Lay a Damp Proof Membrane DPM 

Due to the fact that the damp-proof course around my garage has been known to leak during heavy rain, I wasn't going to take any risks with flooding in future. So even though I have dug a soak-away around the outside of the garage, and treated the inner and outer surfaces of the walls with damp sealant, I still thought it sensible to add a damp-proof membrane.

Damp-proof membrane in place

The damp-proof membrane is just a regular plastic ground sheet available from any builders merchant. It is attached to the wall simply using masonry screws and washers.

Before it was laid, the floor had to swept carefully to make sure there were no sharp objects left behind. Once the membrane is down, you must be careful not to puncture it by walking too much on it.

• Introduction
• Stage 1: Design
• Stage 2: Preparation
• Stage 3: Ventilation
• Stage 4: Construction
• Stage 5: Finishing
• Stage 6: The end product