Damp and Timber Specialists for 50 years

Why Choose Prokil for Damp Proof Course Installation

Rising damp weakens your home from the ground up. Left untreated, it can lead to timber decay, damaged plasterwork, and even long-term structural issues. A dependable damp proof course (DPC) is key to stopping moisture from rising in your walls. And if you spot the problem early, it is easier and less expensive to fix.

Prokil are experienced damp, timber, and structural repair specialists with over 50 years in the industry. We carry out every survey with PCA-qualified surveyors, never commission-based salespeople. This means with every callout, you get expert advice based solely on your property’s condition, and not a sales pitch.

We install chemical damp proof courses backed by the Prokil Guarantee, which covers all qualifying work for 20 years. Based in Bournemouth, we are fast becoming the number one choice throughout the UK for damp services. Our team have offices in Central London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Dorset, and Hampshire, to name a few. We help homeowners, landlords, and businesses by offering honest and dependable service.

To explore the full range of our damp treatments, visit our damp services page.


What Is a Damp Proof Course & How Does It Work?

A damp proof course (DPC) is a barrier placed in a property’s walls. It prevents moisture from rising from the ground, a problem known as rising damp. Without it, groundwater can seep through porous brick or masonry, leading to internal damage, musty smells, and health risks from mould.

Most UK homes built since the 1875 Public Health Act include some form of DPC, typically made from slate, bitumen, or plastic membrane. However, these materials can deteriorate over time due to subsidence, cracks, or cavity wall bridging by rubble and debris. A compromised DPC allows moisture to rise unchecked.

At Prokil, we install chemical injection damp proof courses, a proven long-term solution for treating rising damp. Our surveyors drill into the base of the affected walls and inject a specially formulated siliconate solution. Once absorbed, this forms a water-repellent barrier inside the wall. This stops further moisture ingress and protects your property from future damage.

If the plaster has been damaged by damp or salt deposits, we might suggest damp proof plastering. This option can help to ensure long-lasting results.

Our Damp Proof Course Installation Process

Before any treatment begins, we carry out a complete damp survey to assess the condition of your property. This includes looking for signs of rising damp, checking the current damp proof course, and finding the best treatment method. You will receive a clearly explained written report detailing our findings and recommendations. However, with our survey, there is no obligation to proceed.

If a new damp proof course is required, we follow a controlled chemical injection process:

  • We drill into the masonry at a consistent height near the base of the affected walls
  • A pressure-controlled system injects a siliconate-based DPC solution
  • The solution impregnates the wall, forming an internal water barrier
  • Where required, adjacent walls are isolated using a vertical damp proof course

We only use PCA-approved equipment and materials. Our trained technicians apply the treatment according to industry best practices. Drying times vary based on wall thickness, property age, and environmental conditions. But do not worry about that; our team will guide you on what to expect at each stage.

In many cases, we also recommend rising damp treatment or re-plastering. This can resolve deeper moisture damage and prevent future reoccurrence.

Signs You May Need a New Damp Proof Course

In many properties, especially older ones, the original damp proof course may fail, be installed incorrectly, or be covered by debris. Rising damp often develops gradually, and early signs are easily missed. If left unchecked, the damage can spread and become costly to repair.

You may need a new DPC if you have noticed:

  • Tide marks or damp patches at low level on interior walls
  • Rotting skirting boards or warped flooring near ground level
  • Peeling paint, flaking plaster, or persistent decorative damage
  • Powdery salt deposits or staining on walls
  • Musty smells or damp odours, especially near the base of walls

If any of these symptoms are present, we recommend arranging a free damp survey. Once arranged, our surveyors will examine the affected areas for signs of DPC failure and clarify whether a new damp proof course or another treatment is necessary.

You can also see real-world examples of similar issues we have resolved in our case studies.

Book Your Free Survey

Trusted damp proof course installation from qualified local specialists.

Choosing the right team to install your damp proof course matters just as much as the treatment itself. At Prokil, all surveys are carried out by PCA-qualified professionals, not salespeople. With us, you get honest advice based on what your property actually needs.

We offer free, no-obligation surveys and are fast becoming the number one choice throughout the UK for damp services. Every inspection includes a clear written report and tailored recommendations. Plus, if a new DPC is required, we install it using chemical injection methods backed by the Prokil Guarantee, which is valid for 20 years.

Whether you are tackling rising damp, buying, or selling, we help protect your home for the long term. Take a look at our complete damp services to see how we protect properties like yours.

Call us on 0800 048 9488 or contact us online to protect your home from rising damp.


Book a survey today

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What to expect from your survey

1

Book a survey

Book a survey from any of our locations, at a time that suits you.

2

Our experts give a quote

One of our damp & timber experts will arrive to survey the work.

3

We complete the work

Based on a quote, we carry out the work guaranteed for 20 years.