PCA Certified Damp Proofing Specialists in Scotland

Wise Property Care has been protecting and restoring property across Scotland for over three decades. Our industry-leading damp proofing treatments carried out by our certified local specialists and backed by long-term, transferable guarantees.

Whether damp has been found in a home report, buying a new property, or noticing musty smells and peeling plaster, our local and qualified damp surveyors will accurately diagnose the root cause of your damp issue and provide an actionable, permanent solution.

We are registered members of the Property Care Association (PCA) and our damp specialists hold either CSRT or CSTDB industry recognised qualifications, highlighting our expertise and professionalism.

Damp proofing is a protective treatment applied to prevent moisture from entering inside a building.

It stops water from being absorbed through the walls or floors, preventing structural damage and protecting the property from issues such as rot, mould or structural damage.

There are many different ways to stop moisture being absorbed through walls or floors within a property, but damp proofing is used to prevent damage from moisture ingress and maintain long term structural integrity.

What method of damp proofing required will depend on the type of damp causing the issue. Damp problems can range from rising damp (where ground water rises up porous masonry due to a missed, failed or bridged DPC) to penetrating damp (water ingress enters a building through external structural defects) or from condensation (when trapped humidity inside a property settles on cold surfaces).

This means in order to fully understand if damp proofing is necessary, you should have a qualified and experienced damp surveyor identify the source of moisture and provide recommendation. They will provide you with options for damp proofing, but only if treatments are required.

Scotland has a humid climate and high rainfall which means that damp problems are common across the country, especially in coastal areas affected by wind driven rain.

Because many properties were built before damp proof courses became standard, and are of solid wall construction, they are susceptible to both rising damp and penetrating damp.

Common damp issues spotted in Scottish properties include damp patches on walls or ceilings, salting on surfaces, mould growth, leaks, musty smells, peeling paint and rotten timber.

These are caused by different types of damp, so it is important to correctly diagnose the problem before further damage can occur.

Penetrating damp is caused when moisture enters a property by external factors such as defected guttering, damaged brickwork or building defects.

Along the Scottish coast, wind driven rain can penetrate into buildings, particularly affecting properties where regular maintenance is not undertaken, such as clearing of gutters and unblocking drains. This allows water to pool and then penetrate the fabric of the building and can dampen timber, causing a fungal decay problem.

Scottish buildings often have external renders, and if these become damaged over time, moisture can seep through into the masonry and cause damp problems internally. Render is often painted a light colour and this makes seeing small cracks very difficult, but these cracks tend to funnel rain into the structure.

To prevent penetrating damp building defects will need to be addressed, while waterproof coatings, brick and mortar repairs, and improved drainage solutions may also be required.

Wise Property Care regularly comes across buildings without an adequate damp proof course meaning it is susceptible to rising damp - which is often noticeable by salty tide marks inside a property just above the skirting boards or up to a metre above.

Whether its solid wall constructed buildings in the Scottish Highlands, or domestic properties in Edinburgh or Glasgow, rising damp occurs when groundwater is drawn up the porous masonry and mortar of a property through the process called capillary action. At first it moves upwards through the mortar and then follows on through the brick or porous stone.

Where a rising damp problem is confirmed, our experienced technicians will use 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.

Condensation is the most common form of damp in Scotland, affecting one in five properties. It is particularly common in solid wall properties and on North facing walls, as the masonry is cold due to direct contact with the outside air. A cavity wall provides a thermal break with the outside and therefore is less likely to be a cold condensing surface.

It occurs during periods of cold weather as ventilation is reduced to keep the heat in, but this causes moisture vapour to be trapped inside the property. It does not leave a 'tidemark' on walls which is typical of rising damp. It appears on cold surfaces and in places where there is little movement of air such as behind large furniture, within built-in cupboards and in bay windows.

Condensation can lead to staining and mould growth, damaging wallpaper, wall surfaces, window frames, furniture and clothing. The development of mould growth is a tell-tale sign that is frequently associated with excess moisture production and condensation. A mould problem may be solved by making small changes to moisture production, ventilation or heating.

If the problem persists for longer, then you may need professional advice and a full house survey to assess the fundamental cause of the issue.

If the damp problem in your property persists, you may need specialist treatments. In order for Wise Property Care to carry out any remedial damp proofing, we would first carry out a Damp and Timber Survey to confirm the problem and provide any necessary recommendations.

For rising damp you may require a remedial damp proof course. Chemical 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.

For high ground levels or below ground waterproofing, membrane or cementitious systems provide an additional layer of protection against moisture ingress - these systems create a physical barrier that prevents water from penetrating walls and floors, ensuring a dry and usable space.

For condensation, effective ventilation is essential for controlling moisture levels and maintaining a healthy indoor environment. We offer a range of ventilation solutions, including extractor fans and positive input ventilation (PIV) systems, to improve air circulation and reduce moisture levels. Insulation or thermal plastering can be used to improve the thermal efficiency of the property and prevent cold spots where condensation issues and mould growth can occur.

Damp problems if left over time can cause damage to plasterwork, causing it to bubble and degrade over time. Wallpaper may peel off the wall and paintwork may chip and crack. If walls are damp you may even notice increased energy bills as cold damp surfaces are harder to heat.

Damp problems can also cause structural damage to a property - through timber decay or woodworm. If you notice signs of timber decay in your property you should arrange for a Damp and Timber Survey to fully understand the extent of the issues.

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.

Woodworm larvae obtain their water requirements through the wood they consume. Damp timber can support a much larger woodworm infestation than dry timber.

It is important to confirm the exact source of moisture causing your damp issue, as otherwise it may persist even after you think you have solved the problem. Never cover over evidence of damp with specialist paint, the issue will eventually reveal itself again and may be far worse.

There are many long-term benefits of carrying out damp proofing to your property, including:

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

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

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  How much does damp proofing cost?

  There is no one fixed costs for damp proofing. The cost of damp proofing will vary based on the type of damp, the size and severity of the damp problem and whether structural damage has occurred.

  As part of your damp survey, all these factors will be taken into consideration and broken down to establish a cost. There is no way to quote for damp proofing without a damp survey without knowing these factors, and companies that provide a cost without inspection may not consider the full extent of the problem when quoting or if damp proofing is even required.

  Booking a damp survey with our locally based team to receive a tailored quote

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  Do I need a damp survey?

  If you suspect a damp problem or issue in your property, a professional damp survey is the best way to pinpoint the exact source and cause of the moisture.

  For the cost of a damp survey, you could potentially save thousands of pounds by catching hidden damage early and preventing you from paying for unnecessary remedial damp proofing treatments.

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  What is the best method for damp proofing?

  The 'best' method for damp proofing will depend entirely on what is causing the moisture in your property. There are different types of damp, a one solution approach does not work. For rising damp, the most common and effective method is installing a damp proof course, whilst for condensation issues, improving your homes ventilation with positive input ventilation (PIV) units.

  Identifying the exact source of your damp through a damp survey is the only way to ensure you use the correct, cost-effective treatment.

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  How long does damp proofing last?

  Professionally installed damp proofing is designed to last for decades. For your peace of mind, typically our damp proofing treatments are backed by our 20 year guarantees, giving you long term reassurance.

  The longevity of any damp proofing treatment can be affected by external factors over time. Issues like ground movement, building defects or external ground level changes that can cause bridging (when the ground is raised higher enough to by pass the barrier,

  Keeping up with regular home maintenance, such as fixing underlying issues early including leaks, will ensure your damp proofing protects your home for longer.

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  How long does damp proofing take?

  The length of time damp proofing takes will depend entirely on the type and extent of the damp problem. Ranging from 1 to 3 days for a typical damp proofing from installation to completion whereas larger properties and basements could take longer.

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  How do I know if I need damp proofing?

  While visible signs of damp; peeling wallpaper, damp on walls, musty smells or flaky plaster, are all strong indicators of a problem, a professional assessment is the only way to confirm if damp proofing is required.

  A professional damp survey takes the guesswork out. Following an onsite inspection of your property, our damp surveyors will inspect and identify your problem, if damp proofing is actually necessary and provide a recommended course of action tailored damp and timber report specifically to your property's needs.

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  Can I do damp proofing myself?

  Yes you can damp proof yourself, but this will vary depending on the type of damp and root cause of the damp problem. Damp caused by condensation, can be alleviated by DIY solutions or adjusting lifestyle changes but damp caused by rising damp or penetrating damp that requires specific damp treatment, such as a chemical damp proof course, which will be required to be installed by a qualified professional.

  While using DIY damp proofing products may provide a short term solution to a problem, they rarely address the full extent of the problem, meaning the damp is highly likely to return in the future. We always recommend getting a professional damp survey carried out first. A damp surveyor will accurately diagnose the root cause and confirm whether professional treatment is necessary.

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  Does opening windows reduce damp?

  Yes, opening windows helps increase ventilation which will remove moisture laden air from the internal atmosphere - an effective treatment for condensation. This may not be suitable during winters in Scotland however, meaning improvements to ventilation through extractor fans or trickle vents may be required.

  If you have a penetrating damp or rising damp problem, you may require further treatments to prevent the source of moisture - so a survey to identify the type of damp affecting the property may be needed.

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  Should I run a dehumidifier all the time?

  If your property requires a dehumidifier running all the time - this indicates a problem with excess moisture in your home - and you may need improvements to your ventilation. A dehumidifier will not solve the root cause of a damp problem - so a survey to identify the cause of excess moisture affecting the property may be required.

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  Is it illegal to sell a property with damp?

  No, it is not illegal to sell a property affected by damp in Scotland, but you are legally required to disclose any known problems when selling your home. Sometimes damp problems are hidden or may not be noticeable, making it very important that a damp and timber survey is carried out by a trained professional when you're thinking of purchasing a property.