What Are Damp Proof Membranes?
At its most basic level, damp proof membranes are barriers that prevents moisture from penetrating into a wall surface or floor, physically preventing water from seeping through from the outside or the ground into the building and damaging internal plaster or flooring. Water ingress can do large amounts of damage internally, from small scale problems that ruin plasterwork and cause damp and rot to large scale issues that can lead to serious cracks and even structural issues, so reducing this risk with waterproof membranes is a necessity in any building. The most effective type of damp proof membranes are the plastic one like the types in our range at the Drainage Shop because it is effective at preventing water ingress while also being easy to fit, lightweight and long lasting. The waterproof membranes are studded to create an air gap between the wall or floor and the surface above it, creating an extra line of defence against the damp.
How Do You Install Damp Proof Membranes?
One of the best things about the type of damp proof membranes we sell is that it is really easy to install, something that can be done without any mess and with the minimum of labour. The first step is that the plaster must be removed from the wall, or if you’re putting it down on a floor then the flooring must be removed to the level of the concrete slab underneath. Next, the surface needs to be flattened as much as possible to make it as smooth and clean as you can. Finally, the damp proof membranes needs to be placed flat against the surface you’re protecting and nailed in place, with plugs being used to keep the membrane against the surface without allowing moisture through. The most important thing is to ensure that there are no gaps to allow moisture through, or the waterproof membranes won’t be effective in preventing and potential leaks from an underground drainage or drainage channel system from seeming through.
Damp Proof Membranes At The Drainage Shop?
At the Drainage Shop we stock a great range of damp proof membrane products to suit a variety of scenarios, including products in a range of sizes and thicknesses. Size wise, we stock waterproof membranes in large sizes such as 4x25m and 4x12.5m, as well as in smaller sizes including 3x4m and 4x5m. Another important measurement to consider is the thickness of your waterproof membranes, with higher gauge products offering more protection against damp for more serious problems. We offer gauges between 1000 gauge dpm, 1200 gauge polythene dpm, and 2000 gauge polythene, and while the British standard is 1200 there are good reasons for choosing the other two including cost and the severity of the damp.
We also stock a range of accessories to help make your job easier and more successful, including double sided tape to help secure the damp proof membrane in place and to prevent leaks, landscaping fabrics, and even anti-radon gear to help make it easier to deal with pockets of the gas in the area around your build.
