# Damp Proof Course in Construction

> A damp proof course is a waterproof layer at plinth level that stops rising damp in walls. See a 50 mm M20 example and how SuperWise gates it with a checklist.

Canonical: https://superwise.site/glossary/damp-proof-course/
Last updated: 2026-11-01

A waterproof layer laid at plinth level that stops ground moisture rising into the walls by capillary action.

## What is Damp Proof Course (DPC)?

A Damp Proof Course (DPC) is a continuous horizontal layer of [waterproofing](https://superwise.site/glossary/waterproofing/) material, such as rich cement concrete mixed with waterproofing chemicals or a bituminous sheet, laid just above ground or plinth level. It stops soil moisture and groundwater rising through the [brickwork](https://superwise.site/glossary/brickwork/) by capillary action.

## Practical example

Before the bricklayers start the ground-floor walls on the plinth, the team casts a 50 mm band of water-resistant M20 concrete across the whole wall footprint. This DPC band keeps the walls from absorbing water in the monsoon, which prevents peeling paint and decay inside the finished home.

## In SuperWise

In SuperWise, DPC can be a [BOQ](https://superwise.site/glossary/bill-of-quantities/) item with its own quantity and rate, and a task in the schedule. A finish checklist on the task, with enforcement on, keeps it from being marked complete until the filled checklist is approved. Brickwork tasks linked after it take their planned dates from it.

[Quality and safety checklists](https://superwise.site/features/construction-quality-safety/)

## Related terms

- [Waterproofing](https://superwise.site/glossary/waterproofing/)
- [Brickwork (Chinai)](https://superwise.site/glossary/brickwork/)

## Related
- [Waterproofing](https://superwise.site/glossary/waterproofing/)
- [Brickwork (Chinai)](https://superwise.site/glossary/brickwork/)
- [Quality and safety checklists](https://superwise.site/features/construction-quality-safety/)