KNOWLEDGE · MASONRY AND DAMP-PROOF COURSES

Horizontal waterproofing: damp-proof course continuity

The damp-proof course must limit capillary rise along the entire path through the masonry. Its position and connections are as important as the material introduced into the holes.

Assessment Procedure and options Selection and next step

EXPLORE THE METHOD

Saturation damp-proof course: one row or two rows

The illustrations show two alternative layouts for a damp-proof course installed by saturating masonry. A second row is not automatically a further stage of every repair. Both options require connected material coverage through the wall thickness and continuity with other waterproofing.

Full masonry cross-section with one row of angled boreholes and a yellow saturation zone near floor level. — One row of boreholes delivers material to the selected damp-proof course zone. This saturates through the masonry and is distinct from horizontal cream holes in the mortar joint.

01 · Saturation damp-proof course layout

Single-row option: set the damp-proof course level

First confirm that the problem involves capillary rise and establish the barrier level relative to the floor, ground and other waterproofing. The yellow area shows intended material coverage. Angled boreholes must reach the zone within the cross-section, not merely leave material near the hole entrance. A row at an accessible level alone does not guarantee that water cannot bypass the damp-proof course.

The labels 45°, 10–15 cm, Ø12 mm and “masonry minus 5–10 cm” relate to the saturation option shown. Confirm depth and spacing on a trial section, accounting for the actual wall construction. After preparing holes and installing packers, inject sequentially along the row; record uptake and communication to detect voids and gaps in the planned zone. HydroGum and EasyInject can be considered after individual selection and a trial confirming material distribution, water availability for reaction and the ability to confine expansion. Do not treat them as automatically interchangeable with another saturation method.

Connect the damp-proof course to floor and wall waterproofing.
Check masonry construction and depth in a trial.
Record completed points and locations needing correction.

Application trial before injection →Separate method: cream in the mortar joint →HydroGum — conditional selection →EasyInject — conditional selection →

Full masonry cross-section with two staggered rows of angled holes and saturation zones at two levels. — Two staggered rows cover a wider cross-sectional zone. Their coverage must connect; the number of holes alone does not confirm damp-proof course continuity.

02 · Saturation damp-proof course layout

Two-row option: connect the staggered zones

Consider this option for the assessed geometry and masonry uptake behaviour. In the drawing, rows are 15–25 cm apart and the horizontal offset is labelled 5–7 cm. The other dimensions relate to the same angled saturation option. They do not prove that identical yellow zones will form in every substrate or that an additional row replaces a trial.

With the layout confirmed, start at the lower row, inject along it and then proceed to the upper row. Monitor communication between points and areas missed by the material, especially at corners, thickness changes and cross walls. After installing the damp-proof course, assess continuity along the whole line and its connections; continued masonry drying requires suitable finishes and ventilation.

Confirm the need for a second row.
Check connection between zones at both levels.
Account for corners and cross walls.

Three-dimensional saturation of the entire wall →Pressure and observation →

First identify the moisture source

Dampness near the floor is insufficient to diagnose capillary rise. Check external ingress, services, drainage, ground level and condensation conditions. Record dampness height, efflorescence and plaster condition. Eliminating active inflow may be necessary independently of the damp-proof course.

Horizontal waterproofing limits capillary transport. It does not replace protection against water under pressure. If the wall contacts the ground, design its connection to vertical waterproofing and the floor; otherwise water may bypass the repaired line.

Draw a continuous line throughout the building

Establish the damp-proof course level relative to the floor, ground and existing waterproofing. Include corners, cross walls, stairs and masonry thickness changes. A corner treated only from the convenient side may leave a gap in the saturation zone.

Plaster, mortar or a floor layer may create a connection bypassing the barrier. Preparing the detail also includes these layers. The damp-proof course does not immediately remove water and salts already present above it.

Cream and saturation use different application methods

Injection cream is introduced into prepared holes, usually horizontally in the mortar joint, filling them from the back. In saturation methods, boreholes and material must cover the required masonry zone. The single- or two-row diagram shows this three-dimensional arrangement; its angled boreholes should not automatically be transferred to cream application.

Identify absorbency, joint layout, voids and masonry layers. This information determines whether the selected method can achieve continuity. An additional row of holes cannot by itself correct an inadequately assessed cross-section.

The trial checks the masonry and injection path

On a representative section, confirm hole depth, clear passage and material uptake. If you encounter a void, do not assume that high consumption means a better damp-proof course. Establish where the material goes and whether the void zone needs preparation.

For saturation, record flow and communication; for cream, check filling along the entire hole length. With both methods, mark completed points and locations requiring correction, especially at corners and cross walls.

Damp-proof course acceptance and masonry drying

During acceptance, record layout continuity, actual holes, consumption and completed connections to other waterproofing. Further moisture observation should use comparable locations and conditions. Damp plaster immediately after treatment does not establish that the damp-proof course is ineffective.

Select how to treat salt-contaminated plaster and finishes that permit drying. Provide ventilation. Drying time depends on the cross-section, initial moisture and surroundings; do not promise one date for every wall.

RESINBAU SELECTION

Site conditions determine the material

InjectCream →

For limiting capillary rise in assessed masonry. It is not a standalone barrier against water under pressure.

ResinBau AcrylGel + Polymer →

An option for a saturation method selected for the specific cross-section and moisture conditions. Do not equate its formulation or borehole layout with cream application.

Calculate what you know

CALCULATORCream consumption →

For the selected cream option, calculate holes and their geometry; voids require separate assessment.

Next step

Discuss your project conditions

Prepare a cross-section, a description of water and movement, and results of previous trials. ResinBau helps select the material and application method.

Discuss your project / technical selection ↗