- A damp proof course (DPC) is a barrier near the base of a wall that stops ground moisture rising.
- In existing buildings a new DPC is usually injected, sometimes cut in.
- A new DPC only helps if rising damp is the actual problem, and it is only one part of the repair.
- Describe the walls once and compare quotes from contractors across Cape Town.
Tell us about the problem and compare quotes from damp proof course installation specialists in Cape Town.
Compare QuotesWhen a New DPC May Be Needed
- Rising damp is confirmed and the existing DPC is missing or failed.
- The building is old and was built without one.
- Bridging cannot be removed, for example where floor levels have changed.
For the full diagnosis and repair process, see rising damp treatment.
What Should Be Checked First
- That the damp is rising damp, not a leak, lateral damp or condensation.
- Where any existing DPC sits and whether it is bridged.
- Wall construction: solid brick, cavity or stone.
- Ground levels outside compared with the inside floor.
DPC Methods and Their Limits
| Method | How it works | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical cream injection | Holes drilled along a mortar course and filled with a water-repellent cream | Mortar course must be suitable; drying takes months |
| Chemical fluid injection | Fluid injected under low pressure | Similar limits; less common than cream |
| Physical DPC insertion | Mortar joint cut out in sections and a membrane inserted | Disruptive, slow and needs structural care |
| Removing bridging | Restores an existing DPC | Only works if the original DPC is intact |
What the Work May Include
- Removing skirtings and hacking off contaminated plaster.
- Drilling at set spacings along the correct course, both leaves on cavity walls where needed.
- Injecting the DPC and plugging holes.
- Leaving walls to dry before salt-resistant replastering.
Damp Proof Course Installation Prices in Cape Town
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Chemical DPC injection, per linear metre | R350 - R750 |
| Injection with hack-off and replaster, per linear metre | R450 - R1,600 |
| Physical DPC insertion | Quoted per job; few published figures |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Indicative 2026 ranges, rounded, from published South African damp-proofing, waterproofing and plastering price guides (Cape Town and Western Cape guides where available, national and Gauteng guides otherwise), checked October 2026. Per-metre prices are per linear metre of wall unless stated. Some include VAT and some do not, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site assessment and a written quote set the actual price.
What changes the price
- Total wall length and thickness.
- Method chosen.
- Whether plaster removal and replastering are included.
- Access, kitchens and built-in units.
Getting DPC Quotes
Ask each contractor how they confirmed rising damp and which method they recommend. After the DPC, plaster and paint may need damp wall repairs. Compare quotes through Damp Proofing Cape Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does injection DPC work?
It can when rising damp is correctly diagnosed and the work is done properly. It does not fix leaks, lateral damp or condensation.
Do I need to replaster after a DPC?
Usually. Old plaster is full of salts that keep drawing moisture even after the DPC is in.
Can a DPC be installed from outside only?
Often, depending on wall thickness and construction. Inside plaster may still need replacing.
How long before I can paint?
Contractors usually advise waiting until the new plaster and wall have dried. Ask for their timeline.
Related Pages
Damp Proofing Cape Town is a free quote-comparison service. Damp is inspected, quoted and repaired by independent damp proofing contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written, itemised quote, what is and is not included, guarantee terms and payment terms before paying anything.
Damp Proof Course Installation Cape Town. Describe the walls once and compare damp proof course installation quotes.
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