Penetrating Damp Specialists Scotland
Penetrating damp can lead to significant structural damage and unsightly damp patches, compromising the comfort and safety of your property. At Wise Property Care, we specialise in the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of penetrating damp across Scotland. Our experienced team identifies the source of the problem and implements tailored solutions to ensure long-lasting protection. We are experts in penetrating damp diagnosis, treatment, and property preservation.
What Is Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating damp occurs when water enters a property through external walls, roofs, or around windows and doors.
What Causes Penetrating Damp?
Common causes include damaged brickwork, faulty pointing, leaking gutters, and defective roofing. We understand that each property is different, and we deliver bespoke solutions that meet your specific needs.
Accurate identification of the source of penetrating damp is crucial for effective treatment. Wise Property Care can provide you with a thorough survey to understand the causes and assess the extent of the damage of a penetrating damp problem.
Penetrating damp occurs when water enters a property through external walls, roofs, or around windows and doors. Common causes include damaged brickwork, faulty pointing, leaking gutters, and defective roofing. We understand that each property is different, and we deliver bespoke solutions that meet your specific needs.
How to Tell if You Have Penetrating Damp
Signs of penetrating damp include: damp patches on walls, ceilings and floors; mould growth; peeling paint; and a musty odour. These signs can vary depending on the severity and location of the damp. Addressing these signs early can prevent more extensive and costly repairs.
How Do You Treat Penetrating Damp?
Signs of penetrating damp include: damp patches on walls, ceilings and floors; mould growth; peeling paint; and a musty odour. These signs can vary depending on the severity and location of the damp. Addressing these signs early can prevent more extensive and costly repairs.
External Repairs and Maintenance
Addressing the external causes of penetrating damp is essential. This includes: repairing damaged brickwork; repointing, repairing or replacing damaged gutters and downpipes; and ensuring the integrity of the roofing. These repairs prevent further water ingress and protect your property from future damage.
Waterproof Coatings and Sealants
Applying waterproof coatings and sealants to external walls can provide an additional layer of protection against penetrating damp. These products create a barrier that prevents water from entering the property, but also allows trapped moisture to leave. We use only the highest-quality products.
Cavity Wall Insulation Checks
In some cases, saturated cavity wall insulation can contribute to penetrating damp. We conduct thorough checks to identify and address any issues with cavity wall insulation, ensuring it remains dry and effective.
Internal Damp Proofing
Where internal walls have been affected by penetrating damp, we provide internal damp proofing treatments, including specialist plastering and membrane systems. These treatments ensure that the internal walls are dry and protected.
The Wise Property Care Approach to Penetrating Damp
Our process for addressing penetrating damp is thorough and systematic, ensuring every aspect of the problem is addressed effectively. We follow a structured approach to deliver reliable and lasting solutions.
Initial Survey and Diagnosis
Our experienced surveyors conduct a detailed inspection of your property both externally and internally to identify the source and extent of penetrating damp. We use diagnostic tools and techniques to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Tailored Treatment Plan
Based on our survey findings, if any work is necessary we will develop a treatment plan that addresses the specific needs of your property. We carefully select the most appropriate treatments and materials to ensure effective results.
Professional Treatment and Repairs
Our team of skilled technicians carries out all treatment and repair work to the highest standards. We use industry-leading techniques and materials to ensure a reliable and durable solution.
Post-Treatment Inspection and Monitoring
Following treatment, we conduct a thorough inspection to ensure the effectiveness of our work. We provide guarantees on our services, giving you peace of mind and assurance of our commitment to quality.
FAQs About Penetrating Damp
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding penetrating damp.
Is Penetrating Damp Dangerous?
Damp in general can cause respiratory health problems, especially amongst elderly people and children or people with asthma. Dangerous is a bit of a strong word but, depending on a person’s health, it might not be healthy for an individual.
How can I tell whether I have Penetrating Damp or Condensation?
Penetrating damp is water ingress that has managed to penetrate through the building structure. Look out for wind-driven rain entering masonry, a leaky roof, burst water pipes, broken gutters with water running down walls or perhaps defective plumbing. Condensation, on the other hand, is typically caused by the build-up of excess atmospheric moisture within the property condensing on cold surfaces, when there is inadequate ventilation to remove it.
What is Water Ingress?
Water ingress is a term used to describe water entering property through the masonry or roof covering and may be due to a building defect such as a blocked gutter, leaky roof, failed damp proof course, wind-driven rain or deterioration of mortar within the brickwork joints. Water ingress can also be caused by faulty plumbing.
How can I stop Water Ingress?
First, identify the source of moisture. Find where the water is coming from and how it is getting into the property. Then repair the defect to stop further moisture from entering the property. Finally, consider what repair works need done on the affected area.
Can you recommend any DIY Solutions for Penetrating Damp?
The DIY part of a penetrating damp problem is establishing the cause of water ingress, which will either be due to a building or plumbing defect. This could be driving rain or a leaky roof which may be due to some missing slates. Perhaps the washing machine or dishwasher is letting out water. Check the pipes behind these units to make sure they are fitted correctly. After using some DIY to stop the water ingress, you will need to call the professionals to establish the damage penetrating damp has caused to the property’s timber.
Does Cavity Wall Insulation cause Dampness?
If cavity wall insulation is correctly specified and installed to the correct density, it will not absorb moisture. But if it is incorrectly blown, moisture can bridge the gap between the outside wall and the inside masonry leaf.
What should I do about Penetrating Damp within the Chimney Breast?
You will need to arrange for remedial works to the chimney before the water ingress starts causing other problems. Once you have stopped the penetrating damp issue within the chimney, you can then look to resolve any damp issues inside that have occurred as a consequence of the chimney issue.
Does Penetrating Damp Cause Mould?
Yes, it can do. If the damp surface cools to dew point, condensation will form and this may allow mould spores to germinate. But the salts in building materials can prevent growth.
How Serious is Penetrating Damp?
It can be serious as, besides its usual symptoms, it can also encourage wet rot. This wood-destroying fungus can seriously damage the timber structure at the source of moisture.
Is Penetrating Damp covered by Home Insurance?
The initial source of the water ingress may be covered as an ‘act of god’ or storm damage; however, penetrating damp is considered a wear-and-tear issue, which means most insurance companies would not cover the issue. Our best advice is that, if you are concerned, you should check with your insurance provider for clarification.
Why Choose Wise Property Care to Tackle Penetrating Damp?
Don’t let penetrating damp damage your property.
Contact Wise Property Care today for a thorough survey and advice from a trained professional. Our team is ready to provide diagnosis and treatment solutions for your needs.
CONTACT OUR PROPERTY REPAIR EXPERTS
As the experts in commercial property preservation services, our professionally qualified surveyors have decades of experience in diagnosing property issues and conducting timely and effective repair solutions.
For industry approved and accredited preservation services, speak to one of our commercial specialists today to discuss the most effective way to take your project forward. Alternative fill out our brief contact form and our commercial team will get back to you.
