Damp Proof Membranes (DPM)

A slab is only as dry as the membrane beneath it. Whether you need a standard 1200 g black polythene for housing floors, a multi-layer gas barrier for a methane-affected site, or a fully bonded torch-on system for a basement retaining wall, the right DPM keeps ground moisture, water vapour and hazardous gases out of the building for the life of the structure.

Our range covers every below-ground and above-ground membrane application: roll-form DPMs in standard and high-performance grades, gas-resistant barriers, self-adhesive and torch-on tanking membranes, liquid DPM for refurbishment, breather membranes for external walls, and vapour control layers for the warm side of insulation. All products are BBA approved and compliant with Approved Documents C and L. Order before noon, spend £200 ex-VAT, and we’ll deliver free next working day.

Standard DPM (Black & Clear)

Standard black DPM is the workhorse of UK floor construction — a single-layer polyethylene membrane laid under ground-bearing concrete slabs to prevent rising damp. The standard specification is 1200 g/m² (300 MU), supplied in 4 m × 25 m rolls covering 100 m² per pack. For visible soffits or lighter interiors where you need to inspect coverage during installation, choose standard clear DPM in the same 1200 g specification. Both grades are BBA certified for use under ground-bearing concrete floors.

High-Performance DPM

When floors will see forklift traffic, piled-raft point loads or aggressive site rubble, upgrade to a high-performance DPM. The Visqueen HP DPM is a 2000 g yellow co-polymer thermoplastic membrane with significantly greater puncture resistance than standard polythene. Supplied in 4 m × 12.5 m rolls, it’s the go-to choice for commercial and industrial floor slabs where the sub-base is less forgiving.

Gas-Resistant DPM

On sites classified as NHBC Amber 1 or higher for ground gases — radon, methane or carbon dioxide — a standard DPM is not enough. Our gas-resistant DPMs are multi-layer reinforced polyethylene membranes with integral aluminium foil that provide a verified barrier against gas ingress. The Visqueen Gas Barrier is BBA approved for use on sites requiring protection in accordance with BS 8485:2015+A1:2019 and complies with NHBC guidance on contaminated land. Supplied in 2 m × 50 m rolls, all laps are sealed with Visqueen twin-butyl jointing tape for a fully certified gas-tight system.

Self-Adhesive Membranes

Self-adhesive membranes offer a cold-applied alternative to torch-on systems for vertical tanking and horizontal DPM applications. The Visqueen SAM is a high-density polyethylene membrane with a factory-applied adhesive backing that bonds directly to primed concrete, providing a continuous waterproof seal without the need for hot works. Use with Visqueen HP Tanking Primer for optimum adhesion on dusty or green concrete. BBA accredited and CE marked to EN 13969.

Torch-On Membranes

For basements, retaining walls, podium decks and below-ground structures requiring a Type A barrier to BS 8102:2022, torch-on membranes provide a heat-bonded, fully adhered waterproofing system. The Visqueen TorchOn Tanking Membrane is a modified bitumen rubber membrane (1 m × 8 m rolls) that doubles as a radon and damp proof membrane. Heat-bonded application means no jointing tapes are needed — ideal for cold or damp site conditions where adhesive performance can be compromised.

Liquid DPM

Liquid DPM is a brush or spray-applied membrane for internal refurbishment projects where sheet membranes are impractical. The Everbuild 908 Liquid DPM (supplied in 25 L tins) creates a seamless, continuous barrier over concrete, brick and stone substrates. It adheres to sound bitumen paint, making it suitable for overcoating existing damp-proofing treatments in older buildings.

Breather Membranes

Breather membranes are the first line of defence behind cladding or masonry — blocking wind-driven rain while letting trapped moisture vapour escape. We stock DuPont Tyvek Housewrap (the UK’s standard 120 g/m² BBA-approved wrap for timber-frame and masonry façades), Tyvek FireCurb (Euroclass B-s1,d0 for mid-rise buildings), and Proctor Wraptite (self-adhered vapour-permeable air barrier). All deliver vapour resistance below 0.12 MNs/g — within the sweet spot for UK condensation risk analysis.

Vapour Barriers

Vapour barriers (or air and vapour control layers — AVCLs) sit on the warm side of the insulation to prevent warm, moist internal air from reaching cold structural elements where it would condense. The Visqueen Vapour Barrier is a green-tinted, semi-transparent polyethylene AVCL certified to BS EN 1026:2016 and EN 13984:2013. Supplied in 2 m × 50 m rolls for floors, walls and roofs in medium condensation risk buildings.

Which Membrane Do You Need?

The right membrane depends on your application, ground conditions and Building Regulation requirements. For a detailed breakdown of when to use each type, read our DPM selection guide or call 0118 922 7941 — our technical desk will pin down the right spec while your concrete’s still pumping.

Related products: DPC & damp proofing — carry your DPM up walls 225 mm and lap under the DPC for a continuous moisture barrier.