damp course
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A horizontal layer or barrier made of waterproof material (such as slate, plastic, or bitumen) built into the walls of a building near ground level. Its primary function is to prevent moisture (dampness) from the ground or foundations from rising up through the walls by capillary action, which can cause damage to the structure and interior.
Usage
The term "damp course" is used specifically in the context of construction and building maintenance. It refers to a physical component of a building's structure. * A damp course is an essential feature in modern construction. * The surveyor checked the property for a missing or failed damp course. * Installing a new damp course can be a major repair.
Advanced Usage
- Rising damp: This is the specific problem a damp course is designed to prevent. It describes moisture ascending from the ground into walls.
- The plaster was crumbling due to rising damp caused by a breached damp course.
- Damp-proof course (DPC): This is a full and technically precise synonym for "damp course." The terms are often used interchangeably.
- The architect specified a high-grade plastic damp-proof course in the plans.
Variants and Related Words
- Damp-proof course (DPC): The full technical term, identical in meaning to "damp course."
- Damp-proof membrane (DPM): A related concept; a sheet of waterproof material used to prevent moisture rising through a concrete floor slab, as opposed to a wall.
Synonyms
- Damp-proof course (DPC)
- Moisture barrier (in this specific construction context)
Related Phrases/Compounds
- Chemical damp course: A modern method where a water-repellent chemical is injected into the wall to create a barrier, often used as a remedial treatment in existing buildings without a physical course.
- Instead of physical excavation, they recommended a chemical damp course.
Noun
- a course of some impermeable material laid in the foundation walls of building near the ground to prevent dampness from rising into the building