How to Damp Proof Concrete Floors

Damp rising through concrete floor slabs is fairly common when a damp proof membrane has failed or was not installed before the floor was laid. It becomes a problem when the moisture levels are too high and water is transferred to the finishing layer above. This is when you experience damp issues in carpets and floor coverings, the warping of wooden floors. 

In this guide, we look at how to damp proof concrete floors above and below ground. We take you through the damp proofing methods available and how to install them. 

Damp in Concrete Floors

Damp from the ground can make its way into your concrete floor. Due to concrete’s porous nature, it can then travel through it, causing issues in the flooring above.

Changes in the surrounding environment can have a major impact on moisture levels within the concrete slab. For example, if you remove a large tree or shrub from your garden, it no longer uses water from the ground. This means that ground moisture levels will raise, putting pressure on your home’s damp proofing system, in particular the concrete slabs. It is suggested that you consult a contractor before any large garden landscaping projects.

When faced with damp in concrete floors, there are two options available:

• Dig up the old concrete floor, install a new damp proof membrane and lap up edges before replacing the concrete slab
• Fully isolate the dampness in the floor using a surface Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)

Damp proofing concrete floors above ground

Damp proofing for extensions

When constructing an extension or a new build home, it is important that damp proofing measures are taken during the initial construction phase itself.

These days, damp proof membranes are required in the construction of all new buildings to prevent rising damp. These strong and highly durable Polyethylene 1200 Gauge DPMs are sandwiched between the hard core and concrete slab to form an impermeable layer. For example, just like the diagram below.

Laying a DPM above ground

** Always refer to the damp proof membrane manufacturer’s guidance and specification.

Liquid epoxy DPM for existing concrete floors

A Liquid Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) is often used as a remedial solution where an existing DPM has failed or was never installed. The epoxy DPM comes as a two-component system. It is low odour, solvent free, and most importantly deals with constant low levels of moisture in concrete floors.

There are a number of benefits to using a liquid epoxy DPM:

• An epoxy liquid membrane is applied to the floor itself and creates an impermeable layer meaning that water stays in the concrete slab. This is different from plastic DPMs that sit above the concrete slab and can potentially allow water to pass through to the surface of the concrete. This becomes a problem when the surface water moves to the edges of the DPM and transfers up to the floor covering, skirting boards and wall finishes.

• In the case of existing concrete floors in factories, commercial spaces and offices, epoxy floor coatings can also be used for its visual impact with its high shine finish and range of colours as well as acting as a DPM for those wanting to achieve a decorative finish.

• Epoxy membranes can be applied directly to damp floors meaning you don’t have to remove the old concrete screed which is an extremely expensive, dirty and time-consuming process. You also don’t have to wait for the floor to dry before installing the damp proof layer, saving you time.

Waterproof epoxy floor paint 

How to apply an epoxy DPM

It is important that you prepare your concrete surface before applying an epoxy membrane. Once the surface is clean and free from any previous coatings, debris and surface water you can go ahead and paint on the liquid membrane using a nylon roller and brush. Multiple coats should be built up, allowing at least 12 hours but no more than 48 hours between coats. It is recommended that a minimum of two coats are used, up to three coats depending on the moisture content of the slab.

Where the product is laid onto a concrete surface where there is no damp poof membrane or where damage may have rendered the damp proof membrane ineffective, you should give due consideration to the possible presence of hydrostatic pressure and the consequences of creating a barrier layer resulting in the pressure/water flow being directed elsewhere.

Installing a DPM floor membrane above concrete slabs

If you have an existing concrete floor, or newly laid floor slab with minimal levels of damp, you can lay a slimline floor membrane over the top and lap it up the walls or a 1200 gauge DPM. This isolates the slab below from any floor covering applied above. For example, screed, particle board and laminated wooden flooring. Insulation can also be used in conjunction with this system, where required. 

Slimline DPM profile  

Advantages of installing a slimline DPM:

• Quick and easy to install
• By creating an air gap, floor membranes allow for finishes to be applied whilst the damp floor is still drying out, significantly reducing project times.  
• Enhances acoustic and thermal performance

Installing a damp proof underlay for concrete floors

Starting at one side of the room, unroll the membrane and cut to fit the room as one would a carpet. The next membrane width is rolled out so that the edges of the membrane overlaps. These joints are then sealed with waterproof tape. Once the two widths are in alignment, go ahead and remove the backing paper and press down on the joint, sealing the two sections together. This process is repeated until all areas are covered.

Where the floor membrane is required to be joined to wall DPMs, seal with over tape.

What does a slimline floor membrane cost?

PermaSEAL 1 Floor Membrane and Newton 601 Floor Membranes are a cost-effective way to protect your flooring from damp. Prices vary from £161 - £170 for 40m².

Tanking garages and sheds

If the moisture is only entering the garage through the floor slab, we recommend the floor is cleaned as previously described. You then need to apply a minimum of two coats of Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane to the clean concrete slab.

It is important to provide a protective layer to the Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane. We suggest this is done by applying one or two coats of our Epoxy Floor Coating HB. The HB coating offers a long lasting, high-gloss grey finish which protects the damp proof membrane and gives an aesthetically pleasing finish to the floor.

If the moisture is entering the garage through the walls, you may wish to use the above system in combination with a tanking slurry on the wall. Tanking slurry is a specially formulated mixture designed to stop water ingress and ensure that your belongings are protected against damp. To find out more about this method of damp proofing, read our Guide to Tanking a Garage.

Damp proofing concrete floor FAQs 

Do I need a DPM under laminate flooring?

Simply put yes. In order to prevent damp rising through the concrete floor and causing issues, a DPM should be used under all final floor types including wood flooring, laminate, vinyl and floor tiles.

What’s the difference between a DPC and DPM?

A Damp Proof Course (DPC) is a horizontal barrier that is inserted into the wall to stop any moisture from rising up through the structure by something known as capillary action.

Whereas a Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) is a plastic sheet membrane that sits between a concrete slab or screed to prevent moisture and contaminants entering a property from the ground.

Does a DPM go above or below floor insulation?          

Insulation should be laid above the DPM. This is to protect the concrete above and also the insulation from potential moisture damage. If the insulation were to be placed under the DPM, the moisture would degrade the insulation over time.

Damp proofing concrete basement floors

It’s an unfortunate fact that basements are prone to damp, water under pressure and flooding.

Due to these factors we move more into the realm of waterproofing. When we talk about waterproofing, we need the products to have a higher performance level as they have to resist water under pressure and not just damp. They also need to work in combination with all the waterproofing elements in the basement so require a professional, well thought out waterproofing design or plan.

Damp proof membrane under concrete slab

As the majority of basements and cellars are fully below ground, they are prone to water ingress. In these situations, it is better to use a cavity drainage system to manage any water ingress, rather than a DPM.

Cavity Drainage systems protect your basement by the use of egg-box profiled floor and wall membranes, drainage channels and a specially designed sump chamber and pump system. This system effectively channels any water that makes its way into the structure to a safe evacuation point before it reaches the concrete slab.

These floor membranes, like the PermaSEAL Floor Cavity Drainage Membrane, have larger stud profiles in order to cope with large volumes of water ingress. The PermaSEAL Floor Membrane has a 20mm stud profile giving a high drainage flow rate of 36,000 litres per hour for each square metre of membrane.

For more information on how a cavity drainage system works, check out our comprehensive guide.

How to install a basement cavity drainage system

Hiring a professional basement waterproofing contactor with experience and qualifications in basement conversions is crucial. The correct products, specification and expert installation are essential for a cavity drain system to work effectively and to last a lifetime.

Basement cavity drainage costs 

Installing a cavity drainage system isn’t cheap, but it is highly effective at protecting your home. The overall cost will depend on the size of your basement or cellar. There are two costs that you will always need to account for: the right products and the right waterproofing contractor.

Looking for more information? Here’s our guide to how much basement conversions cost.

How Permagard can help

With more than 30 years of experience in the damp proofing industry, we have the expert knowledge that you need. We can offer impartial advice on the damp proofing products available. If you have any questions or need more information contact our technical team on [email protected] or call 0117 982 3282.

Main Image Credit: Christoph Kerls