Help and Advice for Rising Damp in Scotland

Rising damp is a common problem that affects thousands of properties in Scotland, but can often be mistaken for other types of damp, such as condensation or penetrating damp.

Rising damp can cause damage to paint, plasterwork and decorations and leave behind salty residue if left untreated - so it is important to accurately diagnose and treat a rising damp problem.

At Wise Property Care, we specialise in the effective diagnosis of rising damp by carrying out a damp and timber survey, and our qualified surveyors will only recommend remedial damp proofing where necessary.

When required, our experienced team utilises advanced techniques and proven solutions to prevent rising damp and stop its recurrence long term. This ensures your property remains protected and structurally sound giving you peace of mind.

We are experts in rising damp diagnosis, treatment, and associated property preservation issues such as wet rot, dry rot and woodworm.

Wise Property Care are Property Care Association Members and have branches across Scotland, so we are able to assist you with any issues you may have relating to damp and timber, wherever you live.

Signs of Rising Damp

Causes of Rising Damp

Rising Damp Treatment

What is Rising Damp?

Rising damp occurs when groundwater is drawn upwards from the ground through the porous materials of a building, such as bricks, mortar, and stone. This is through a process called capillary action. Most types of masonry have tiny pores that draw up moisture from the ground, similar to drinking through a straw.

The moisture rises through the wall and will migrate through porous materials such as plasterwork, joists and skirting boards - causing them to become damp. The moisture will evaporate internally leaving behind salt stains and tide marks - which can result in decorations and plasterwork breaking down. Salty tide marks are the biggest indicator of a rising damp problem, and may be noticeable externally as well.

If the rising damp problem is ignored it can cause problems such as woodworm infestation, wet rot and may accelerate heat loss, as the thermal properties of the wall are reduced.

You will only ever notice a rising damp problem on the ground floor level, it is often mistaken for other types of damp. If there are signs of damp higher up, it is often penetrating damp

A professional surveyor will be able to correctly identify the type of damp, and provide recommendations to prevent the problem. This may include the installation of a remedial damp proof course.

What is a Damp Proof Course?

Rising damp typically happens due to a defective or absent damp proof course (DPC), which acts as a barrier for moisture rising up the masonry. They are installed just above ground level to prevent ground water rising up.

These are installed when a building is constructed, although many older buildings in Scotland were built without one, or they have become defective over time.

They are often made from materials such as slate, bitumen or membrane, depending on when the property was built. The DPC is usually visible within a thicker mortar course, roughly 6 inch (150mm) above ground level.

Modern properties are constructed using a plastic membrane as the damp proof course, creating a barrier between the ground and the walls above, however these are very difficult to install remedially. This is why chemical damp proof courses are typically installed if the original DPC has failed and rising damp is confirmed.

Signs and how to Identify Rising Damp in Scotland

Rising damp is noticeable on ground floor walls, and the first signs of a rising damp problem may be subtle. Over time the signs may become more noticeable, and if left, could cause problems to structural timber through problems such as wet rot.

Common Indicators of a Rising Damp Problem in Scottish properties are:

Tidemarks and Damp Stains:

A damp ‘tidemark’ stain is the most common indicator of a rising damp problem in a Scottish property. They may feel damp to the touch, and can extend to around one metre high above skirting board level. This may be paired with a white salty line, as water soluble salts are drawn up through the wall, and are left behind as the moisture evaporates. Coloured tidemarks are often caused by minerals such as iron dissolved in groundwater or contaminants extracted from the building materials.

White Salty Residue:

Moisture rises from the ground through capillary action and can contain water soluble salts that are hygroscopic. These are left behind as a salty residue as the moisture evaporates. If left, these hygroscopic salts can pull moisture from the air back into the wall, leading to what is called salt damp. This will appear and disappear depending on atmospheric moisture.

Damage to Plasterwork, Paint and Wallpaper:

If there is an excess of moisture in the wall it will migrate into wallpaper, causing it to peel away from the wall. It can cause paintwork to flake off and over time can deteriorate plaster, which will pop off from the wall, due to salt crystals growing between plaster coats.

Timber Decay to Skirting, Floorboards and Joists:

If you notice signs of decaying skirting or floorboards on the ground floor level of your property, it can be a sign that rising damp has caused a fungal decay outbreak. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to fungal spores germinating, which then feed on the timber, causing it to warp and become spongy and crumbly. If you have timber decay in your property you should arrange for a damp and timber survey to fully understand the extent of the problem.

Stone properties can present a particular problem as moisture is released slowly and this provides ideal conditions for dry rot to develop. In Scottish properties the small internal cavity before the lath and plaster allows dry rot to spread easily and unseen between floors.

External Signs of Rising Damp:

In Scotland many properties have external rendering, making rising damp more difficult to spot. That said you may notice a damp tidemark pattern mirroring the tidemark inside the property, typically about a metre high. You may also notice salt efflorescence and mortar joints that have become crumbly. Green or brown algae may also be present at the base of walls.

Causes of Rising Damp in Scotland

Rising damp in external walls is caused by groundwater moving upwards through masonry by capillary action. This is because the building has no damp proof course, the damp proof course has failed, or it has been bridged. Rising damp may also develop on internal walls if conditions are favourable.

Here are some contributing factors that may affect a rising damp problem in your property in Scotland:

Wet ground conditions - Scottish weather may lead to high water tables and poor drainage, meaning water can pool around your property. If there is no damp proof course this may increase the rate of capillary action.
Building materials - Some types of masonry are more susceptible to rising damp than others, depending on the size of the capillaries within the wall. This is particularly true of sandstone, which takes up damp like a sponge and releases it slowly. At the other end of the scale, granite will not transmit water, but the thin mortar beds around the blocks will as they age.
Bridged damp proof courses externally - Raised flowerbeds, driveways or external renders can bypass the damp proof course. In Scotland many properties have external renders, if installed incorrectly, this can bridge the existing damp proof course.
Bridged damp proof courses internally - If plaster is brought down to the bottom of a wall it could overlap the DPC internally, allowing moisture to enter internally. This may cause skirting boards to become damp and decay over time. Skirting boards are a design feature to hide the fact the plaster does not extend down below the DPC and therefore pull up moisture from the ground.
Bridging within the cavity wall - Sometimes during the construction of a cavity wall or over time, debris can drop down and bridge the damp proof course. This can also happen when cavity wall insulation is installed incorrectly.
Abutting Structures - Sometimes newly built masonry structures or abutting garden walls can bridge existing damp proof courses, either due to missing capping stones or because a vertical DPC has not been installed, to stop what is known as 'falling damp'.

Is Rising Damp a Myth?

Rising damp is not a myth, but a well documented problem that affects properties across Scotland. Buildings for centuries have used methods to prevent rising damp, from an air brick layer run all around a property to materials like slate and engineering bricks. The issue stems from misdiagnosis - penetrating damp and condensation are far more common problems, and untrained surveyors may not distinguish between these types of damp.

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis has fuelled scepticism, but rising damp is observable and can be tested and confirmed by a trained and qualified surveyor. There are British Standards and Building Research Establishment Digests that discuss rising damp.

A damp surveyor should always inspect both the outside and inside a property, and you should be wary of companies that offer free inspections that last less than 10 minutes. Diagnosing any damp problem takes time and requires a thorough inspection of a property, often involving specialist tools to fully understand the condition of the property.

Trust our experts to distinguish genuine rising damp from other issues and recommend the correct solution for your property - Wise Property Care are a proud member of the PCA and have a range of CSTDB and CSRT qualified surveyors operating out of our local branch network covering Scotland. This means you can trust you’re getting professional and honest advice, and treatments following industry best practice.

Rising Damp Surveys

If you are concerned about a damp problem in your property and would like answers from a qualified professional, we can carry out a damp and timber survey to identify the problem.

A damp and timber survey is essentially like having an MOT for your property - the surveyor will identify any issues relating to damp and will check inside and outside and use a range of techniques, tools and equipment to aid in their diagnosis in order to understand the full extent of the problem.

Wise Property Care has a number of trained and qualified damp surveyors across Scotland, able to provide you with a detailed damp and timber survey, with all findings provided to you in an easy to understand survey report.

Our Damp and Timber Survey Process

Rising Damp Treatments in Scotland

In order for Wise Property Care to carry out remedial damp proofing, we would first carry out a damp and timber survey to confirm if the problem is actually rising damp. An experienced surveyor will carry out a survey, checking moisture levels and the condition of the damp proof course.

They will then provide you with a detailed survey report, outlining their findings and whether any remedial work is required.

If you choose to go ahead, our experienced local technicians will take care of your property from start to finish. Our technicians are equipped with protective floor coverings, dust extraction units and vacuums in order to return your property to its former condition.

Preparation works include the removal of skirting boards, radiators and any salt‑contaminated plaster to expose affected areas. They will then drill injection holes at 120 mm intervals into mortar joints approximately 150 mm above ground level to install a new DPC.

Our technicians will then apply a silane‑based damp proofing cream that penetrates mortar and brickwork to form an impermeable barrier preventing moisture rising upwards.

We will then replaster using breathable plaster that allows residual moisture to escape, supporting the ongoing drying process. The plaster is salt resistant and will prevent any salts remaining in the wall migrating through and damaging the new plasterwork. Final decorative finishes can then be added to restore the wall’s appearance.

Our certified technicians adhere to industry standards, giving you peace of mind all damp proofing works are carried out to the highest professional standard.

How effective is a chemical DPC?

Chemical damp proof courses are extremely effective when installed correctly and in accordance with manufacturers guidelines. The damp proof injection cream contains liquid silane and siloxane components that create a waterproof barrier as they diffuse in the wall, preventing moisture rising upwards. These are effective long term, hence why we typically back our rising damp treatments with a 20 year guarantee.

Wise Property Care uses high-quality BBA-approved damp proofing products and carry out treatments to strict industry standards.

Replastering

Once a remedial damp proof course has been installed, the affected area will need to be replastered. It is very likely that the existing plasterwork will be contaminated with hygroscopic salts, which will continue to absorb moisture from the atmosphere and cause a damp problem - even though a new damp proof course has been installed. Replastering with a salt resistant render will prevent further salt migration into the plaster, meaning the affected area is fully protected from further damage.

Rising Damp Treatment Costs

The costs of rising damp treatments will vary according to the extent of the problem, the level of moisture damage and associated problems such as fungal decay, the wall construction and access requirements. A detailed survey will outline any recommendations for treatments tailored specifically for your property - this will include the associated costs so you will know exactly what to expect before any work begins.

Rising Damp Specialists

If you are worried about a damp problem in your property in Scotland, get in touch with the experts for a full diagnosis and detailed recommendations for any treatments, if they are required.

For years we have been carrying out expert damp and timber surveys and specialist damp proofing across Scotland, with work typically backed by long term guarantees.

We work closely with home owners, building contractors, social housing providers and local authorities to provide solutions for damp and other associated problems such as wet rot, dry rot, woodworm and structural repairs.

Commercial Damp Proofing Services

Damp Specialists In Scotland - Why Choose Us?

Wise Property Care have a number of CSRT (Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments) and CSTDB (Certificated Surveyor of Timber and Dampness in Buildings) qualified surveyors operating from a network of branches - meaning no matter where you are in Scotland, we have a qualified and experienced professional surveyor local to you.

Wise Property Care have been building value in Scottish properties for over 20 years.

We are proud members of the Property Care Association (PCA), the trade association that governs our industry. This means you can trust you’re getting professional and honest advice, and treatments following the industry best practice.

Wise Property Care are endorsed by Which? Trusted Trader - meaning our customer service and workmanship has passed the rigorous trading standards assessments.

We are also members of Trustmark and are CHAS, Constructionline and Alcumus (SafeContractor) approved.

We are rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 550 independent customer reviews from across our branches in Scotland.

Contact us to Book a Survey

Some of the key areas we service:

Rising Damp FAQs:

What are the first signs of rising damp?

Usually the first sign of a rising damp problem is damp patches and a visible tide mark on internal walls near the floor. You may also notice a musty smell in the vicinity of the problem. Over time paint may start to flake off the wall and you may notice white salt deposits on the affected area.
Is rising damp a serious problem?

Rising damp can become a serious problem if left untreated, this is because it can cause wooden elements to become rotten, like floorboards, joists and skirting boards. It can also deteriorate plasterwork, causing a property to become unsightly, and increase heat loss as wet walls require more energy input to heat.
How do you fix rising dampness?

To fix rising dampness it is first required to understand what is causing the damp problem, so carrying out a damp survey to fully investigate the area is essential. If no existing damp proof course is found, you may require the installation of a remedial damp proof course. However if an existing and functioning damp proof course is found to be bridged, it may be a case of minor repairs to external renders, high ground levels or bridged internal plaster. A surveyor will always explain the problem in hand before recommending any remedial treatments.
Does rising damp feel wet?

Yes, rising damp can cause walls to feel cold to the touch and damp, especially towards the bottom of walls, just above the skirting boards. If you’re noticing large amounts of moisture on walls throughout a property, or on first floor levels, this may indicate another damp problem such as condensation or penetrating damp. If the damp appears as patches that appear and disappear with the weather, this may indicate the presence of salt damp.
Can you dry out rising damp?

Rising damp occurs because of a constant source of moisture rising up the properties walls because of a defective damp proof course - so it is important to understand why this is happening. Improvements to ventilation will help moisture evaporate, but it won’t solve the root cause of the problem. The walls will also be affected by hygroscopic salts already in the walls, which over time can deteriorate plasterwork.
Can rising damp ever be fixed?

Yes, rising damp can be solved by the installation of a remedial damp proof course which is tried and tested and proven to work. Wise Property Care back up our damp proofing methods with a long term guarantee, giving you peace of mind the problem is fixed long term.
Is it worth buying a house with rising damp?

Yes, it is fine to purchase a property that has a rising damp problem, as long as you understand the issues present. It is strongly advised to carry out a damp and timber survey from a reputable company to understand the extent of the problem, and any costs involved. This can be used to negotiate the price with the seller or be used to decide whether you wish to go ahead with the purchase. Wise Property Care rising damp treatments are typically backed by long term guarantees, meaning your new property would be protected long term.
Can you live in a property with rising damp?

Yes, many properties across Scotland suffer with rising damp and are not immediately treated, but it is recommended to carry out repairs to prevent any further damage to plasterwork or structural elements such as floorboards or joists. Over time the damp problem can get worse and you may notice musty smells which can be offputting. Increased ventilation will be required to help remove excess moisture in the atmosphere caused by the damp issue.