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myDamp Proof Course Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of damp proofing a home is around £1,250.
- Most jobs take approximately 2 to 7 days to complete.
- NEW! Check out our damp proofing cost calculator to find out how much a damp proof course costs.
- Damp proofing prices for 2026, based on size of property and type of damp proofing treatment required.
- How long the job usually takes and a breakdown of what's involved.
- How to find and hire a damp proofing specialist with MyJobQuote.
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£1,250
Table of Contents
- How Much Does Damp Proofing Cost?
- Additional Damp Proofing Costs
- Labour Cost of Damp Proofing & Timescales
- Factors That Impact Damp Proofing Costs
- Types of Damp Proofing & What's Involved
- Benefits of Damp Proofing
- Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Damp Proofing
- Checklist: Hiring Contractors to Damp Proof a Wall
- FAQs
Damp Proofing Cost Calculator
How Much Does Damp Proofing Cost?
The average cost to damp proof an average-sized property is £1,250. This can vary depending on the size of your property and the damp proofing course cost will also be impacted by the type of treatment required.
What is a damp proof course?
The term "damp proofing course" (DPC) usually refers to a chemical injection treatment used to prevent damp from being absorbed through your walls or floors and into the interior parts of your property. This is the most common treatment, but there are other methods of damp proofing a home.
Rising damp can cause extensive property deterioration if left untreated. Recognising and knowing how to treat rising damp or other potentially related issues such as rot will help prevent further moisture buildup and any long-term damage.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know, including the different types of damp proofing options available to you and what a damp proofer cost is likely to be.
For comprehensive costs on specific damp problems, see our rising damp treatment costs and penetrating damp costs guides.
What are the different methods of damp proofing, and which is the best for a Victorian brick-built terraced house?
"Inject brickwork, or treat brickwork with a waterproofing agent drylined and possible membrane. The drylining method would probably be the best option instead of drilling in a Victorian house due to the age and dependence of the brickwork."
Damp Proofing Prices
So, how much does wall damp proofing cost?
On average, you can expect to pay around £1,250 on typical damp proofing costs to resolve your issues.
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Chemical damp proof course treatments are priced at around £60 to £90 per metre, although the final cost depends on wall thickness, accessibility, and whether plaster removal or replastering is required afterwards.
Damp proofing an external wall usually costs between £850 and £2,900. Prices are higher than internal wall treatment because access is more difficult and extra work may be needed afterwards, such as render repairs, brickwork repairs, gutter replacement, or drainage improvements.
Below is a table highlighting the costs involved with damp proofing a home:
| Type of Work | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Damp proofing cost (per metre) | £60 – £90 |
| Chemical damp proof course (injection treatment) | £850 – £3,400 |
| Damp proofing external walls | £850 – £2,900 |
| Physical damp proof membrane system | £1,500 – £4,500 |
| Tanking slurry treatment | £2,800 – £6,700 |
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Average Damp Proofing Cost
The overall price you pay for a damp proof course will depend largely on the size of the area that you are damp proofing.
The prices above are the average prices for damp proofing alone and do not include any of the following:
- Damp proofing survey costs
- Removal of plasterboard or render costs
- Painting and decorating costs
- Drying out or dehumidifying costs
Based on these factors, the average cost for damp proofing in the UK is around £1,250.
How Much Does It Cost to Damp Proof a House?
The table below indicates the different prices for damp proofing work on various sizes of homes:
| House Size | Damp Proof Course | Tanking Slurry | Physical Membrane |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced house | £350 – £450 | £2,800 – £4,000 | £1,500 – £2,500 |
| Semi-detached house | £650 – £950 | £3,100 – £4,300 | £2,200 – £3,200 |
| Detached house | £1,700 – £2,200 | £5,000 – £6,700 | £3,000 – £4,500 |
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Cost of Damp Proof Course for a 3-Bed Semi
For a typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house, a damp proof course usually costs between £650 and £950 for standard chemical injection treatment. If replastering, membrane systems, or additional repairs are needed, the total cost can rise significantly.
Damp Proof Course Cost in Older Houses
Damp proofing older homes often costs more because solid walls, failed original damp proof courses, and older materials usually require more preparation before treatment. In many cases, older properties also need replastering or ventilation improvements after the damp proof course has been installed.
Repairing a failed damp proof course can cost more than installing a new chemical treatment.
Additional Damp Proofing Costs
When damp proofing your home, there are several additional costs that may need to be considered. These usually fall into three areas: preventing damp from returning, repairing damage caused by damp, and tidying up after the damp proof course has been installed.
| Additional Work | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Structural repairs | £500 – £3,000+ |
| Drainage improvements | £250 – £2,500 |
| Skirting board replacement | £150 – £400 per room |
| Floorboard or flooring repairs | £200 – £800 |
| Plastering | £450 – £800 per room |
| Painting and decorating | £230 – £450 per room |
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Preventing Damp from Returning
In rooms that regularly experience condensation, such as kitchens and bathrooms, improving ventilation can help stop damp from returning after treatment.
An extractor fan typically costs £170 to £275, while a dehumidifier costs around £85 to £120 and can help remove excess moisture from the air.
If the source of damp is external, repairs may also be needed. The average cost to repair a leaking roof is around £60 to £120 per m².
Faulty guttering can also contribute to damp on external walls. The average cost for replacement gutters is around £520 to £790, depending on the size of your home.
Poor drainage around a property can also lead to penetrating or rising damp. Drainage improvements, such as adding channels or redirecting surface water, typically cost £250 to £2,500.
You can further reduce moisture ingress by resealing doors and windows. The cost of window resealing is around £60 to £75 per window and £90 to £110 per door.
Repairing Damage Caused by Damp
If damp has been present for a long time, it can weaken timber, damage brickwork, and affect internal finishes.
Minor structural repairs may cost around £500, while more extensive work can exceed £3,000 depending on the severity of the damage.
Damp often affects skirting boards first, especially where rising damp is present. Replacing damaged skirting boards usually costs £150 to £400 per room.
If damp has spread into floorboards or flooring materials, repairs typically cost £200 to £800, depending on whether floorboards, laminate or timber flooring need replacing.
Tidying Up After Damp Proofing
Damp proofing work often damages internal finishes, so replastering is commonly needed afterwards. The average cost of plastering walls is around £450 to £800 per room.
If external damp proofing work has been carried out, you may also need rendering. The average cost of rendering a home is around £4,500 to £9,000, depending on the type of render and the size of the property.
Once the walls are dry and repaired, redecorating is usually the final step. The average cost to have your home painted or wallpapered is around £230 to £450 per room.
I've had some mild rising damp identified on internal walls. The builder has slabbed directly to the wall, but the damp proofer advised that the wall should have pressure-treated timber battens before the board went on. Which is better?
"Without a cavity, the plasterboard will likely absorb moisture from the wall, after a while, leading to damp patches, mould, and other issues. Fixing plasterboard directly to damp walls is not ideal and can cause more problems over time."
Labour Cost of Damp Proofing & Timescales
Damp proofing labour costs usually range between a daily fee of £100 to £220. Based on this, labour costs will usually total around £240 to £1,540, depending on how long the job takes.
For smaller jobs, such as one wall or a small problem area, labour is often around £240 to £440. For a full room or multiple walls in one room, labour is usually around £240 to £880. For larger jobs across several rooms or most of a ground floor, labour can range from around £480 to £1,540.
Labour costs will also vary depending on where you live. Those based in London and other big cities can expect to pay more than those based in other areas of the UK.
A damp proof course usually takes around 2 to 7 days to complete, depending on the size of your home and the extent of the job.
See below for estimated damp proofing timescales based on job size:
| Job Size | Estimated Timescale |
|---|---|
| One wall or small problem area | 2 days |
| Full room or multiple walls | 2-4 days |
| Several rooms | 4-7 days |
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Factors That Impact Damp Proofing Costs
Several factors can affect the cost of damp proofing your home. Below is a list of the main cost-affecting factors that you may need to be aware of with this type of work:
Severity of Problem
The longer the damp has been left untreated, the worse the damage will be. If the damp has been ignored or simply covered up, you may find a lot of hidden damage that you weren't aware of.
Once your contractor has completed a detailed damp survey, they may uncover more problems than you realised. If there is extensive damp damage, this can affect the structural integrity of your home and will, therefore, require more work.
If the damage is minor, treatment is usually simpler once the source of moisture has been addressed. With this in mind, the worse the problem is, the more you can expect to pay.
Type of Treatment
There are several different types of damp proofing treatments, and the type you need will depend on the type and severity of the damp problem in your home. Some issues can be quite simple to fix, and others may require more extensive work.
Treatments that take longer to complete will incur higher labour costs that can add up depending on the length of the job.
Size of the Treatment Area
Depending on the cause of the damp in your home, it may be limited to just one small area. In these cases, the work won't take anywhere near as long as some other jobs, so you will end up paying much less.
For more severe cases where the damp has spread through several rooms, this will take much longer to complete and will end up costing much more.
Internal or External Wall
The location of the damp can also affect the cost of treatment. Internal wall damp proofing is often quicker to access and usually involves treatments such as damp proof cream or tanking slurry, followed by replastering.
Cavity walls are usually more complex to work on, and thicker stone walls require more materials and labour, so can increase costs.
External wall damp proofing can cost more because access is often more difficult and additional work may be needed after the treatment, such as repairing brickwork, replacing render, fixing guttering, or improving drainage around the property.
If scaffolding is required or the damp is affecting large external areas, labour and material costs can rise significantly.
A survey found ongoing penetrating damp in two rear chimney breasts. Some neighbouring homes show similar issues, possibly due to a design flaw, and the surveyor says intrusive roof investigations and full chimney breast removal may be needed?
"In many cases, chimney breasts are blocked up without being vented. If this is the case here, that would cause damp, otherwise you would have to have a survey by the professional builder to ascertain where the damp is coming from."
Types of Damp Proofing & What's Involved
When it comes to the damp proofing process, there's more to it than just painting over the damage and hoping this is enough. A professional can perform a damp survey and help you decide which method is right for your home, but here is a quick overview of the most common damp proofing methods used in UK homes and where each is typically applied:
Damp Proof Course (DPC)
A damp proof course injection (DPC) is the most common damp proofing solution, especially for rising damp, and is widely used where moisture is travelling up through masonry walls.
The most common method is injection damp proofing, where a silicone-based damp proof cream is injected into the wall to create a moisture-resistant barrier. This horizontal barrier installed along the mortar line can help prevent further moisture rising through the wall.
DPC installation is commonly used where an existing damp proof course has failed or where an older property has no effective barrier in place.
Tanking Slurry
Tanking slurry is typically used in basements, cellars, or walls exposed to high moisture levels. It forms a waterproof coating directly on the wall surface.
Before application, plaster and decorative finishes must usually be removed so the slurry can bond directly to the masonry. Multiple coats are then applied to create a sealed surface that helps stop water penetrating through the wall.
Because of the preparation involved, tanking is often one of the more labour-intensive damp proofing options.
Physical Damp Proof Membrane
A physical damp proof membrane is often used where damp is severe, recurring, or affecting basement and ground-floor walls. It involves fixing a waterproof membrane to the wall before replastering or dry-lining, creating a barrier that stops moisture reaching internal finishes.
This method is often chosen in older properties or where chemical damp proofing alone may not be enough. Because it involves more preparation and making good afterwards, it is usually more expensive than a standard injected damp proof course.
Damp Proof Paint
Damp proof paint is usually used for minor surface-level moisture issues rather than severe damp problems.
It is applied after the wall has been cleaned and prepared, creating a moisture-resistant coating that helps protect the finished surface.
Although useful for mild damp or condensation-prone areas, it does not solve underlying structural damp problems in the same way as a damp proof course or tanking system.
As you can see, there are several different types of damp proofing jobs and different ways to effectively damp proof your home, and deciding which is best left to the professionals. Deciding what course of action needs to be taken can be established once a damp survey is carried out, and with the help of MyJobQuote we can help put you in touch with local damp proofing experts in your area.
We have rotten floorboards in our back downstairs room, and also by the front door. Is replacing floorboards or concrete the answer? In the front room it's only a few boards, but we also need possible damp proofing.
"Find out where the water is coming from and fix that problem first, then replace the floorboards."
Benefits of Damp Proofing
There are many benefits to damp proofing your home:
- Prevent Structural Damage – Untreated damp can rot timbers, weaken plaster, and damage walls, while damp proofing helps protect the structure of your home.
- Protect Health – Damp encourages mould growth, which can contribute to respiratory problems and poor indoor air quality.
- Reduce Unpleasant Smells – Damp and mould often create musty odours, but proper treatment helps remove lingering smells.
- Lower the Risk of Pests – Keeping walls dry can help discourage pests such as woodworm, silverfish, and other moisture-related infestations.
- Improve Appearance – Damp proofing helps prevent dark patches, peeling wallpaper, flaking paint, and staining on walls.
- Improve Energy Efficiency – Damp walls lose heat more quickly, so treating damp can help your home stay warmer and reduce heating costs.
- Protect Property Value – Properly treating damp is far more attractive to buyers than covering it up, helping preserve your home's value and reducing the risk of costly future repairs.
Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Damp Proofing
Planning Permission
Any work involving damp proofing is usually classed under permitted development. However, if your damp proofing is part of a larger project, you may need planning permission.
Projects that typically need planning permission are:
- Altering the external appearance of the property.
- Changing the use of an existing basement.
- Creating a new basement.
If your property is a listed building or in a conservation area, you will likely need to apply for planning permission for damp proofing. Contact your local authority for planning permission advice if you're unsure, as queries on retrofitting damp proof courses are a fairly common concern, especially when it comes to older properties.
Building Regulations
When damp proofing the walls, you must adhere to building regulations. Your damp proof course should:
- Join up with any damp proof membrane or damp proof course on the flooring.
- Be a minimum of 1.5cm above the ground if the work is on an external wall.
- Be a minimum of 2.25cm above the bottom of a cavity unless a cavity tray is installed.
Checklist: Hiring Contractors to Damp Proof a Wall
You will need to consider a few things before hiring contractors to damp proof your home for you.
Below is a list of some of the main things that you should consider when looking for the right contractors for the job and comparing different damp proofing quote options:
- Are they a member of a recognised trade body? The Property Care Association is the leading trade body for damp and timber specialists in the UK, and membership shows that they adhere to industry standards and codes of practice.
- Are they TrustMark registered? Businesses registered with this government scheme are vetted for quality workmanship, trading practices, and customer service.
- Do they have insurance? Public liability insurance protects you in case something goes wrong during the damp proofing work.
- Will they provide a guarantee? Reputable damp proofing specialists should offer a long-term guarantee, typically 10 to 30 years, backed by insurance for the work carried out.
- Is waste removal included? Confirm that the removal and disposal of any old plaster, render, or debris is included in the total cost quoted.
- Are they experienced? Find out how long the specialist has been treating damp and whether they have experience with your type of damp issue.
- Will they carry out a survey? A professional damp survey should be completed before any treatment to identify the cause and extent of the problem.
- Do they have examples of similar work? Ask to see before and after photos or check their MyJobQuote profile for damp proof course examples taken from previous work.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile to read the feedback they have received from previous customers.
FAQs
What causes dampness on internal walls?
Damp is typically caused by a build-up of moisture on the surface of the walls of your home. It can occur more commonly in areas where moisture is present more often, such as in the kitchen or bathroom.
Is rising damp covered on my home insurance?
In the majority of cases, rising damp is not covered by home insurance. However, every insurance policy is different, so you should double-check your particular policy just to be sure.
Can I damp proof a wall myself?
Many of the DIY damp proofing options involve hiding the damp rather than actually treating the cause, which will cost you more in the long run, as the damp will only get worse over time. Some types of damp proofing, if done incorrectly, can cause damage to your home. It's best to leave this type of work up to a professional damp proofer.
How much do the materials cost for damp proofing?
A damp proof course cost will vary depending on the type of damp proofing work you are having done and the size of the area. As a guide, a damp meter costs £25 to £165, DPC injection damp proofing costs £600 to £2,200 for a large area, DPC cream costs £10 to £17 per metre, DPC rods cost £17 to £22 per metre, and mortar injection DPC costs £55 to £70 per bag of mortar. The contractor will typically include the cost of materials in the job’s overall price.
How long does a damp proof course last?
A properly installed damp proof course typically lasts between 20 and 50 years, depending on the materials and installation method. Chemical damp proof injections and modern DPC systems provide long-term protection, though ground conditions and building settlement can affect how long damp proofing lasts.
Can I get a grant for damp proofing?
Low-income households may qualify for damp proofing grants through local council schemes or national programmes. The ECO4 Scheme and the Great British Insulation Scheme sometimes cover damp proof course work when it's carried out along with other energy improvements. Check with your local council to find out if your damp proofing costs could be covered.
Can damp proofing be done without removing plaster?
Damp proofing internal walls usually requires removing the existing plaster, as old plaster can contain hygroscopic salts that attract moisture even after a new damp proof course is installed. A damp proofing specialist will remove contaminated plaster, install the damp proof course, and then replaster to ensure the treatment works effectively.
How can I tell if I have damp in my home?
Common signs you need a damp proof course include dark patches on the walls, peeling wallpaper and peeling paint, musty smells, and mould growth. Cold or wet walls, white salt deposits, and rotting skirting boards also indicate damp issues.
Can I paint or wallpaper over damp?
Painting over damp walls without proper damp proofing treatment is not recommended as it only masks the problem temporarily and won't prevent moisture forever. Moisture will cause your paint to blister or wallpaper to lift. Ensure you have the damp professionally treated with a damp proof course or appropriate solution before redecorating.
Can damp come back after damp proof treatment?
Damp can return after damp proofing if the original cause wasn't properly diagnosed or if any new issues develop. Choosing a reputable damp proofing specialist with a long-term guarantee protects you if damp returns after treatment.
