How to Get Rid of Damp

Damp affects many homes across Scotland every year, but did you know that there are a number of different types of damp that require different treatments?

All types of damp can cause damp patches on walls and surfaces, persistent musty smells and cause wallpaper to peel away from the wall. Some can even lead to mould growth which can create an unpleasant internal environment and potential health concerns. This can lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

If left untreated, damp can even cause damage to clothing, furniture and the structural timbers within your property. Because of this, it is essential to correctly identify the type of damp causing problems in your home, before you can get rid of the issue long term.

We have put together a guide on how to tell what type of damp is occurring in your property, and provide you with solutions on how to prevent the problem.

While some damp problems can be fixed with remedial repairs from a reputable local builder or even by DIY fixes, in some cases specialist damp proofing may be required.  Sometimes damp problems can be complex, so if you’re unsure about what to do we can carry out a damp and timber survey, providing you with advice and long term solutions for the problem.

Damp can be found throughout a property, from below ground spaces such as cellars and basements, to just above skirting boards at ground level, and most commonly water droplets forming inside windows and running down onto the window sill.

This is because there are three main types of damp found in homes, all with their own characteristics and identifying features. Damp will vary from property to property, depending on various factors.

The first step is to understand if any problems are caused by plumbing leaks, or faulty appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. To get rid of this problem you will require a plumber, not remedial damp proofing. Once this is ruled out, you can then deal with the damp problem.

Condensation is the most common type of damp found in homes in Scotland, and is much more common during the winter months. It is caused by warm humid air in a property and landing on cold surfaces, such as window panes, mirrors and in extreme examples, on walls and ceilings. Moisture is created in homes by cooking, cleaning and washing, and if there is inadequate ventilation the moisture becomes trapped, and condenses. Black mould will often form as a result of condensation.

Penetrating damp is caused when moisture from outside a property is able to enter through building defects such as damaged gutters, blocked drains or missing roof tiles. Porous masonry or damaged or defective mortar will also allow moisture to enter a building, particularly when caused by driving rain. A penetrating damp problem will appear larger after long periods of rainfall, and the cold damp patches created internally can also lead to black mould growth.

Rising damp is caused by moisture from the ground below a building rising upwards through masonry walls by capillary action. This occurs when a building's damp proof course (DPC) fails, has been bridged or if the property never had one. Without a waterproof barrier moisture is able to rise up through the fabric of the building, causing damage internally. Although more uncommon than people realise, rising damp is a problem many homes face across Scotland.

Once you understand what type of damp is affecting your property and identify the source of the damp problem, you can then attempt to prevent the issue.

It is important to make sure you have fully investigated the full extent of the issue, and checked the condition of any structural timber that may be affected. If left untreated, a damp problem can cause issues such as wet rot, dry rot and woodworm infestations.

Wise Property Care can provide you with expert advice and solutions for damp proofing if required.

Condensation can be prevented by reducing moisture production, increasing the amount of ventilation inside a property, maintaining constant heating, making improvements to the thermal efficiency of walls and by increasing insulation.

By improving these, you will be able to control the amount of excess moisture inside your home, especially during the winter months when condensation is most common.

Ventilation is key to removing excess moisture laden air from the property. Tasks such as cooking and showering will trap moisture inside the home unless there is adequate ventilation and air circulation. This moisture will condense on cold surfaces such as windows, mirrors, walls and ceilings. This leads to damp patches and ultimately mould growth, especially on cold north-facing external walls, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens.

Ventilation improvements in the form of extractor fans, trickle vents and PIV units will help remove excess moisture, and prevent the condensation problem.

If you have noticed damp patches in the same areas, even after being wiped away, this could be because these surfaces are cold spots. Cold spots provide a surface for warm air to condense, so improving the thermal efficiency of these areas can help prevent the problem.

Anti condensation paints can be used for isolated areas, while thermal plastering is a go to option for solid wall constructed properties with a serious condensation problem. These products work by removing the cold bridge on which condensation can form.

If mould and condensation are forming on ceilings, it may be because the roof space above is uninsulated. Improvements to the levels of insulation in the roof space above will prevent the ceiling being a cold bridge.

Penetrating damp is often caused by porous brickwork or external defects that are allowing moisture to penetrate inside the property. This means that if you solve the problem externally, the damp problem should be prevented internally.

While penetrating damp can be solved by regular maintenance or minor repairs, if left untreated, penetrating damp can lead to problems such as fungal decay and structural issues like wall tie failure.

Common defects that cause penetrating damp in Scottish homes include porous brickwork, damaged external renders, incorrectly fitted windows, damaged guttering or downpipes and blocked drains. Stone constructed properties may be affected by wind driven rain penetrating through the porous stonework, while other properties may have missing or defective mortar.

Buildings built into high ground levels may need structural waterproofing to prevent lateral penetrating damp from the ground into the structure. Masonry protection creams can be used to protect walls from penetrating damp caused by wind driven rain, by creating a breathable waterproof barrier.

Regular maintenance must be carried out to prevent more issues in the future, while you should take note of any damage to structural timber in order to prevent problems such as wet rot or dry rot. If these issues take hold you may require professional assistance.

Rising damp is less common than people imagine, and is often misdiagnosed for other types of damp.

Rising damp is caused by the upward movement of moisture through capillary action. This means that in order to prevent the problem there must be a waterproof barrier, in the form of a damp proof course (DPC).

Most properties have a functioning damp proof course, and many DPCs will last for decades. Older properties may have a DPC made of slate or bitumen which can be cracked by structural movement. Over time these DPCs can also become bridged externally by debris, heightened ground levels, newly installed paths or flowerbeds. Internally the DPC can be bridged when plasterwork is brought all the way down to the ground. While these issues may lead to symptoms common to rising damp, they can be solved without the need to install a new DPC,

If however a property is confirmed to have no functioning DPC, a chemical damp proof course can be installed. This is done through a damp proof injection cream installed at regular intervals along the mortar, which creates a water repellent barrier that prevents the upward movement of moisture.

Rising damp is problematic as moisture from the ground carries hygroscopic salts that deteriorate internal plasterwork, and can even pull moisture from the atmosphere back into the wall.

It's important to first identify if the problem is actually rising damp, before carrying out specialist treatments. If internal plasterwork is contaminated with hygroscopic salts, these walls may need to be replastered with an additive that prevents salt migration, as salts will still be present within the masonry.

During winter many occupants may turn to dehumidifiers to prevent a damp problem in their home, but these will not address the root cause of the problem or provide a long term solution.

A dehumidifier will simply remove moisture from the atmosphere, making it useful for an isolated condensation issue, or when drying clothes within a confined space. For a long term fix to a condensation issue you may require more permanent improvements to ventilation.

Dehumidifiers can quickly fill with water so are not as effective as other options, so for a long lasting solution you may require extractor fans or even PIV systems.

For a structural damp problem such as penetrating damp or rising damp you will need to find the underlying cause and rectify it.

Damp smells inside a home indicate a problem with moisture ingress, either through penetrating damp, condensation or rising damp.

To get rid of the smell you must address the root cause of the moisture problem, either by repairing any leaks, increasing ventilation or by carrying out damp proofing. Once the damp problem has been solved you can then wipe down surfaces, use specialist cleaning products on carpets and wash and thoroughly dry clothing. Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate.

Mould growth on stored goods, furniture and clothes may have caused damage, so some items may need to be thrown away. But generally speaking, synthetic clothing and furniture covers can be washed to remove the contamination.

If you are worried about a damp problem and don’t know what to do next, Wise Property Care are here to help.

Damp problems can often be complex and are sometimes misdiagnosed, which is why it's important to seek professional advice.

A damp and timber survey will give you peace of mind that a qualified professional has inspected your property, both externally and internally, and provides you with solutions specific to your home.

Our surveyors will use a range of different tools and methods to identify the root cause of the problem. All findings will be detailed in a survey report, along with recommendations for treatments where necessary.

When you’re worried about a damp problem, you want to use a company with experienced and specialist surveyors - with the right training and knowledge to reach the proper diagnosis.

Wise Property Care have both CSRT (Certificated Surveyor in Remedial Treatments) and CSTDB (Certificated Surveyor 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 fixing condensation and mould problems and building value back into Scottish properties since 1996.
• We have a proven track record working with homeowners, social housing and commercial clients across Scotland, delivering effective preservation solutions while ensuring full compliance with industry regulations and health and safety standards.
• 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 rigorous trading standards assessments.