What is a damp proof course (DPC) level?
The damp proof course (DPC) level is the horizontal barrier built into a house wall to prevent ground moisture rising into brickwork; paving must be installed below this level to maintain a gap that protects the property from damp ingress.
The DPC level is a critical reference point in the wall of any house. It marks where a damp proof course (a continuous layer of impermeable material) sits horizontally within the brickwork to stop moisture from rising up from the ground. Building Regulations require paving and external hard landscaping to be installed at least 150mm below this level, creating a deliberate gap that allows air to circulate and prevents water bridging the DPC.
When paving is laid too high (at or above the DPC), soil and debris can accumulate against the wall and trap moisture. This moisture can then migrate into the brickwork, bypassing the DPC entirely. The result is damp penetration inside the property, which leads to internal wall moisture, potential mold growth, structural damage to timbers, and costly remedial work to cure the damp problem.
In Cheltenham's older properties especially, understanding the DPC level is essential before any paving work begins. It is not simply an aesthetic spacing but a legal and practical requirement. Paving contractors need to identify where the DPC sits on each wall (typically around 150mm above ground level, though this varies) and ensure all new driveways, patios, and paths are graded and finished well clear of it. This is why a survey of existing levels is a standard first step for any reputable paving job in the area.