Damp-proofer

Damp-proofers treat or repair brickwork, woodwork, floors, walls and roofs to stop dampness, fungal infection and insect attack.

Work activities

Damp-proofers prevent and treat damage caused by insect attack, fungal decay and dampness in the timber and brickwork of buildings. A damp-proofer carries out the treatment recommended by a damp-surveyor.

The treatments they use include chemicals such as insecticide and fungicide, insulation or renewal of a damp-proof course. One method of damp-proofing involves drilling holes into an affected wall and then pumping chemicals into it. The chemicals stop the damp from spreading and make sure new damp doesn’t appear.

Once the job is finished, the damp-proofer has to make sure the wall is flat and smooth again. They do this by mixing plaster and covering the affected areas. Health and safety is an important aspect of the job, so damp-proofers often need to wear some form of protective clothing.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

• Good practical skills.
• To be fit and healthy, as the job can involve lifting, bending and standing for a long time.
• Experience of using specialist machinery, such as drills.
• An awareness of the importance of health and safety in this industry.
• As you may have to travel around locally, a driving licence would be useful for this type of work.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

According to the Check A Trade website, employed damp-proofers earn approximately £28,000 per year.

Damp-proofers tend to work a full-time week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

Employers are specialist damp-proofing companies and building contractors. Opportunities for damp-proofers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for experienced damp-proofers to work as self-employed contractors.

What’s happening in this work area?

Construction is an industry dominated by small firms. Employment levels are projected to grow steadily, as there is an urgent need for more housing over the coming decades. The construction industry is one of the most male dominated industries. Women account for only one in 10 of all jobs. The industry is actively trying to change this. Full-time working remains the main method of working.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

The best way into this career path is direct application to a firm. It might be possible to find an apprenticeship programme, although there is not currently an apprenticeship standard matching this role.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS): For most building companies, you’ll need a CSCS card to work on site. These cards show that you are qualified to do the work you’ve been employed for.

New entrants are normally trained on-the-job by experienced staff with classroom courses run in-house or by other training providers. Various relevant work-based qualifications are available. The Property Care Association offers a selection of relevant courses for people wishing to progress within this career.

In the construction industry, it is possible to work up from craft-level positions to managerial roles, for example, construction site manager.

Qualifications

Although academic qualifications are not essential for this role, GCSEs in English and maths will help, particularly if you find an apprenticeship programme you’d like to apply for.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills gained within the construction industry can be useful.

Related careers

• Cavity wall insulation technician
• Ceiling fixer
• Painter and decorator