DAMP PROOFING IN PERTH
Are you struggling with a damp, rot or woodworm problem in your property? Our local damp proofing specialists based in Perth are on hand to help. For over 25 years, our damp surveyors in Perth have provided damp surveys and treatments in residential and commercial properties. Wise Property Care in Perth covers all areas surrounding Perthshire including Perth, Blairgowrie, Pitlochry, Crieff, Dunblane, Coupar Angus, Auchterarder and Kinross.
Industry leading bodies such as Which? Trusted Traders, Trust Mark, Safe Contractor, Constructionline, and the Property Care Association (PCA) have accredited Wise Property Care as a reputable trader. Our treatments are typically backed by long term guarantees up to 20 years, giving you peace of mind you are covered should any problems arise.
Request a survey today by clicking the button below:
CONDENSATION PROBLEMS
Condensation is caused when excess moisture in a property isn’t sufficiently ventilated and settles on walls and ceilings. Some common signs of condensation include black mould growth, peeling decorations and a damp musty smell. Condensation tends to be more common when the weather gets colder, as people often stop opening windows or drying clothes outside. Like the rest of Scotland, the three coldest months in Perth tend to be December – February. During this period, the average maximum temperature in Perth reaches 7.27 degrees, with an average minimum temperature of 0.8 degrees (Met Office). You may find that condensation signs are more noticeable during this period.
You can try to improve condensation problems by improving the ventilation in the property. Some simple steps include:
- Opening windows regularly
- Using extractor fans when cooking,
- Showering with door closed and window open, and
- Drying clothes in a tumble dryer.
If the above steps don’t solve the problem, we would recommend contacting a damp surveyor for professional advice and solutions. Professional solutions to condensation problems can include, mechanical air ventilation , positive input ventilation (PIV units), thermal plastering and air quality monitors
PENETRATING DAMP
Penetrating damp occurs when water or moisture has found its way from the outside to the inside of a building. This is normally caused by an external property defect. Common defects that lead to penetrating damp include faulty guttering and downpipes, gaps in windows, and gaps and cracks in bricks. Signs of penetrating damp can be more noticeable after periods of rainfall. You may notice wet patches near walls, windows, or ceilings.
Before any damage caused by penetrating damp can be treated, the source of water ingress must be identified and eliminated. Otherwise, the damage will simply reoccur with an ongoing source of moisture. Once the source has been eliminated and the property has dried out, the necessary treatments can begin. A masonry protection treatment can be applied to prevent bricks to prevent further moisture from seeping into the property.
RISING DAMP
Rising damp is caused by a broken or bridged damp proof course, leaving a property vulnerable to moisture ingress from below ground level. Moisture from below ground level can seep up through the walls of your property. This process is known as capillary action. Older buildings tend to be more likely to experience rising damp. Older buildings may have a damp proof course that’s no longer effective, or never installed to begin with. For those living in older properties in Perth, we recommend ensuring that the damp proof course is up to date and meets modern standards.
The first step to rising damp treatment is for a damp surveyor to conduct a professional damp survey. Rising damp can be misdiagnosed by those without the relevant knowledge and experience. This is why it’s important that rising damp is actually diagnosed by a professional before treatment begins. If rising damp is identified, it can be treated by either repairing the existing damp proof course or installing a new remedial damp proof course. The most common method of rising damp treatment is the use of damp proof injections. This involves injecting a damp proof cream into the mortar joints to create a water-repellent barrier.
DRY ROT AND WET ROT
Dry rot is the most serious type of wood rot. If left untreated, it can spread and eventually cause a property to become structurally unstable. When it comes to treating dry rot, the first step is to cut off the moisture source that is allowing the rot spores to thrive. Once the moisture source has been eliminated, and the timber has dried out, treatment can then begin. Timbers affected by dry rot will be removed and replaced with pre-treated timbers. Nearby timbers must also undergo thorough fungicidal treatment to prevent the rot spreading.
Wet rot is a common type of timber decay when fungal growth occurs in damp conditions. Wet rot generally thrives on a higher timber moisture content than dry rot, but does not spread through masonry, and fungus growth stops when the moisture is removed. The rot tends to be localised to the source of moisture. Eliminating this moisture source is the first step to wet rot treatment. Once the moisture source has been eliminated, our wet rot specialists will restore affected timber, either by replacing sections of timber that have decayed, or applying a fungicidal treatment to the timber to prevent further damage.
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
If you have a basement, cellar or any underground space, a waterproofing system will need to be in place to prevent water ingress. As part of Wise Property Care, we have a specialist structural waterproofing division Wise Basement Systems The waterproofing experts at Wise Basement Systems can install modern basement waterproofing systems to more traditional methods such as basement tanking at residential and commercial premises. Our specialists can determine the best waterproofing system following a property survey.
DAMP SURVEY IN PERTH
At Wise Property Care, we provide damp surveys in Perth or nearby areas such as Blairgowrie, Pitlochry, Crieff, Dunblane, Coupar Angus, Auchterarder and Kinross. A damp or timber survey is always the first step to confirm the presence of damp before any treatment commences. A damp surveyor will examine the property both internally and externally to determine if the property is affected by damp, rot or woodworm. Following the damp survey, the surveyor will send you a detailed damp report, including any property issues that were found. If necessary, the damp report will include a proposed treatment plan and estimated costs of repairs. You can find out more information by visiting our damp survey page.
You can book a survey today by calling our Perth branch on the number below. Our team will take some details from you and organise a convenient time for your survey to go ahead. Alternatively fill out our brief contact form, and one of our damp specialists will be in touch.
CONTACT OUR PERTH OFFICE
Our Perth branch covers all areas surrounding: Perth, Blairgowrie, Pitlochry, Crieff, Dunblane, Coupar Angus, Auchterarder and Kinross..
With local surveyors and repair teams based throughout the area, you can contact our Perth team to arrange a survey online by using the form below.
