What is Damp Proof Course (DPC)?

A damp proof course (DPC) is a horizontal barrier built into a wall near ground level to stop rising damp — moisture drawn up from the ground through masonry. Modern buildings use a plastic or bituminous membrane; older properties may have slate, or none at all, and can be retrofitted with an injected chemical DPC. Failed or bridged DPCs are a common cause of damp and are routinely flagged in home surveys.