Damp Proof Course (DPC) solutions for effective damp protection

Moisture control for masonry construction

Moisture management at foundation level is essential to long-term building performance. Specification Damp Proof Course (DPC) systems prevent moisture rising from the ground through masonry, protecting internal finishes and supporting structure.

The IKO Hyload Damp Proof Course range comprises flexible polymeric sheet materials and associated components designed to combat the passage of moisture in masonry construction. First awarded BBA certification in 1967 for IKO Hyload Original, the range has been used in UK projects for over 50 years, with long-established third-party verified performance.

Suitable for horizontal, vertical and stepped applications, as well as cavity tray formation, IKO Hyload products are specified across housing, commercial and public sector developments. When correctly specified and installed as part of a wider moisture control strategy, IKO Hyload DPC systems help deliver reliable, long-term damp protection.

Why use a Damp Proof Course?

Damp Proof Courses form a barrier within masonry walls to prevent moisture rising from the ground via capillary action. They also help control lateral water transfer within cavity wall construction when incorporated into compliant detailing.

Approved Document C of the Building Regulations requires buildings to be constructed so that moisture from the ground does not pass into the structure. In standard masonry construction, this requirement is typically met through the installation of a Damp Proof Course positioned within the wall build-up.

Without an effective DPC, moisture can migrate through bricks, mortar and stone, potentially contributing to material deterioration and internal damp conditions.

DPCs are typically used alongside Damp Proof Membranes (DPMs) within floor constructions to provide coordinated moisture protection across both walls and ground-bearing slabs. Explore our Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) solutions for floors to understand how both systems work together as part of a compliant building envelope strategy.

IKO Hyload Damp Proof Course products are manufactured in the UK, supporting traceability, consistent production standards and reliable supply. Selected IKO Hyload DPC products contain a minimum of 75% pre-consumer recycled PVC recovered from the manufacture of IKO single ply membranes.

Proven benefits to your project

IKO’s Damp Proof Course products are designed for use in masonry construction where resistance to moisture from the ground is required, including earth-retaining walls, ground floors and adjacent walls above ground level.
IKO Hyload Damp Proof Course products provide resistance to moisture passage within the masonry course when installed in accordance with the relevant technical guidance. By forming a continuous barrier, they help limit water penetration and support long-term structure of walls.
DPC products help reduce prolonged exposure of masonry to water and soluble salts that may contribute to material degradation over time.
When specified and installed in accordance with technical guidance and certification requirements, IKO Hyload DPC products are intended to remain effective for the design life of the building under normal service conditions.
Managing moisture within the building fabric can help reduce the likelihood of remedial works associated with rising damp.
By limiting persistent moisture within the wall construction, Damp Proof Courses contribute to maintaining dry internal conditions as part of a compliant building envelope.

Explore IKO’s Damp Proof Course solutions

Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Original DPC

  • Proven performance – tried and tested. The product achieved BBA certification in 1967 and has been used by the construction industry for over 50 years.
  • Compressive load – the system does not extrude under load, under normal working conditions.
  • Robust resistance to impact damage, under normal working conditions.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Trade DPC

  • Developed components – as part of the IKO Hyload system, the product has a full range of components.
  • Compressive load – the system does not extrude under load, under normal working conditions.
  • Robust resistance to impact damage, under normal working conditions.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Pluvex No1 DPC

  • Proven performance – tried and tested. The product has been used by the construction industry for over 30 years.
  • Excellent mortar bond – when installed in between fresh beds of mortar, the product displays excellent mortar adhesion and bond properties.
  • Developed components – as part of the IKO Hyload brand, the product has a full range of system components.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Permabit DPC

  • Mortar bond – the product displays enhanced mortar adhesion and bond properties under testing.
  • Durable – when properly specified and installed, the system, in normal circumstances, will remain effective for the design life of the building.
  • BBA approved (Certificate No. 88/1966).
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Insulated DPC

  • Flexible polymeric DPC bonded to insulation that remains flexible when bent and will not crack.
  • Maintains thermal properties and does not allow thermal leakage.
  • Simple installation and easy to handle with no additional fixings or adhesives necessary.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload FR Insulated DPC

  • Thermal resistance (R-Value) of 1.20m2 K/W.
  • Thermal conductivity (\ or k value) 0.022 W/mK.
  • Flexible polymeric DPC bonded to CFC-free phenolic insulation.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload DPC Mastic

  • Synthetic rubber mastic adhesive with gap filling properties up to 6mm.
  • Supplied in 2.5L tins or 400ml cartridges.
  • Can be applied to a wide range of common building materials such as block, concrete, or metal.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload DPC Jointing Tape

  • Black, double-sided bituminous tape in 100mm x 10m rolls.
  • Used for bonding overlaps in DPC material and DPC to IKO Hyload preformed cloak units.
  • Tailored solutions – a range of essential system components, specifically tailored for use with IKO Hyload.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Copeclose

  • Flexible for ease of handling on site.
  • Supplied in 1m lengths allowing continuous DPC support.
  • Polymeric material provides a stable substrate for the DPC.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Protection Board

  • Resistant to contaminants – resistance to alkali attacks contained within normal soil conditions.
  • Manufactured in 2 metres squared sheets – simplifies estimation and installation.
  • Flexible – will follow normal membrane and substrate contours without cutting.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Fixing Strip

  • Tailored solutions – a range of essential system components specifically tailored for use with IKO Hyload.
  • Used specifically to provide surface fixing solutions in cavity tray formation.
  • Sold in packs of 20.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Fixing Pins for Masonry

  • Tailored solutions – a range of essential system components specifically tailored for use with IKO Hyload.
  • Used for surface fixing IKO Hyload DPC systems.
  • Secure grip and high pull-out resistance.
Damp proof course

IKO Hyload Fixing Pins for Insulation

  • Tailored solutions – a range of essential system components specifically tailored for use with IKO Hyload.
  • Corrosion resistance.
  • Can be used for surface fixing to the rigid insulation of composite inner skins.

Looking for floor moisture protection?

View our Damp Proof Membranes (DPM) systems for coordinated slab protection.

IKO’s Damp Proof Course products: compliance built in

At IKO, product performance is supported by independent certification and clear documentation.
IKO Hyload DPC systems support compliance with Approved Document C of the Building Regulations, which sets out requirements for resistance to moisture from the ground. Correct specification and installation remain essential to achieving compliance.
Selected products within the IKO Hyload range are covered by BBA Agrément Certificates, confirming they are fit for purpose when used in accordance with the stated conditions of the certification. Refer to individual product pages for certificate numbers and scope of approval. Where applicable, products within the range are supplied with Declarations of Performance in accordance with relevant Construction Products Regulation requirements.
All IKO Hyload DPC products are supported by Technical Data Sheets, certification documentation and installation guidance to assist with correct specification.

Work with IKO – your Damp Proof Course partner

IKO works with specifiers, contractors and merchants across the UK to provide regulation-aligned Damp Proof Course solutions.
IKO Hyload DPC products are manufactured in the UK, supporting consistent quality control and reliable lead times.
With a national logistics network, we provide dependable delivery across the UK to support project timelines. IKO Hyload DPC is stocked at numerous merchants and stockists across the country – contact your local ABM for more information.
Our experienced Technical Team is available to support product selection and installation guidance.
Selected IKO DPC products incorporate recycled PVC material recovered through our single ply take-back initiatives, supporting material efficiency within our manufacturing operations. Please refer to individual product specifications for further details.

Need more information or advice? We're happy to help!

Discover all the benefits of working with IKO and get in touch with your dedicated Area Business Manager today.