Damp Proofer

Damp causes serious problems to buildings and can be dangerous to people’s health. As a damp proofer, you would prevent damp entering into buildings from the ground, and through walls and cracks. You could be installing damp-proof products and protecting bricks and timber. You may also repair structural damage and will need an understanding of drainage and ventilation systems.

Onsite
Trade-Craft
Secondary qualifications
Fixing things

What does a damp proofer do?

As a damp proofer you will be responsible for checking and identifying issues with damp, and then repairing any problems you find.

The job role of a damp proofer includes the following duties:

Inspecting properties and identifying damp problems
Cleaning and preparing areas for treatment
Laying damp proof membranes
Filling walls with damp proof materials such as silicone
Ensuring buildings have adequate drainage and good ventilation
Giving advice to clients or contractors
Working outdoors in all weathers.

How to become a damp proofer

There are several routes to becoming a damp proofer. You can gain qualifications by doing a college course, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options will list qualification requirements many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

You may have to attend a specialist college or training provider in order to become a damp proofer. You could complete a Level 2 NVQ in Insulation and Building Treatments (Construction) Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

To become a damp proofer you would complete a Specialist Apprenticeship Programme, focusing on the treatment of damp in buildings. It takes around 2 years to complete and offers on-the-job training, with time at a specialist training provider.

Equivalent entry requirements explained

Work

If you already work in the construction industry you may have gained the experience to become a damp proofer. Some companies may offer short training courses to give more specialist skills. You can apply directly to these companies via the Property Care Association (previously the British Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing Association) website.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a damp proofer include:

Knowledge of building and construction
Be thorough and pay attention to detail
Ability to work well with others
Be flexible and open to change
Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Ambition and a desire to succeed
Able to work well with your hands
Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Qualifications

England

To become a Damp Proofer, you could complete a:

NVQ Level 2 Insulation and Building Treatments - Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing
Level 2 Damp Control and Timer Preservation Operative apprenticeship

Scotland

To become a Damp Proofer, you could complete a:

SVQ at SCQF Level 5 & Level 6 in Insulation and Building Treatments (Construction)
SCQF Level 5 & Level 6 in Insulation and Building Treatments (Construction)

Wales

To become a Damp Proofer, you could complete a:

Level 3 Insulation and Building Treatments

How much could you earn as a damp proofer?

The expected salary for a damp proofer varies as you become more experienced

Newly trained damp proofers can earn £19,000
Trained damp proofers with experience can earn up to £45,000*
Self-employed damp proofers set their own pay rates.

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Career path and progression

With experience, you could work for homeowners, building companies or businesses.

You could do further training and specialise in building restoration or protecting new builds.

Alternatively, you could progress into a senior or project manager role and earn a higher salary. You could also set up your own business and work as a subcontractor.