Drybase Liquid Damp Proof Membrane 👇
https://go.skill-builder.uk/drybase-dpm
Ben has a challenge with renovating an old council house floor with cracked asphalt screed, preparing it for underfloor heating installation.
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Highlights
🏚️ Asphalt screed used as a damp-proof course is brittle and prone to cracking, complicating renovations.
💧 Removal of old damp-proof layers can trigger rapid salt and moisture migration underneath.
☣️ Old tiles may contain encapsulated asbestos but can be safely removed with precautions.
🔥 Installing underfloor heating without full floor insulation is possible but less efficient.
🧪 Liquid screeding offers a fast, skill-minimal way to create a tile-ready floor surface.
🏠 Wall backer boards with polymer seals improve insulation and prevent condensation damage.
🌬️ Proper ventilation is critical to prevent mould when using underfloor heating in older homes.
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Key Insights
⚠️ Moisture release upon removal of damp proof layers: The asphalt screed served as both a flat screed for tiling and a damp proof course. Once removed, it released trapped salts and moisture from underneath almost immediately, demonstrating how older floor systems can trap dampness long-term and why comprehensive damp management is crucial during renovations. This unexpected moisture challenge can compromise new floor finishes if not addressed.
🔍 Asbestos risk in old tiles is manageable: Although some old tiles contained asbestos within bitumen, fibres were not typically released during removal if handled cautiously (masking, wetting, double bagging). This suggests that while asbestos should never be ignored, practical, low-risk removal is possible with proper procedures and professional help, mitigating health concerns in similar renovation projects.
💸 Cost versus efficiency trade-off in floor renovation: Ben faces a choice between fully removing the old screed, installing a new damp proof membrane, insulation, and then liquid screed for underfloor heating, or working around the existing floor to save costs. The video recommends the full renovation for energy savings and comfort, but acknowledges financial and practical limits many face, making phased or partial upgrades realistic.
👨🔧 Liquid screeds simplify underfloor heating installation: Pre-mixed liquid screeds are easy to apply, self-level, quick-drying, and ready to tile over within days. This product innovation significantly reduces labour complexity and duration for flooring work under heating systems, making it accessible for smaller projects or DIY enthusiasts.
🧱 Using insulated wall backer boards enhances energy efficiency: Dotting and dabbing insulated cement-based backer boards (like Elements, JACKOBOARD or wedi building board) onto walls and sealing joints can improve wall insulation and reduce condensation risks. This method provides an effective and plaster-friendly upgrade that is often overlooked in typical renovations but delivers measurable thermal and moisture control benefits.
🔥 Underfloor heating efficiencies depend on floor insulation: Floors with proper insulation layers (e.g., 100mm Celotex) under the screed warm faster, reduce fuel bills, and provide more comfortable heat than those without insulation. This underscores the significant impact of thermal envelope improvements even in small spaces.
🌫️ Ventilation must be balanced with heating: Installing underfloor heating in an older, relatively sealed home without trickle vents or adequate airflow can cause humidity build-up and mould problems. Moisture management is not just about damp proofing but also ensuring proper ventilation, which is critical for long-term indoor air quality and building health.
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