Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream

Health & Safety Recommendations

Before using Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream, read the product label and Safety Data Sheet in full and ensure all operatives are familiar with the instructions. Wear suitable PPE including gloves, eye protection and overalls, and provide adequate ventilation when working in confined areas such as cellars and basements. Avoid contact with skin and eyes; wash splashes immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

Keep cartridges and tubs out of reach of children and animals and away from food preparation areas. Do not smoke, eat or drink while applying the DPC cream. Seal all containers when not in use and dispose of any contaminated cloths or waste material in accordance with local regulations. When drilling, use appropriate dust control measures, a suitable mask and ear protection, and follow good practice for work on masonry and brickwork.

Substrate Suitability

Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is designed for use in most common forms of masonry including solid brick walls, cavity walls, blockwork and many stone constructions. It may be installed in both internal and external walls where a chemical damp proof course is required to control rising damp.

Walls should be structurally sound and free from severe cracking or movement. In random stone or rubble-infill walls, drilling positions may be varied between the mortar bed and the stone faces provided that the chosen course is continuous and perpends are fully treated. Where the masonry is extremely friable or of unusual construction, a specialist survey is recommended before proceeding with DPC injection.

Drilling Preparation

Preparation of the building fabric is critical for a successful rising damp treatment. Before drilling, check and overhaul all rainwater goods so that gutters, downpipes and overflow pipes are clean, sound and correctly discharging. Repair or install external drainage as necessary to carry surface water away from the walls.

If internal floors are below external ground level, form external trenches down to at least 150mm below the proposed DPC height where foundation depth allows. If this is impractical, the new chemical DPC must be positioned at least 150mm above external ground level and the internal wall surfaces tanked below the DPC to prevent lateral moisture and salt migration.

Internally, remove skirtings, fixings and any render or plaster to expose the selected mortar bed. Salt-contaminated plaster should be stripped to at least 300mm above the highest visible signs of rising damp. Inspect embedded floor timbers for fungal decay and recommend repair or replacement where necessary. Clear debris from wall cavities and arrange for vertical DPCs where horizontal levels change or where adjoining walls are not being treated.

Walls should then be drilled to receive the DPC cream. Using a 12mm masonry bit, drill horizontal holes along the chosen mortar bed at centres not exceeding 120mm. Hole depth should be approximately 90% of the wall thickness: for 115mm walls drill to 100mm, for 230mm walls to 210mm, for 345mm walls to 320mm and for 460mm walls to 430mm. For intermediate thicknesses, calculate the depth on a pro-rata basis. In walls thicker than 350mm, drilling from both sides at matching heights is recommended. Re-drill any holes that become blocked to ensure full injection depth.

Product Sizes & Recommended Applicators

Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is supplied in a range of pack sizes to suit different project scales and preferred application methods:

• The 380ml Cartridge is designed for use with a standard C4 skeleton gun such as Bond-It Economy C4 Sealant Gun the Cox Professional C4 Sealant Gun and is supplied with a 9" extension nozzle to reach the full depth of 9" drilled holes. Spare extension nozzles can be purchased separately where required.
  
  

• The 1L Cartridge is suited to larger jobs and should be applied using a dedicated DPC cream gun such as the Cox Powerflow DPC Cartridge Gun complete with a brass injection nozzle.
  
  

• For extensive treatment, the 5L Bucket is intended for use with a large-capacity pressure injection pump fitted with a DPC lance, for example the Selecta 7 or Osatu Tango 7 DPC Injection Pumps.

Whichever system is used, ensure the equipment is clean, in good working order and capable of delivering a steady, controlled bead of cream to the full depth of the drill hole.

Application Method

Once drilling is complete and the appropriate applicator is loaded, insert the nozzle or injection lance fully to the back of the drill hole. Commence injection while slowly withdrawing the nozzle so that the hole is filled completely with Ultracure cream to within about 10mm of the surface. This ensures the mortar joint is fully dosed along its depth and that the cream can migrate into adjacent masonry pores.

When treating cavity walls from one side, either drill and inject each leaf separately as if treating two 115mm walls, or drill right through the near leaf, across the cavity and 100mm into the far leaf, injecting in a continuous operation. In either case make certain that both leaves are fully filled and that the cavity has been cleared of debris beforehand. In random stone or rubble walls, position holes so that the chosen course, including perpends, is thoroughly treated, drilling from both sides where practicable.

Repeat injection along the full length of the wall to form an unbroken chemical damp proof course at least 150mm above external ground level. In the case of solid floors, position the DPC as close to floor level as possible. Take care to avoid overfilling or spillage; wipe away any excess material immediately with a damp cloth.

Coverage

The amount of Ultracure required depends on wall thickness, hole spacing and pack size. As a general guide, a 5L tub used with a suitable injection pump will treat roughly five times the linear metreage of a 1L cartridge (for example, around 50m in a typical 115mm solid wall under standard drilling patterns).

For accurate planning, please refer to the coverage table below, which sets out the indicative linear metres achievable for each pack size (380ml, 1L and 5L) across common wall thicknesses of 115mm, 230mm, 345mm and 460mm.

Finishing

After injection, allow any excess Ultracure cream to be absorbed, then make good the drill holes. On external faces, the most robust finish is achieved by inserting colour-matched DPC Injection Plugs, which provide a neat, durable and weather-resistant seal. Alternatively, the holes may be carefully pointed up with a compatible sand/cement mortar mix, ensuring the mortar is compacted fully to the back of the recess.

On internal faces, holes can either be plugged in the same way or left open with the new plaster finish stopped just short of the damp proof course, in accordance with the chosen replastering specification.

Curing Time

After installation, Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream diffuses through the mortar and surrounding masonry, then cures to form a continuous hydrophobic barrier. Final cure typically occurs within 2–6 weeks depending on wall thickness, moisture content, temperature and ventilation. Thicker or very damp walls will take longer to dry fully and may require several months before moisture profiles stabilise.

It is advisable to allow the treated walls to stand for as long as practicable, and for a minimum of 14 days, before removing residual salts, completing replastering and undertaking final decorations. During this period, maintain good background heating and ventilation to support the drying process.

Decoration

Rising damp often leaves a legacy of hygroscopic salts that can continue to attract moisture and cause staining even after a new chemical DPC has been installed. For this reason, internal plaster contaminated by salts should be removed to at least 300mm above the highest damp mark and replaced with a suitable salt-resistant plaster system, such as Wykamol Renovation Plaster or Wykamol Renderproof, in accordance with the relevant replastering specification.

Replaster only once the Ultracure injection has been in place for at least 14 days and the walls show signs of drying. After the new plaster has fully cured, usually several weeks later, decorative finishes such as emulsions or wallpapers can be applied using standard painting and decorating practice. Where a studded damp-proof membrane is used instead of, or in addition to, salt-resistant plaster, follow the membrane manufacturer’s guidance before fixing dry lining and finishes.

Cleaning

Any Ultracure cream spilled on non-porous surfaces should be wiped away immediately using a clean cloth dampened with warm soapy water. Where the cream has penetrated porous but non-target surfaces such as paving slabs, it will usually dry to a clear finish with minimal visual impact.

Injection equipment should be emptied and cleaned as soon as work is completed. Follow the gun or pump manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintenance to prevent curing of residual material inside the applicator. Dispose of cloths, empty cartridges and other waste responsibly in accordance with local regulations.

Limitations

Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is designed specifically to control rising damp; it does not address penetrating damp, plumbing leaks, condensation or other moisture sources. These issues must be identified and remedied separately as part of a comprehensive damp management plan.

The product relies on correct drilling patterns, hole depths and pack sizes as set out above. Poor drilling, blocked holes or missed sections can lead to gaps in the damp proof course and reduced effectiveness. In walls containing cavities filled with debris, rubble cores or severe structural defects, specialist advice should be sought before relying solely on chemical DPC treatment.

Other Information

Ultracure should be installed, as far as possible, in accordance with BS 6576:2005 “Code of Practice for Installation of Chemical Damp-proof Courses”. The product is BBA certified (Certificate No. 02/3961) and is designed to remain effective for at least 20 years when correctly applied.

Where appropriate, Ultracure can be used in conjunction with studded damp-proof mesh membranes to provide a combined chemical and physical barrier system. For complex buildings, historic structures or where damp diagnosis is uncertain, a full survey by a qualified damp and timber specialist is strongly recommended before specifying any rising damp treatment cream.

Q) What is Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream and what problem is it designed to solve?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is a silane-based, BBA-certified damp proof course cream formulated specifically to control rising damp in existing masonry walls. Rising damp occurs when moisture is drawn up from the ground through capillary action in brick, block or stone, often leaving tide marks, blistering paint, crumbling skirtings and salt contamination on internal finishes. Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is injected directly into the mortar bed to create an in-situ chemical damp proof course where the original physical DPC has failed, been bridged or is missing altogether. Supplied ready to use in cartridges or larger buckets, it is applied with a simple injection gun rather than high-pressure pumps, which makes it practical for both professional contractors and competent DIY users. Once installed correctly and combined with salt-resistant replastering, Ultracure provides a long-term, low-disruption solution to rising damp in domestic, commercial and many historic buildings.

Q) How does Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream actually work inside the wall?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is injected as a creamy emulsion into a row of pre-drilled 12mm holes along the chosen mortar course. After injection, the cream slowly diffuses from each hole into the surrounding mortar and adjacent brick or stone, moving through the pore structure rather than flooding the wall. As it reverts from a cream to a liquid and then cures, the active silane reacts with the mineral surfaces to form a continuous hydrophobic zone. This zone lines the capillaries and pores, making them water-repellent while still allowing the wall to “breathe” water vapour. The result is an in-situ chemical damp proof course that blocks further capillary rise from the ground. The existing moisture and salts above the new barrier will then gradually dry out, provided ventilation and heating are adequate and contaminated plaster is treated or replaced in line with a suitable replastering specification.

Q) In what situations should Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream be used to treat rising damp?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is intended for use wherever rising damp has been correctly diagnosed in masonry walls and a new or replacement damp proof course is required. Typical situations include older houses with no original DPC, properties where the original physical DPC has failed with age, and walls where the existing DPC has been bridged by internal finishes, external paths or raised flower beds. It is particularly useful at ground floor level in solid or cavity brick and block walls that show clear rising damp symptoms such as tide marks, blistering plaster and crystalline salt deposits. Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream can also be specified in commercial and public buildings where rising damp is affecting internal finishes and usability. It is a rising damp solution only, so separate measures are required where penetrating damp, condensation or plumbing leaks are contributing to the overall moisture problem in the building.

Q) What types of walls and masonry are suitable for Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is designed for use in most common forms of masonry construction, including solid brick walls, cavity walls, blockwork and many stone walls. The cream diffuses through the mortar bed and into adjacent masonry, so it is generally installed along a continuous mortar joint as close as possible to floor level or at least 150mm above external ground level. In cavity walls, each leaf must be treated so that both sides of the structure have a complete chemical DPC. In random stone or rubble walls, drilling positions may alternate between mortar and stone, provided the selected course is continuous and perpends are effectively treated; in thicker walls it is often advisable to drill and inject from both sides. Where masonry is extremely friable, heavily cracked or of unusual construction, a detailed survey by a damp-proofing specialist is recommended before relying solely on Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream.

Q) How does Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream compare with traditional liquid injection or physical DPC replacement?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream offers several practical advantages over traditional liquid injection systems and disruptive physical DPC replacement. Cream injection uses low-pressure, hand-operated guns rather than high-pressure pumps, so there is far less risk of liquid running out of cracks, cavities or internal finishes, and there is no pump cleaning or complex set-up between jobs. This greatly reduces mess and labour time. Compared with cutting in a new physical DPC, Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream avoids the structural disturbance associated with saw cuts, brick removal and temporary propping, which is particularly important in older or historic buildings. The silane technology and BBA certification provide confidence that, once cured, the chemical barrier performs consistently in a wide range of masonry types. When combined with proper replastering and basic maintenance, Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream provides a robust, modern alternative to more invasive and disruptive damp proof course replacement methods.

Q) What does the BBA certification of Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream actually guarantee?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is BBA certificated under Certificate No. 02/3961. This means the product has been independently assessed by the British Board of Agrément and found to meet specific performance criteria when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The BBA evaluation covers aspects such as effectiveness in controlling rising damp, compatibility with typical masonry substrates, durability, installation method and expected service life. For specifiers, surveyors and local authorities, the BBA certificate provides an additional level of assurance that Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream performs as claimed and is suitable for use in recognised damp proofing specifications. Under normal service conditions and correct installation, the in-situ damp proof course formed by Ultracure is designed to remain effective for at least 20 years, aligning with the refurbishment life cycle of most buildings and supporting long-term maintenance planning.

Q) How should walls be prepared before installing Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) Successful installation of Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream begins with thorough preparation. Before any drilling, external defects that may exacerbate dampness should be addressed: gutters, downpipes and overflows must be checked, cleaned and repaired so that rainwater is safely discharged away from the walls. Where internal floor levels are below external ground levels, consideration should be given to external trenches or ground lowering where feasible. Internally, skirtings, fixtures and salt-contaminated plaster should be carefully removed to expose the chosen mortar bed; plaster is normally stripped to at least 300mm above the highest visible damp mark. Embedded timbers should be inspected for decay and any necessary repairs recommended. Debris in wall cavities should be cleared and provision made for vertical DPCs where horizontal levels change. Only once defects have been addressed and the selected mortar joint fully exposed should drilling for Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream begin.

Q) What drilling pattern and hole depths are recommended for Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) For Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream to form a continuous chemical damp proof course, the drilling pattern must be carefully followed. Using a 12mm masonry bit, horizontal holes are drilled along the selected mortar joint at centres not exceeding 120mm. Hole depth should be approximately 90% of the wall thickness. As a guide, a 115mm wall is drilled to about 100mm, a 230mm wall to around 210mm, a 345mm wall to about 320mm and a 460mm wall to roughly 430mm. For intermediate thicknesses, the depth is calculated on a simple pro-rata basis. In walls thicker than around 350mm, drilling from both sides at matching heights is recommended so that each face can be fully treated. Any holes that block with debris during drilling or injection must be re-drilled to full depth to ensure that Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream can be installed right to the back of the wall.

Q) How is Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream actually injected into the wall?

A) Once the drilling pattern is complete, Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is injected hole by hole using the appropriate applicator. The nozzle or DPC lance is inserted fully to the back of each 12mm hole, and injection begins while the nozzle is slowly withdrawn towards the surface. This technique ensures that the drill hole is consistently filled along its entire depth. The hole is typically filled to within about 10mm of the surface, allowing for slight expansion and clean finishing. In cavity walls, both leaves must be treated: this can be done either by drilling and injecting each leaf separately or by drilling right through the near leaf, across the cavity and into the far leaf and injecting in one continuous operation, provided the cavity is clear. Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream does not require high-pressure equipment, so consistent dosing is achieved simply by careful gun control and visual checking.

Q) What pack sizes and applicators are available for Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is supplied in several pack sizes to suit different project scales and working methods. For smaller jobs, 380ml cartridges can be used with a standard C4 skeleton sealant gun, and these cartridges are supplied with an extension nozzle long enough to reach typical drill hole depths. For medium-sized or repetitive work, 1L cartridges are available and are best used with a dedicated DPC cream gun such as a professional Powerflow-type gun fitted with a robust brass injection nozzle. On larger refurbishment schemes, a 5L tub is available for use with a suitable low-pressure injection pump and DPC lance, enabling faster treatment of long wall runs. Regardless of pack size, the principle remains the same: insert the nozzle to the back of the hole and fill steadily while withdrawing, ensuring good control and minimal spillage.

Q) How much Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream will I need and how can coverage be estimated?

A) The quantity of Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream required depends on wall thickness, total length of treated wall and the drilling pattern. Thicker walls have deeper holes and therefore consume more cream per linear metre. As a broad guide, a 5L tub used with an injection pump will treat roughly five times the linear meterage of a 1L cartridge on the same wall thickness and hole spacing. For planning, you can calculate the number of 12mm holes per metre at 120mm centres, multiply by the depth (approximately 90% of wall thickness) and then convert the total volume of holes into litres. While precise coverage data is given in the manufacturer’s tables, allowing for a small margin on top of these figures is sensible to accommodate irregularities, re-drilling and slightly deeper holes in uneven masonry.

Q) How long does Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream take to cure and when will the wall start to dry?

A) After injection, Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream begins to migrate and react almost immediately, but full formation of the hydrophobic barrier occurs over a number of weeks. Typically, the cream cures to create a continuous damp proof course within roughly 2–6 weeks, depending on wall thickness, moisture content, temperature and ventilation. Thicker or very damp walls naturally take longer. Drying of the wall above the new chemical DPC is a separate process and can take several months as trapped moisture and salts redistribute and evaporate. It is advisable to allow a minimum of 14 days after installation before replastering, and longer where possible. Good background heating and regular ventilation significantly assist the drying process and improve the overall effectiveness of the Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream system.

Q) Why is salt-resistant replastering necessary after installing Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream stops further moisture rising from the ground, but it does not remove the hygroscopic salts that have already been deposited in the plaster and masonry during years of dampness. These salts can continue to attract atmospheric moisture and cause localised damp patches, staining and deterioration of decorative finishes even when the wall itself is drying out. For this reason, treatment specifications usually require removal of salt-contaminated plaster to at least 300mm above the highest damp line, followed by reinstatement with a salt-resistant plaster system. Suitable options include renovating plasters or render systems incorporating salt-resistant additives. When used together with Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream, these plasters prevent residual salts from affecting the new finish, allowing the wall to dry in a controlled way while providing a durable base for decoration.

Q) Can Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream be used with studded damp proof membranes and dry-lining systems?

A) Yes, Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is often used alongside studded damp proof membranes to provide a combined chemical and physical barrier system. In situations where walls are heavily salt-contaminated, uneven or of complex construction, a membrane fixed over the treated masonry can provide an immediate dry surface for dry lining while Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream deals with the rising damp pathway within the wall. Mesh-faced membranes allow plaster or dot-and-dab boards to be applied without the new finishes coming into direct contact with damp or salty substrates. This approach is particularly useful in basements, lower ground floors and older buildings where replastering alone might not offer sufficient protection. The key is to install Ultracure correctly at the specified level and then follow the membrane manufacturer’s guidance for fixings, jointing and lining.

Q) Is Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream suitable for basements and below-ground structures?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream can play a role in controlling rising damp in basements and lower ground floors, but it is important to distinguish between rising damp and lateral penetration. Injecting a chemical damp proof course at or just above floor level will reduce capillary rise, but below-ground walls are also subjected to lateral moisture ingress from the surrounding ground. In many basement refurbishments, Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is used as part of a wider waterproofing specification, typically in combination with internal tanking systems or cavity drainage membranes. It should not be viewed as a stand-alone basement waterproofing system. A professional survey and a BS 8102-compliant design are recommended for below-ground works, with Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream integrated into the scheme where rising damp is also a factor.

Q) What health and safety precautions are needed when using Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream?

A) Although Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is virtually odourless and has a relatively low hazard profile compared with some older solvent-heavy systems, sensible safety precautions must still be followed. Operators should wear appropriate gloves, eye protection and overalls to avoid skin and eye contact during drilling and injection. When drilling masonry, a suitable dust mask and ear protection are advisable, and extraction or damping down of dust should be considered where practical. Work areas, especially cellars and confined spaces, should be adequately ventilated. Any splashes on skin should be washed off promptly with plenty of clean water, and splashes in eyes should be rinsed immediately before seeking medical advice if irritation persists. Cartridges and tubs must be kept out of reach of children, away from food preparation areas, and all waste material disposed of responsibly.

Q) Are there any important limitations to what Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream can achieve?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is designed specifically to combat rising damp and must not be expected to cure all forms of dampness in a building. It will not address penetrating damp through defective pointing, cracked masonry or leaking gutters; these defects must be repaired separately. Likewise, it does not solve condensation issues caused by poor ventilation, nor will it deal with leaks from faulty plumbing or roofs. Its performance depends on correct drilling patterns, adequate hole depth and complete injection along the selected course; missed sections, blocked holes or heavily debris-filled cavities can compromise effectiveness. In very unusual constructions, severely cracked walls or rubble-infill cores, specialist advice is recommended and additional measures, such as membranes or internal lining systems, may be needed alongside Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream.

Q) Can homeowners install Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream themselves, or is it strictly a professional product?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is widely used by professional damp-proofing contractors, but its cream format and low-pressure application method also make it accessible to competent DIY users. A careful homeowner, equipped with the correct drill, masonry bits, injection gun and suitable PPE, can follow the manufacturer’s drilling and dosing instructions and install the product along straightforward wall runs. However, accurate diagnosis of damp problems, correct positioning of the new chemical DPC, and appropriate replastering are crucial for success. For complex properties, mixed wall types, basements or where the source of damp is uncertain, commissioning a professional survey and installation is strongly recommended. Even for DIY projects, many users choose professional help for the survey and replastering while carrying out some of the preparatory work themselves to keep disruption and cost under control.

Q) How does Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream fit with British Standards and long-term maintenance planning?

A) Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream should be installed as closely as possible in line with BS 6576:2005, the Code of Practice for the installation of chemical damp proof courses. This standard sets out principles for diagnosis, drilling patterns, moisture management and replastering, and following it provides a structured framework for successful treatment. Because Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream is BBA certificated and designed to remain effective for at least 20 years, it fits well into long-term maintenance strategies for housing stock, commercial premises and public buildings. Once the chemical DPC is in place, routine maintenance such as keeping gutters clear, maintaining external pointing and managing internal ventilation will help preserve the benefits of the treatment. In combination with appropriate replastering and sensible housekeeping, Ultracure Damp Proof DPC Cream offers a durable, predictable tool for controlling rising damp over the service life of the building.

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet

BBA Certificate