Damp Proofing Specialists - Scotland

Wise Property Care have been building back value into properties across Scotland for decades, with our damp proofing treatments backed by long term guarantees.

Our local surveyors will take time to diagnose the damp problem affecting your property and provide recommendations to stop the problem for good. This is done during a damp and timber survey.

We are registered members of the Property Care Association (PCA) and our surveyors hold industry recognised qualifications highlighting our expertise and professionalism.

Damp is defined as 'the build-up of excess moisture within a property' which can be caused by several different factors. ALL damp problems have similar symptoms including musty smells, damp patches, peeling paint, bubbling plasterwork and if left untreated can cause damage to the structure of the building.

Damp can occur due to various reasons, condensation is the most common form of damp and is caused by moisture production from everyday activities, such as cooking and washing - condensation can lead to mould growth and and is common during winter in Scotland.

Moisture seeping into a property from the outside is known as penetrating damp, and is often caused by external issues such as defective roof coverings, rendering or blocked guttering. Moisture rising upwards through walls from the ground is known as rising damp, usually seen at the base of ground floor walls, just above skirting board level, paired with salty tidemarks. 

Moisture entering a building from an abutting wall, usually where the capping stones are missing is known as falling damp. Damp patches on plaster which come and go with changes in the weather is known as salt damp and is caused by hygroscopic salts (which pull moisture out of the air) being trapped in the plaster, usually from a previous rising damp issue. 

Damp proofing is a generic term for preventing moisture from entering inside a building. 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. The method of treatment required will depend on the type of damp causing the issue such as:

• Condensation
• Rising Damp
• Penetrating Damp 
• This also includes the application of below ground Waterproofing.

This means in order to fully understand if damp proofing is necessary, you should have a qualified and experienced damp surveyor idenify 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 contruction, 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 - this is usually done by a Qualified Surveyor.

Along the Scottish coast, wind driven rain can penetrate into buildings, particularly affecting properties where regular maintenance is not undertaken, such as clearing of gultters 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 bacome 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.

Condensation is the most common form of damp in Scotland, affecting one in five properties. It is particulary 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 fundermental cause of the issue.

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, it 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.

Damp on concrete floors is a common problem, as moisture rises up from the ground through the capillaries of the concrete, known as capillary action. Normally concrete floors are built with a damp proof membrane laid across the floor and connected to the damp proof course, providing protection against ground moisture.

Sometimes properties were not built to modern building standards and therefore do not have a damp proof membrane, so there is no barrier to moisture ingress. This can lead to the surface of the concrete floor becoming damp, and cause damage to carpets and laminate floors. This may also cause damage to structural timbers in direct contact with the damp concrete.

A thorough survey may be required as damp problems are often more complex than expected.

To prevent a condensation problem in your home, you need to reduce the amount of moisture being produced or trapped - through increased ventilation, keeping the heat in your property and removing the excess moisture. This can be done by making sure extractor fans are used when cooking, cleaning, washing or drying clothes indoors or a small window is kept open.

Close kitchen and bathroom doors when these rooms are in use even if the kitchen or bathroom has an extractor fan. This will remove the excess moisture using the ventilation fans, rather than let it move to other rooms, especially bedrooms which are often colder and more likely to be affected by condensation.

Dehumidifiers are often used to remove moisture from the atmosphere, especially in winter. This will remove some moisture internally, but they will quickly fill with water and are not a long-term solution to the probem. You must address the source of excess moisture in a property to create a healthy internal environment.

Sometimes rising damp is caused by a bridged damp proof course from problems such as external high ground levels or internal plastering. For a confirmed rising damp problem, you may require a remedial damp proof course to prevent any further moisture ingress.

Penetrating damp can often be fixed by minor repairs and regular maintenance to prevent the occurance of building defects. This includes repairs to damaged roof coverings, unblocking gutters and drains, fixes to external renders.

Salt damp usually requires the installation of a damp proof course and removal of the salt affected plaster, as the trapped hygroscopic salts will always pull moisture out of the atmosphere.

If the damp problem 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) sysyems, 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 timder 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 Scotland 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.

Moist stale air may contain mould spores, dust mite allergens and other volatile organic compounds, typically from cleaning products, hair spray, deodorant, scented candles. These can lead to an internal environment that can contribute to Asthma symptoms.

Mould can provide health issues if a person is immuno-suppressed, very young, elderly or has a specific allergy.

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

Wise Property Care have both CSRT (Certifificated 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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  What is the difference between damp and rising damp?

  Rising damp comes from the ground through the upward movement of moisture, so it is noticeable internally (and sometimes externally) just above skirting board level, up to a metre high. Penetrating damp is caused by moisture soaking through the fabric of a building, often in higher areas where there are building defects, such as damaged roof tiles, blocked gutters, defective render or cracked sills. 

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  Does rising damp make your house cold?

  Yes, rising damp can make a house 'feel' more cold as the moisture inside the walls conducts heat away, so more energy is required to heat the property.

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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 idicates 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.