You are here:
Construction Industry/civil
Advertisement
Question
Why is it required to provide D.P.C ( DAMP proof course) in houses ?. Which is best method to provide D.P.C
Raju,
Building codes vary from city to city, state to state, etc. DPC & DPM requirements are not universal. In fact they are more prevelant in Europe. The purpose is to prevent moisture from migrating into the walls and floors of a house. In Florida, a DPM (Damp Proof Membrane) is used under the concrete slab-on-grade to stop moisture from coming up through the floor. In many areas of Florida the ground water level is just a few feet below the finish grade - 4ft to 7ft - and moisture will "wick" up into concrete and the floor will be continually damp. The DPM prevents - or rather attempts to prevent - this from happening. Lets assume a home is being built in an area (other than a coastal area) that has a high water content; if a basement is built, the DPM under the concrete slab could be required. Also, another barrier on basements is a DPM on the exterior of the walls - a bituminus coating from grade down to the footing. Also a membrane layer could be required on top of the basement wall between the basement wall and wood framing for the floor and exterior walls above. The use of DPC and DPM construction is not a guarantee of the prevention of moisture or a control of the moisture. In my opinion it is a bandaide - it helps but is not the best solution. Rather, in wet conditions, it is better to select materials that are not subject to absortion.
Roger
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Roger Zona
Expertise
I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.
Experience
After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.
Organizations
Previously - NAHA
Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)
Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column
Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column
Education/Credentials
Michigan State University
University of Detroit
BS in Engineering
Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family.
I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit.
I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision.
I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.