Newton Newtonite Non-Meshed Damp Proof Membrane Kit

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 or dry-lining brackets. 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 40m² figure is the membrane roll’s nominal gross area, not guaranteed finished coverage. Allow for cutting, corners, reveals, returns, openings and reasonable waste.
  
  

• The included 100 MultiPlugs may not satisfy the actual fixing layout. Order additional plugs wherever the substrate, lining supports, wall geometry or specified centres require them.
  
  

• The supplied 20m OverTape roll may not cover every butt joint, corner, reveal and repair. Calculate the complete measured tape requirement separately.
  
  

• 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. Keep MultiPlug sealing washers clean, flat and undamaged, and store the SDS Plus drill bits in dry conditions.

Inspect every kit component before use. Reject any membrane section that is torn, heavily creased, contaminated or permanently distorted, and replace damaged plug seals, contaminated tape or worn drill bits. After installation, protect Newtonite from ultraviolet exposure, fire, impact and wear with the specified internal wall finish.

Other Technical Information

The Newton Newtonite kit contains one 2m x 20m membrane roll with nominal coverage of 40m², 100 sealed Newton CDM MultiPlugs, one 150mm x 20m Newton CDM OverTape roll and two 10mm x 160mm SDS Plus masonry drill bits. These are fixed supply quantities; calculate and order additional materials wherever the installation requires them.

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 for the Newtonite membrane. 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. The warranty and service-life statements apply to the membrane only.

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

A) The Newton Newtonite Non-Meshed Damp Proof Membrane Kit brings together a studded HDPE wall membrane and the principal components needed to drill, fix and seal its joints. It is intended to separate new protected internal finishes from damp or salt-contaminated above-ground masonry. The membrane sits behind timber battens, dry-lining frames or a properly designed internal block wall, rather than receiving plaster directly. Its shallow profile makes it useful where excessive wall build-up would reduce usable space. The kit provides a convenient starting point for suitable damp-proofing work, but the moisture source must still be diagnosed and addressed. Additional detailing materials, fixings and the selected wall finish may be required.

Q) What is included in the Newton Newtonite Non-Meshed Damp Proof Membrane Kit?

A) The kit contains one Newton Newtonite membrane roll measuring 2m x 20m, giving a nominal gross area of 40m². It also includes 100 sealed Newton CDM MultiPlugs, one 150mm x 20m roll of Newton CDM OverTape and two 10mm x 160mm SDS Plus masonry drill bits. These are fixed supply quantities rather than a bespoke materials calculation for every property. The MultiPlugs secure the membrane to suitable masonry, while the OverTape seals close butt joints across its room-facing surface. Lining boards, battens, frames, secondary screws, wall ties, sealant and remedial treatments are selected separately. Check the planned fixing pattern and total joint length before ordering so any additional accessories are available when work begins.

Q) How much wall area will the Newton Newtonite kit cover?

A) The supplied membrane has a nominal gross area of 40m², but the usable finished coverage depends on the room layout and installation details. Measure all walls, returns and reveals that need protection, then allow for trimming, corners, openings, service penetrations, repairs and reasonable cutting waste. A room’s floor area is not a reliable guide to the membrane required for its walls. Horizontal or vertical sheet orientation can affect waste and the length of taped joints, so a simple layout drawing is worthwhile. The included 100 plugs and 20m of OverTape must also be checked independently against the design. If the measured wall area approaches 40m², allow additional membrane rather than assuming the complete roll will provide uninterrupted finished coverage.

Q) How does Newton Newtonite Non-Meshed Damp Proof Membrane work?

A) Newtonite creates a physical break between damp masonry and the new internal finish. Its raised studs face the wall, holding the main sheet slightly away from the background and forming narrow channels that support vapour equalisation. This separation helps prevent moisture, salts and staining from transferring directly into boards, sheeting or an internal masonry lining. Correctly sealed joints, plug washers, penetrations and perimeter details maintain continuity throughout the treated area. The membrane does not dry the original wall or eliminate leaking pipes, rain penetration or rising damp. It also does not collect and drain groundwater. Its purpose is above-ground damp isolation behind a suitable protected finish, following proper investigation of the underlying building defects.

Q) What does non-meshed mean, and can I plaster directly onto Newtonite?

A) Non-meshed means Newtonite does not have the bonded mesh surface needed to provide a mechanical key for plaster or render. Conventional plaster, render and dot-and-dab plasterboard must therefore not be applied directly to this membrane. Instead, the finished surface is supported by treated timber battens, a suitable dry-lining frame, compatible wall-supported brackets or a properly restrained internal block wall. Boards fixed to these supports can then receive their specified decorative finish. Choose the lining method before fitting the membrane because it determines support positions, fixing requirements and the overall wall depth. If direct plastering is essential, a purpose-designed meshed membrane and its approved plastering specification are required instead of this non-meshed kit.

Q) What are the advantages of buying Newton Newtonite as a kit?

A) The kit simplifies purchasing by combining the membrane with matching sealed fixings, face-applied joint tape and appropriately sized drill bits. This makes the principal installation components easier to check on delivery and reduces the chance of beginning work without an essential item. The lightweight membrane cuts readily, can be installed horizontally or vertically and requires no curing period of its own. Its shallow stud profile is useful around narrow corridors, stairs and reveals, while sound existing render may sometimes remain after assessment. These benefits do not remove the need to plan the installation. Complex layouts can require extra plugs, tape and sealant, and the protective lining, moisture treatment and any specialist substrate repairs remain separate requirements.

Q) Where can the Newton Newtonite Non-Meshed Damp Proof Membrane Kit be used?

A) The kit is suitable for damp-proofing the internal face of appropriate above-ground walls that do not retain earth. Typical applications include refurbishment of damp rooms, salt-contaminated masonry and walls receiving new framed or battened linings after remedial work. Suitable backgrounds include properly prepared concrete, brick, concrete blockwork and compatible stone masonry. The membrane can extend around corners, onto return walls and into window or door reveals to maintain separation from affected surfaces. Selection must follow diagnosis: plumbing leaks, defective external pointing, rainwater faults, condensation and timber decay need their own treatment. The kit is not intended for retaining basements, underground structures or situations where groundwater can exert pressure against the wall.

Q) Can the Newton Newtonite kit be used alongside rising damp treatment?

A) Yes. Where rising damp has been correctly diagnosed, Newtonite can isolate the new internal lining from residual dampness and salts as part of a coordinated remedial scheme. An appropriate damp-proof course, such as a specified injection treatment, addresses moisture rising through the masonry; the membrane protects the replacement finish from the affected background. Neither step should be selected solely because a wall appears damp, since condensation, plumbing defects and external water penetration can produce similar symptoms. Complete the required repairs and treatments before concealment, and remove plaster that cannot provide a dependable background. Pay particular attention to the wall base, floor DPM connection, return walls and reveals so dampness cannot bypass the protected area.

Q) Does Newtonite protect new finishes from salt-contaminated masonry?

A) Newtonite separates the new protected lining from salts and moisture within the original wall, helping prevent staining and deterioration of plasterboard, timber sheeting or an independent masonry finish. This can be particularly useful after rising damp treatment because salts may remain in the wall even after the original moisture pathway has been controlled. The HDPE sheet resists salts, water and alkalis commonly associated with damp masonry, but it does not neutralise contamination or remove the need for preparation. Loose deposits, unstable plaster and defective material should be dealt with first. Unknown chemicals or severe contamination require specialist assessment. Continuity at joints, fixing points, service penetrations and edges is essential to prevent moisture or salts bridging around the membrane.

Q) Can the Newton Newtonite kit waterproof a basement or retaining wall?

A) No. Newtonite is intended for above-ground, non-earth-retaining walls and must not be used where the structure is exposed to groundwater or hydrostatic pressure. Its narrow studded space supports vapour equalisation; it is not a designed drainage cavity for collecting free water and transferring it to channels or pumps. A wall with soil against its opposite face requires assessment as a retaining construction, even if the room currently looks relatively dry. For basements, retaining walls, tunnels or earth-covered vaults, specify an appropriate waterproofing system designed for the site conditions, such as a Newton CDM Type C system. Adding drainage accessories to this kit does not convert Newtonite into the correct membrane for below-ground waterproofing.

Q) Is Newton Newtonite suitable as a floor damp-proof membrane?

A) This Newtonite kit is specified for above-ground wall damp proofing, not for laying across a floor as a floor membrane. Where a new slab is part of the refurbishment, the wall membrane can be installed first and coordinated with a separately specified floor DPM. The floor DPM then extends upwards in front of the wall membrane to maintain the designed perimeter continuity before concrete placement. The slab, insulation, screed and finished floor levels must all be considered when setting out this junction. Protect the wall membrane from reinforcement, tools and concrete operations. This above-ground connection is not a substitute for a drained waterproofing detail where the wall retains earth or free water is present.

Q) Which wall surfaces are suitable for the included Newton MultiPlugs?

A) The included Newton CDM MultiPlugs are intended for sound concrete, brick, concrete blockwork and suitable stone masonry that can provide dependable anchorage. The fixing must engage a stable background rather than loose plaster, hollow render, crumbling joints or a masonry void. Sound, well-bonded render may remain where suitable, provided the fixing reaches secure material behind it. Slightly friable mortar or compatible low-density backgrounds may require separately purchased Newtonite Cob Plugs and their specified sealing method. Specialist plugs cannot compensate for structural instability or severely deteriorated masonry. Assess the substrate and the loads from the proposed lining before drilling, and repair defective areas so the membrane and its finish can be supported safely.

Q) How should walls be prepared before installing the Newtonite kit?

A) Remove loose debris, dust, organic matter, sharp projections and unstable material before installing Newtonite. Existing plaster should normally be removed because it can soften and compromise the membrane fixing. Sound, firmly bonded render may remain, but hollow, loose or crumbling sections must be removed or repaired. Investigate and correct the moisture source wherever practicable, including leaking plumbing, defective rainwater goods, damaged external pointing or a properly diagnosed rising damp problem. Wet rot, dry rot and other biological deterioration require suitable specialist assessment and treatment; they must not simply be hidden behind the membrane. Check for concealed pipes and electrical cables before drilling, and confirm that every planned fixing position reaches a substrate capable of holding it securely.

Q) What additional tools and materials might be needed with the kit?

A) The kit includes two SDS Plus drill bits, but you will still need a compatible SDS drill, tape measure, pencil, long spirit level, sharp utility knife or shears, a mallet and clean dry cloths. Suitable dust control and personal protective equipment are important during drilling and preparation. Additional Newton MultiPlugs and OverTape may be needed after calculating the fixing pattern and joint lengths. Newtonite 801 Mastic is selected separately for compatible pipe penetrations, resin anchors and other sealing details, while Newtonite Cob Plugs may be needed for suitable friable backgrounds. Battens, frames, boards, screws, wall ties, insulation and decorative finishes are also separate. Gather the complete specification before starting so details do not require improvised substitutions.

Q) Should Newtonite be fitted horizontally or vertically?

A) Newtonite can be fitted either horizontally or vertically, allowing the layout to suit wall dimensions, access and the intended lining. Choose the direction that produces manageable sheets, fewer unnecessary cuts and conveniently positioned joints. Consider corners, window and door reveals, service penetrations and the support centres required for battens or brackets before cutting the first piece. Use a long spirit level or rotating laser to set out accurately, and keep joints accessible for application of the supplied OverTape. Support the sheet while cutting with a sharp knife, scissors or shears, avoiding ragged edges or unintended tears. Whatever the orientation, the studs must face the wall and adjoining sheets must form close butt joints rather than overlaps.

Q) How is the Newton Newtonite membrane fixed to a wall?

A) Position the membrane with its studs against the wall and its flat surface facing the room, keeping it level without stretching or distorting the sheet. Drill through the centre of a selected stud using a supplied 10mm masonry bit. Standard MultiPlug holes require a minimum drilling depth of 60mm into the wall, with concealed services checked beforehand. Remove loose drilling dust, insert the plug squarely and drive it home carefully with a mallet or suitable wide-headed hammer. The rubber washer should compress evenly without crushing the stud or damaging the sheet. Fit enough plugs to keep the membrane secure and neat, then add the planned positions needed for battens, lining brackets or compatible wall ties.

Q) Will the 100 MultiPlugs be enough for my installation?

A) The 100 MultiPlugs are the fixed quantity supplied with the kit, not a guarantee that every 40m² installation will need only that number. Actual demand depends on wall dimensions, substrate condition, edges, openings, sheet orientation and the supports needed for the chosen finish. Battens, brackets and masonry ties may require additional fixing positions beyond those needed simply to hold the membrane neatly against the wall. Prepare a fixing layout before ordering and purchase extra compatible plugs wherever required. Do not increase spacing merely to make the supplied quantity last, and do not add ordinary screws through the membrane as a substitute. Every fixing should be secure, correctly sealed and coordinated with the finished wall construction.

Q) How are Newtonite membrane joints sealed with the supplied OverTape?

A) Bring adjacent Newtonite sheets together edge to edge as a clean, close butt joint. Do not overlap the studded sheets or leave an open gap. Clean and dry both room-facing surfaces, then centre the supplied 150mm Newton CDM OverTape over the joint so it bonds evenly to both sheets. Remove the release liner progressively and press firmly across the full width, smoothing out wrinkles, trapped air and incomplete contact. In cold or damp conditions, controlled warm air can remove surface moisture without overheating the membrane. Replace contaminated or poorly bonded tape instead of reusing it. Measure every joint, corner cut and repair because the included 20m roll may need supplementation on detailed or irregular layouts.

Q) How should corners, return walls and window reveals be treated?

A) Newtonite can turn around internal and external corners where a neat crease is possible without stretching or distorting the sheet. Keep the studs towards the wall throughout the turn and avoid leaving the membrane suspended across a hollow corner. Where irregular geometry makes the sheet misshapen, cut at a controlled position and begin a new section, forming a close butt joint sealed with Newton CDM OverTape. Continue onto return walls wherever dampness could otherwise bypass the end of the treatment. Window and door reveals also require continuous separation around frames, sills and adjacent finishes. Plan these details before cutting, minimise unnecessary small patches and inspect each junction carefully before boards or other linings conceal it.

Q) How should Newtonite finish at the ceiling and floor?

A) Where practicable, continue Newtonite into the ceiling void and down past the slab to the oversite, maintaining the intended separation beyond the visible wall finish. If this is not possible, cut the membrane to finish tightly against the soffit and floor finish. Do not leave deliberate gaps at the top or bottom to ventilate the cavity into the room. The studded space supports vapour equalisation rather than acting as an open ventilation system. At a new floor slab, coordinate the wall membrane with the separate floor DPM and the designed perimeter junction. Avoid details that let boards, battens or decorative finishes bridge directly onto damp masonry. Room ventilation remains necessary even though the membrane cavity is closed.

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

A) Plan services before installation and keep pipes, cables, sockets and brackets on the room side of the membrane wherever possible. Where a service must pass through Newtonite, make a neat, closely fitting cut and apply Newtonite 801 Mastic continuously around the opening. The seal must contact both the membrane and the compatible service surface without gaps, following the sealant’s preparation, application and curing instructions. Consider pipe movement, vibration, temperature and future access when choosing the detail. Expanding foam, general-purpose tape or an unconfirmed sealant should not replace the specified damp-proof seal. Inspect the entire circumference before concealment, and remember that mastic is an additional product rather than part of the standard kit contents.

Q) How are battens and dry-lining brackets attached to Newton MultiPlugs?

A) The hollow core of a Newton MultiPlug accepts a suitable 5mm, or No. 10, self-tapping screw for compatible timber battens or dry-lining brackets. Set out the support positions before fixing the membrane so each batten or bracket aligns with a secure plug. Select screws that provide adequate engagement without extending through the end of the plug into the damp background. Do not drill separate screw holes through Newtonite or assume that membrane-holding positions automatically provide sufficient support for the finished lining. Use appropriately treated timber and follow the lining manufacturer’s requirements for centres, board thickness, loads and wall height. Independent frames offer another option, provided their construction and perimeter details preserve the membrane’s continuous separation.

Q) Can the Newtonite kit be used behind an internal block wall?

A) Newtonite can separate a properly designed internal block lining from an above-ground damp wall, but the membrane does not support the masonry itself. Foundation support, cavity width, restraint, openings and head details must be designed before installation. Newton MultiPlugs can accept compatible Newton Helifix Wall Ties, installed with the correct tool and selected to suit the complete wall build-up. Allow for the specified 30mm insertion into the MultiPlug when sizing the tie. These helical ties are distinct from the self-tapping screws used for battens and brackets. Additional ties, installation tools and plugs are selected separately. Coordinate every restraint position with joints and returns so the lining remains stable without introducing uncontrolled holes or moisture bridges.

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

A) Plan radiators, cupboards, televisions, shelving and sanitary fittings before the protective lining is completed. The membrane and MultiPlug screw sockets must not be assumed to support loads beyond their suitable capacity. A designed backing board across correctly spaced supports may distribute appropriate loads, but the board, screws, plug arrangement and proposed weight all need checking. Heavier items should be anchored to the structural wall with a compatible resin-anchor system rather than relying solely on plasterboard or membrane fixings. Seal the anchor penetration with Newtonite 801 Mastic to prevent moisture or salts bridging into the internal finish. Obtain suitable fixing or structural advice where loads are significant, and record the support locations for future alterations.

Q) Does the Newton Newtonite kit require curing or drying time?

A) The Newtonite sheet requires no curing period because it is a prefabricated membrane fixed mechanically to the wall. Once its fixings, taped joints, edges, penetrations and repairs have been completed and inspected, the specified lining can proceed without waiting for the membrane itself to dry. This can help reduce refurbishment delays, but it does not remove the requirements of other materials. Repair mortars, damp-proof treatments, biocides, mastics and decorative products must satisfy their own drying or curing instructions before the next stage. OverTape also needs clean, dry bonding surfaces, so condensation or wet drilling debris must not be trapped beneath it. Do not conceal defects or unfinished remedial work merely because the sheet has no curing requirement.

Q) Does Newtonite prevent condensation, and is it an insulation product?

A) Newtonite isolates the lining from damp masonry, but it does not remove moisture generated inside the room or replace insulation. Cooking, bathing, clothes drying and inadequate extraction can still produce condensation and mould on cold internal surfaces. The room therefore needs suitable ventilation, heating and humidity control, while any insulated lining should be designed to manage vapour movement and condensation risk. Newtonite has high resistance to water-vapour diffusion, so its relationship with insulation and other vapour-control layers requires consideration rather than assumption. Keep the membrane cavity closed as specified; deliberate ventilation gaps are not a substitute for room ventilation. Investigate recurring damp patches properly because plumbing defects, condensation and membrane-detail damage can require different remedies.

Q) What are the main technical specifications of the Newtonite membrane?

A) The membrane supplied in the kit is HDPE with a unit weight of 500g/m², sheet thickness of 0.50mm, stud depth of 2.90mm and overall height of approximately 3.50mm. Its service-temperature range is -40°C to +80°C, while thermal conductivity is 0.461W/mK. Water-vapour resistance exceeds 3020MNs/g, with an Sd value above 604m. It is declared as a Type V damp-proof sheet to BS EN 13967:2012+A1:2017 and has Euroclass E reaction to fire. The membrane passes watertightness testing at 60kPa for 24 hours under EN 1928. These membrane characteristics do not extend its intended use beyond above-ground, non-earth-retaining walls or establish the performance of the complete finished wall.

Q) What warranty and life expectancy apply to the Newton Newtonite kit?

A) Newton provides a 30-year product warranty for the Newtonite membrane and states a life expectancy of at least 50 years when it is correctly specified, installed and protected. These statements apply to the membrane itself, not automatically to the complete kit, tapes, fixings, sealants or finished lining. They also do not amount to a blanket guarantee that every damp problem will be resolved. Long-term performance depends on suitable above-ground use, stable substrates, dependable joints and fixings, protected terminations and avoidance of later punctures. The membrane must remain isolated from ultraviolet exposure, physical damage and wear. Retain the product information, purchase details and installation records, and consult the applicable warranty terms for its conditions and coverage.

Q) How should the kit be stored, and are there temperature restrictions?

A) Store Newtonite rolls upright, under cover and away from direct sunlight, sharp objects, crushing and excessive heat. Keep OverTape clean and dry, protect MultiPlug washers from damage and store drill bits in dry conditions. Newtonite is not ultraviolet stable and must not remain in direct sunlight for longer than seven days. Inspect all components before use and reject torn membrane, permanently distorted studs, damaged seals or contaminated tape. Membrane fixings must not be installed above 30°C or below -5°C; this installation restriction is separate from the membrane’s wider service-temperature range. Follow the individual application limits for tapes, mastics and remedial treatments. After installation, promptly provide the specified lining to protect the membrane from fire, impact and exposure.

Q) What repair, maintenance and final checks does a Newtonite installation need?

A) Inspect the complete installation before fitting the protective lining, checking orientation, secure plugs, compressed washers, fully bonded butt joints and continuous perimeter seals. Examine corners, reveals, floor junctions and every service penetration. Small clean punctures can be repaired with Newton CDM OverTape extending onto sound, dry membrane; larger defects may need a compatible Newtonite patch or replacement section with its perimeter fully sealed. Never conceal loose tape, contaminated repairs or unsealed holes. Once protected, the membrane normally needs little direct attention, but avoid later uncontrolled drilling and monitor the building for recurring moisture sources. Photograph concealed details and record planned fixing locations. Future alterations should preserve the separation layer and use reviewed support or penetration details.

Technical Data Sheet

Declaration of Performance (DoP)

Declaration of Conformity (DoC)