A damp proof course ( DPC ) waterproof material is a physical barrier inserted into the fabric of a building to stop water passing from one place to another.
Embossed polythene Damp Proof Course waterproof material can be on a horizontal plane, stopping water rising up from the ground by being sucked up by the dry masonry above, or vertically to stop water passing from the outside of a building, though the masonry, to the inside. DPC's have taken many forms through the ages and one of the earliest forms was to use a layer of slate in the construction. Slate is still used but the less expensive plastic version ( below right ) is now more widely used.