Damp-Proof Course

When moisture seeps up through building foundations and into walls, it can cause structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs—a problem that damp-proof courses (DPCs) are designed to prevent. These barriers, typically made of plastic, bitumen, or slate, are installed horizontally in walls and floors to block water from rising through capillary action. For expats buying or renting older properties, especially in Europe, understanding whether a building has an effective DPC and its condition is essential, as rising damp is both common and expensive to remedy if neglected.