Damp Proofing
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Damp proofing prices in South Africa
| Treatment | Ballpark installed (2026) |
|---|---|
| Chemical DPC injection only, per metre | R350 – R600 |
| Injection plus replastering, per metre | R900 – R1 600 |
| Plaster removal and replastering, per m² | R400 – R800 |
| Cavity flushing, double-skin walls, per metre | R800 – R1 600 |
| Exterior damp-proof coating, per m² | R80 – R350 |
| Window perimeter resealing, per window | R400 – R900 |
| Parapet crack repair and membrane, per metre | R220 – R400 |
| Typical home, affected walls only | R15 000 – R40 000 |
Get an accurate quote. Wall thickness, plaster damage, access and repainting change the total. Ask whether VAT is in the price.
Benodig jy 'n vogwering-behandeling? Kry tot 5 gratis kwotasies van vakmanne met 5-ster-resensies regoor Suid-Afrika.
What pushes the price of damp proofing up
- Thicker or double-skin walls needing more product and drilling time
- Stripping and replastering salt-damaged walls, often to a metre or higher
- Below-ground walls, basements and hard-to-reach areas
Types of damp proofing
| Type | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical DPC injection | Rising damp in existing brick walls | Only treats rising damp, not leaks |
| Injection plus replastering | Walls with salt-damaged, crumbling plaster | Plaster is stripped, so expect mess |
| External wall coating | Penetrating damp on rain-exposed walls | Fix cracks and entry points first |
| Cavity flushing | Double-skin walls with damp in the cavity | Costs more per metre than injection |
| Internal tanking | Basements and below-ground retaining walls | Basement work costs more than above ground |
| Physical damp-proof course | New builds and major renovations | Planned in at build stage |
Damp proofing materials and specs compared
| Material | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Silane-siloxane injection cream | Forms a horizontal barrier in mortar lines | Works for rising damp only |
| Cementitious tanking slurry | Applied to below-ground and retaining walls | Costs more than above-ground treatments |
| Bituminous coating | Flexible waterproof layer for external foundations | Needs a protection layer when backfilled |
| Polyolefin membrane under slabs | At least 0.25 mm thick | Wall-to-floor junction is a common leak point |
| Breathable acrylic or silicate paint | Lets vapour escape, reducing blistering | Non-breathable paint can trap moisture |
Diagnosing the damp
- Rising damp leaves a tide mark about one metre high.
- Penetrating damp shows on upper walls and worsens after rain.
- Condensation forms in bathrooms and kitchens and needs ventilation, not injection.
- Tape clear plastic over the patch for 24 to 48 hours.
Replastering and paint
- Salt-damaged plaster is stripped and replaced with a salt-resistant render.
- Heavy salt contamination needs a stronger render build-up.
- Repaint with breathable acrylic or silicate paint to avoid blistering.
- Plaster should stop at the damp-proof level with a V-joint.
Fix the source first
- Penetrating damp has an entry point: roof, flashing, pointing or window seals.
- Soil or paving built up above the damp-proof course may need lowering.
- Clean gutters and downpipes so water drains away from the walls.
- Leaking pipes cause fast, local damp. Get a plumber to check first.
Approval for damp proofing
- SANS 10400-K provides for a damp-proof course in walls, and SANS 10021 covers waterproofing methods.
- Ask your municipality's building control before any structural change, such as new drainage or lowered ground.
- In sectional title or estates, ask trustees or the HOA before altering outer walls.
Damp proofing services
| Service | What to ask for |
|---|---|
| Damp survey and moisture readings | Written report naming the cause and plan |
| Chemical DPC injection | Product name, wall thickness and guarantee |
| Replastering and salt treatment | Render type and height of plaster stripped |
| External wall sealing | Crack repairs before the coating goes on |
| Basement and retaining wall tanking | System used and drainage included |
| Repainting after treatment | Breathable paint and wall drying time |
Practical damp proofing tip
- Rising damp tide marks usually stop about one metre up.
- Ask for a written report naming the damp type and cause.
- Injection price rises with wall thickness, so give wall type.
- Under-slab membrane should be at least 0.25 mm, lapped 100–150 mm.
- Keep indoor humidity below 50% to slow mould growth.
- Never repaint over damp before the source is fixed.
What to send with your request
- Photos of the damp patches
- Which rooms and walls
- Rough length of affected wall
- Wall type and building age
- Sectional title or estate rules
You choose which quote to accept. Installers on leaderr are independent firms, and our matching service is free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does damp proofing cost?
Injection alone is about R350 – R600 per metre. With replastering expect R900 – R1 600 per metre.
How long does a damp proofing guarantee last?
Reputable firms usually offer 5 to 10 years. Get it in writing and ask which products it covers.
Do I need approval for damp proofing?
Ask your municipality's building control if the work changes structure or drainage. In sectional title or estates, also ask your trustees or HOA.
Can damp-proof paint fix rising damp?
No. Moisture keeps pushing up through the wall, so rising damp needs a damp-proof course and replastering.
How do I tell damp from condensation?
Tape clear plastic over the patch for 24 to 48 hours. Moisture on the room side means condensation.
Hoeveel kos vogwering?
Reken op ±R350 tot ±R600 per meter vir inspuiting alleen en R900 tot R1 600 per meter met herpleistering. Vra tot 5 kwotasies om die beste prys te kry.
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