Damp Proofing Products

Damp Proofing Products

Damp proofing products control the movement of moisture within a building structure, preventing capillary water and water vapour from affecting internal finishes and occupied rooms.

It is distinct from structural waterproofing. Damp proofing products and systems manage moisture but are not designed to resist hydrostatic pressure.

Damp proofing is typically applied:

• Above ground or at ground floor level
• In refurbishment of existing buildings
• To isolate damp or salt-contaminated substrates
• As part of a wider moisture management strategy

Understanding Damp in Buildings

Moisture ingress generally occurs in three forms:

• Rising damp – capillary movement of groundwater through masonry
• Penetrating damp – lateral ingress due to defects or exposure
• Condensation – airborne moisture deposited on cold surfaces

Each source of damp requires a different approach. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and repeat failure.

Newtonite Lath Damp Proofing Membranes

Newtonite Lath is a meshed, damp proofing membrane designed for internal wall applications where moisture, salts or contamination are present.

It provides a mechanically fixed lining system that isolates internal finishes from damp walls, rather than attempting to resist moisture at the substrate surface.

As part of our damp proofing products range, Newtonite Lath is used where internal finishes require protection from damp or salt-contaminated backgrounds.

Key Applications

• Isolation of damp or salt-contaminated walls
• Refurbishment of properties affected by rising or penetrating damp
• Situations where removing the source of the moisture is not achievable
• Internal lining prior to plaster application

How It Works

Newtonite Lath is fixed to the wall to create a physical separation between the substrate and the internal finish:

• Moisture remains within the wall structure
• Salts are prevented from migrating into plaster finishes
• A stable background is created for new plaster or render

This approach aligns with good practice where managing moisture is more reliable than attempting to fully block it in refurbishment scenarios.

Damp Proof Membranes (Floor and Wall DPMs)

Damp proof membranes (DPMs) are damp proofing products used to prevent moisture transmission through floors and structural elements.

Applications for DPMs

• Rising damp
• Ground-bearing slabs
• Floor refurbishment
• Linking floor and wall damp protection

Types of DPM

• Non-meshed sheet wall membranes, such as Newtonite
• Polyethylene sheet membranes
• Bitumen-based membranes
• Liquid-applied systems

DPMs must be continuous and correctly detailed to prevent moisture from bypassing the membrane.

Newtonite and Newtonite Lath are often used in conjunction with floor membranes to achieve continuous internal damp proofing control.

Surface-Applied Damp Proof Coatings

Surface-applied coatings are damp-proofing products that provide resistance to moisture ingress when applied to the face of the substrate.

Applications for Surface Coatings

• Internal wall sealing
• External protection
• Floor surface preparation

Types of Surface Coating

• Cementitious coatings
• Bituminous coatings
• Epoxy resin-based liquids

These systems rely on high-quality adhesion and substrate condition, so they are not suitable where moisture contamination or salts are present within the structure.

Product Applications and System Selection

Newtonite Lath provides a low-risk, consistent solution in refurbishment scenarios by isolating the internal environment from variable substrate conditions.

System Design Considerations

Effective damp proofing design requires:

• Identification of the moisture source
• Assessment of substrate condition and salt contamination
• Selection of systems that maintain continuity
• Continuity between floor and wall protection
• Appropriate internal finish specification

Isolation systems such as Newtonite Lath reduce the need to rely on substrate condition, which is often uncertain in existing buildings.

Damp Proofing vs Waterproofing

• Damp proofing controls moisture and vapour
• Waterproofing resists water under pressure

Damp proofing products, including Newtonite Lath, are not suitable where hydrostatic pressure is present. In those cases, below-ground waterproofing systems designed in accordance with BS 8102:2022 must be used.

Summary

Damp proofing systems are appropriate where:

• Moisture exposure is limited to vapour or capillary movement
• Internal finishes require protection from damp or salts
• Full waterproofing is not required

Newtonite Lath provides a robust solution by:

• Isolating internal finishes from damp substrates
• Managing, rather than attempting to eliminate, moisture
• Delivering consistent performance in refurbishment environments

Successful damp proofing depends on:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Appropriate system selection
• Correct installation and detailing
• Integration with wider building performance measures

FAQs

What is the best method for damp proofing?

The most effective way to damp proof walls using damp proof paint is by first applying the paint to the underlying surface and then covering it with a layer of render or plaster. This method forms a sandwich system that retains the damp proof layer within the structure of the wall, preventing the intrusion of moisture.

How do you damp proof a wall?

Damp proofing a wall typically involves injecting a chemical damp proof course (DPC) into pre-drilled holes along the base of the wall. This forms a water-repellent barrier within the masonry to prevent moisture from rising through the structure. The fluid is applied using a low-pressure injection system, ensuring even distribution and effective protection. It’s also important to address any underlying issues such as poor drainage, and to replaster with a salt-resistant render if the wall has already been affected by damp.

Contact Newton Waterproofing

For technical advice, specifications, and support with damp proofing products, contact Newton Waterproofing. Our team guides detailing coordination and BS 8102:2022 compliance, ensuring the correct system is selected early in the waterproofing design process.