newton Newtonite be used on basement or earth-retaining walls?

A) Newtonite must not be used as the waterproofing membrane for a basement, retaining wall, tunnel, vault or any structure with earth against the opposite face. It is an above-ground damp-proof membrane and is not designed to resist hydrostatic pressure, receive flowing water or direct groundwater towards a drainage system. A wall that appears internally similar may require a very different solution once soil retention or groundwater risk is present. Below-ground structures normally need a project-specific waterproofing design, which may include a suitable Newton CDM Type C cavity drain system or another approved form of protection. Confirm the external ground level and the complete wall construction before specification; do not assume a damp internal appearance alone establishes that Newtonite is suitable.

Q) Can Newtonite be used as a floor damp-proof membrane?

A) Newtonite is intended for above-ground, non-earth-retaining wall applications rather than use as the main floor damp-proof membrane. Floors and new slabs require a compatible product selected for ground moisture, loading, joints and the complete floor construction. Where a new slab is being formed beside a Newtonite-treated wall, install the wall membrane to the required lower level before the concrete is placed. The specified floor damp-proof membrane can then be turned upwards in front of Newtonite to form the designed perimeter junction. Protect the wall sheet during reinforcement and concreting, and repair any damage before concealment. This detail remains damp proofing only and must not be substituted for Type C drainage where free water or earth retention exists.

Q) Should Newton Newtonite be installed horizontally or vertically?

A) Newtonite may be installed either horizontally or vertically, allowing the direction to be chosen around wall height, access, roll handling, openings and the proposed lining system. A horizontal layout can reduce the number of separate sheets on some walls, while vertical lengths may be easier to handle and align in smaller areas. Measure the surface and plan every butt joint, corner, reveal, return wall, service penetration, batten line, bracket and wall tie before cutting. The best orientation is the one that produces a neat continuous installation with the fewest avoidable joints and accessible tape lines. Whichever direction is selected, keep the studs towards the wall, align the sheet accurately and prevent sagging, stretching, creasing or distortion.

Q) How is Newton Newtonite installed on an internal wall?

A) Cut Newtonite on a clean supported surface using a sharp utility knife, scissors or shears. Position the membrane with the studs facing the wall and the flat face towards the room, then align the first sheet with a long spirit level or rotating laser. Drill through the centre of a selected stud using a 10mm masonry bit, reaching at least 60mm into sound substrate for standard Newton MultiPlugs. Clear loose dust, insert the plug squarely and drive it home so the fitted washer seals evenly without crushing the stud. Install enough fixings to hold the membrane neatly and add further plugs for the planned lining supports. Butt adjoining sheets closely and seal every joint with Newton CDM OverTape.

Q) Which fixings should be used with Newton Newtonite Membrane?

A) Newton CDM MultiPlugs are the primary membrane fixings for sound concrete, brick, blockwork and suitable stone. Each 10mm x 57mm plug includes a fitted sealing washer and a hollow core that accepts a suitable 5mm (No. 10) self-tapping screw for compatible battens, brackets or wall ties. Drill straight through the centre of a membrane stud using a 10mm bit and maintain the minimum 60mm substrate depth required for standard MultiPlugs. Fixing quantity and spacing must suit both the membrane and the chosen lining; the initial plugs used to hang the sheet may not provide all required support points. Replace loose, damaged or poorly seated fixings and never create uncontrolled screw holes directly through Newtonite.

Q) How is Newtonite fixed to weak or friable masonry?

A) Where slightly friable mortar or another compatible weak substrate prevents a standard MultiPlug from obtaining reliable grip, Newtonite Cob Plugs may be used in accordance with their dedicated instructions. These expanding fixings are designed for approved low-density or friable backgrounds. Drill the specified 10mm hole to the correct depth without repeatedly enlarging it, remove loose dust and insert the Cob Plug squarely. Drive the central expansion pin fully so the body expands as intended, then seal the fixing with Newtonite 801 Mastic or another confirmed system detail where required. Cob Plugs cannot compensate for severely crumbling, detached or structurally unsafe masonry. Repair or stabilise an unsuitable wall before installing the membrane or its final lining.

Q) How are joints sealed between Newtonite membrane sheets?

A) Bring adjoining Newtonite sheets together edge to edge to form a clean, close butt joint. Do not overlap the studded membrane, leave a visible gap or force distorted edges together. Clean and dry the flat room-facing surface on both sides of the joint, then centre Newton CDM OverTape so it bonds evenly to each sheet. Remove the release liner progressively and apply firm pressure across the complete tape width, working along the joint to eliminate wrinkles, trapped air and incomplete contact. In cold or damp conditions, controlled warm air may be used to evaporate surface moisture and improve adhesion, but overheating can distort the membrane. Keep every joint visible for inspection until the final lining is installed.

Q) How should corners, returns and window reveals be detailed?

A) Continue Newtonite around internal and external corners where the sheet can form a neat crease without stretching, becoming misshapen or losing the correct stud orientation. If the contour causes distortion, stop at a controlled position and begin a new sheet, forming a close butt joint sealed completely with Newton CDM OverTape. Carry the membrane onto return walls where dampness or salts could otherwise travel around the end of the treated area. Door and window reveals should be planned with frames, sills, linings and perimeter seals so the protected finish remains continuously isolated. Avoid small unsupported pieces and unnecessary cuts that are difficult to seal or inspect. Complete every local detail before boards, battens or joinery conceal it.

Q) How are pipes and other penetrations sealed through Newtonite?

A) Plan services before installing Newtonite and keep pipes, cables, conduits, sockets and brackets on the room side wherever practical. Each opening creates a possible route for moisture or salts to bridge from the wall to the protected finish. Where a service must pass through, cut the membrane closely and neatly around the protrusion. Apply Newton Newtonite 801 Mastic continuously so it contacts both the membrane and the compatible service surface without gaps, then tool the seal in accordance with the mastic instructions. Consider movement, vibration, temperature and future maintenance when arranging the detail. Expanding foam, general-purpose tape and unconfirmed sealants should not be used as the principal damp-proof seal around a penetration.

Q) How should Newtonite finish at ceilings and floors?

A) Where practicable, continue Newtonite into the ceiling void and down beyond the slab line to the oversite so the separation layer extends past the protected wall finish. If this cannot be achieved, trim the membrane to finish tightly against the soffit and completed floor construction. Do not leave deliberate ventilation gaps at the top or bottom of the studded cavity; its purpose is vapour equalisation rather than open airflow into the room. Coordinate the lower termination with any remedial DPC, floor damp-proof membrane, screed and skirting details before cutting. The junction must prevent dampness or salts bypassing the sheet while avoiding an inappropriate waterproofing detail where earth retention or free water would instead require a designed Type C system.

Q) Which finishes can be installed over Newton Newtonite?

A) Newtonite must be protected behind a mechanically supported or independent wall finish. Suitable options include plasterboard or wooden sheeting on treated timber battens, an independent timber stud wall, a self-supporting metal frame, a compatible wall-supported metal lining system or a correctly restrained internal block wall. The complete lining must satisfy the room’s requirements for fire performance, loading, insulation, condensation control, movement and durability. Direct plaster, direct render and dot-and-dab plasterboard are unsuitable because Newtonite has no mesh key and adhesives should not be relied upon on its smooth face. Plan the final finish before positioning membrane fixings so battens, brackets, ties and board edges receive proper support without unnecessary additional penetrations.

Q) How are timber battens fixed in front of Newtonite?

A) Use appropriately treated timber battens selected for the environmental conditions and final board system. Set out every batten line before drilling the membrane so Newton MultiPlugs can be positioned at the centres needed to support the battens and finished lining safely. Fix each batten through the hollow core of an installed MultiPlug using a suitable 5mm (No. 10) self-tapping screw. The screw must engage securely within the plug without extending through its end into the damp masonry. Do not drill separate screw holes through Newtonite, and do not overtighten fixings in a way that loosens the plug or distorts the membrane. Support all board edges and follow the lining manufacturer’s requirements for spacing, thickness, fire performance and loading.

Q) How should heavy objects be fixed to a Newtonite-lined wall?

A) Plan the positions of cupboards, radiators, televisions, shelving and other significant loads before the membrane and lining are installed. Where possible, provide suitable battens, pattresses or independent structural supports on the dry side so later fixings do not puncture Newtonite. Lightweight fittings may be supported by the lining system where its manufacturer permits. Heavier items requiring anchorage to the original wall need a designed fixing arrangement, commonly using a compatible resin-anchor system. Seal the membrane penetration around the anchor continuously with Newtonite 801 Mastic so moisture and salts cannot bridge to the finish. Obtain appropriate structural or fixing advice for substantial loads, and record concealed supports and sealed penetration locations for future occupants and contractors.

Q) Does Newton Newtonite require curing or drying time?

A) Newtonite itself does not cure because it is a prefabricated HDPE sheet fixed mechanically to the wall. Once the membrane, butt joints, fixing seals, corners, terminations, penetrations and repairs have been inspected and accepted, the specified protective lining can normally proceed without waiting for the membrane to dry. This can help shorten refurbishment programmes compared with some wet-applied systems. Other products remain subject to their own conditions. Repair mortars, masonry treatments, chemical DPC materials, Newtonite 801 Mastic, plaster, adhesives and floor products must be allowed to cure or dry as directed before concealment or finishing. Newton CDM OverTape also requires clean, dry surfaces, so visible moisture, condensation, dust or contamination must be removed before joint sealing.

Q) Does Newtonite prevent condensation and mould inside a room?

A) Newtonite isolates the new finish from damp masonry, but it does not prevent condensation caused by moisture generated within the occupied room. Cooking, washing, clothes drying, breathing, wet construction materials, inadequate extraction and cold surfaces can still raise humidity and support mould growth. The completed space therefore needs suitable heating, insulation, ventilation and humidity control for its use. The studded space behind Newtonite should not be opened deliberately into the room as an improvised ventilation route. It is intended for vapour equalisation, not uncontrolled airflow. Any mould, decay or biological contamination already present must be assessed and treated before concealment. Persistent post-installation moisture should be investigated carefully to distinguish indoor condensation from building defects or an incomplete damp-proofing detail.

Q) What are the principal technical specifications of Newton Newtonite?

A) Newton Newtonite is manufactured from HDPE and supplied in a 2m x 20m roll with 40m² nominal coverage and a packaged weight of 23kg. It has a unit weight of 500g/m², a 0.50mm membrane thickness, 2.90mm stud depth and approximately 3.50mm overall height. Its service-temperature range is -40°C to +80°C, with a Vicat softening temperature of 126°C and thermal conductivity of 0.461W/mK. Published vapour performance includes an Sd value above 604m, a calculated μ value above 1,208,000 and water-vapour resistance above 3020MNs/g. Newtonite has 250kN compressive strength and Euroclass E reaction to fire, so it must remain protected behind a suitable finish.

Q) Which standard, warranty and life expectancy apply to Newtonite?

A) Newtonite is declared as a Type V damp-proof sheet under BS EN 13967:2012+A1:2017. It passes watertightness testing at 60kPa for 24 hours to EN 1928 and is classified as Euroclass E under EN 13501-1. The fire classification means the membrane must be enclosed behind a suitable protective internal finish rather than left as an exposed surface. Newton provides a 30-year product warranty and states a life expectancy of at least 50 years when Newtonite is correctly specified, installed and protected. Long-term performance depends on the membrane remaining within its above-ground application scope, permanently shielded from ultraviolet light, impact, excessive heat, fire, wear and later uncontrolled penetrations.

Q) What repair and maintenance does Newtonite require?

A) Repair every puncture, cut or tear before concealment. Clean and dry the membrane, then seal a small defect with Newton CDM OverTape extending onto sound material around the complete damaged area. Larger tears may require a compatible Newtonite patch sealed continuously around its perimeter. Replace badly creased, contaminated or permanently distorted sections rather than hiding a doubtful repair. Once protected behind the lining, Newtonite normally requires no routine surface maintenance. Preserve records of membrane positions, battens, services and no-fix areas so later contractors avoid accidental penetrations. Maintain roofs, gutters, plumbing, ventilation and any remedial DPC system, and investigate new dampness properly instead of assuming the membrane has failed.

Q) How should Newton Newtonite rolls be stored before installation?

A) Store Newtonite rolls upright on their ends, under dry cover and away from direct sunlight. Protect the 2m x 20m rolls from impact, crushing, sharp objects, excessive heat, ignition sources and conditions that could puncture the sheet or permanently distort its shallow studs. Keep the original protective wrapping in place until the membrane is required, while ensuring storage does not trap damaging moisture or contamination. Inspect each roll before installation and reject badly torn, heavily creased or contaminated sections. Newtonite is not ultraviolet stable and must not remain in direct sunlight for more than 7 days. Store Newton CDM OverTape, Newtonite 801 Mastic and fixing seals under the separate conditions given for those products.

Q) What are the main limitations and practical tips for using Newtonite?

A) Newtonite is limited to above-ground, non-earth-retaining walls and must never be used as basement waterproofing, a floor membrane or a drainage route for free water. It cannot receive direct plaster, render or dot-and-dab plasterboard, and it does not correct rising damp, leaks, structural defects or condensation by itself. Confirm the moisture source, wall construction, external ground level and final lining before ordering. Plan sheet direction, joints, fixing positions, corners and services before cutting; keep tape surfaces clean and dry; drill through stud centres; use the correct fixing for the substrate; and avoid uncontrolled penetrations. Inspect and photograph the complete installation, repair every defect and protect Newtonite promptly behind the specified finish.

Technical Data Sheet

Declaration of Performance (DoP)

Declaration of Conformity (DoC)