Evolution of Damp proof course
It is often inaccurately stated that the Public Health Act 1875 made the inclusion of a damp proof course in buildings mandatory. Whilst this act made great steps to combat filth urban living, the act itself did not make this requirement.
The act did however empower local governments to introduce byelaws to improve the quality of housing. It is in these byelaws that we started to see the requirement for the inclusion of damp proof courses.
Over time, the material used as a damp proof course has changed with some early types including overlapping slate, lead and engineering bricks. Today the vast majority of DPCs are constructed of Polyethylene. These are highly reliable and have proven increible robust.