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Damp-proof courses (DPCs) provide important protection against corrosion of LGS framing and are recommended as best practice (and must be used to be eligible for warranty, according to TRUECORE® steel’s manufacturer, BlueScope).
To be used as an impermeable membrane for framing applications, the membrane must conform to AS 2870-2011 or AS/NZS 2904:1995; OR be a product carrying CodeMark certification. Products conforming to Australian Standards should be appropriately branded/identified.
DPCs must be placed under the perimeter (outer) walls of a structure and should extend up the weather side flange of the bottom plate. They should also be used when dissimilar materials are used on LGS, such as timber noggins.
The following image shows a bottom plate marked showing how high the DPC should extend up the weather side flange. It also shows an example of a self-adhesive DPC from Polifilm.
The following images show examples of sheet DPC and liquid DPC products.
While DPCs are not needed under internal walls, it is good practice to use them when steel frames are in contact with concrete.
Membranes may be factory applied to bottom plates or installed on-site. Membranes may also be perforated to accommodate tie-down points and service penetrations.
Resources
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This corrosion technical bulletin outlines: The basis of dissimilar metal corrosion with reference to the galvanic series of metal and alloys in sea water; Table of compatibility of direct contact between metals or alloys when choosing fasteners and accessories.
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This corrosion technical bulletin provides information regarding common interactions between timber and metal construction elements and methods for minimising or avoiding possible corrosion.
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This Technical Bulletin has been written to assist designers, builders and homeowners to realise the benefits of frames made from TRUECORE® aluminium/zinc/magnesium alloy-coated steel.
Featured Topic
Thermal Breaks
In this topic, we look at how to minimise heat transfer through frames using thermal breaks.