Damp Proof Course & Render Project in Enfield

Our team recently completed a project in Enfield where a Damp Proof Course was installed throughout, all walls rendered and finished with a set coat.

Installation of a Damp Proof Course

A damp proof course (DPC) is a crucial component in building construction, particularly in structures with masonry walls, to prevent moisture from rising through the walls and causing dampness or water damage to the interior.

The DPC is typically a horizontal barrier inserted into the walls at a certain level above ground level, usually between the foundation and the first course of bricks or blocks. It can be made of various materials such as bitumen felt, plastic membranes, or specially treated bricks or stones. The purpose of the DPC is to create an impermeable barrier that stops moisture from penetrating upwards through capillary action.

Rendering

Once the Damp Proof Course had been successully installed, all the walls were rendered.

Rendering is the process of applying a mixture of cement, sand, and sometimes lime to the exterior walls of a building. This mixture, known as render, is spread over the walls and then smoothed out to create a uniform and aesthetically pleasing surface. Rendering serves several purposes:

1. Weatherproofing: Rendering provides a protective layer against weather elements such as rain, wind, and sunlight, helping to prevent moisture from penetrating into the walls and causing damage.
2. Aesthetic enhancement: Render can improve the appearance of a building by covering up imperfections in the brickwork or other substrate, providing a smooth and uniform finish. It can also be tinted or painted to achieve a desired color or texture.
3. Structural reinforcement: Rendering can help strengthen walls by providing an additional layer of support and stability, particularly in older buildings where the original brickwork may have deteriorated over time.

Set Coat

A “set coat” refers to the second layer of plaster that is applied over a base coat to create a smooth and uniform surface. The set coat is typically applied after the base coat has partially dried but is still slightly tacky, allowing the set coat to adhere properly.

The set coat is often thinner than the base coat and is applied with a trowel or plastering tool. Its purpose is to further fill in any imperfections, level the surface, and provide a suitable foundation for the final finishing coat. Once the set coat has been applied, it is left to dry completely before any further finishing, such as sanding or painting, is done.

Happy Customer

The job done, we return the property to our happy customer!