Alliance understand the importance of dealing with Rising Damp and have helped many clients with this problem across Scotland and cover the following areas
- Perth & Kinross, Dundee & Angus, Fife, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling
Damp Proofing
In our wet climate, it’s no surprise that so many properties of all ages and types suffer from damp. It’s the problem we see most frequently
Damp has three main causes: penetrating damp, rising damp and condensation. But no matter what’s causing damp in your property, it’s not good for your health, or the health of your property.
Damp can lead to damage to the interior and exterior of your home, with sagging ceilings and ugly marks on the walls common. Damp homes are more expensive to heat and might also smell bad. Dampness can also make it difficult for people with asthma to breathe, and can contribute to health problems for others.
Excessive moisture is also a contributing factor to other problems like both dry and wet rot, creating perfect conditions for the growth and spread of wood-eating fungi. A neglected case of dampness can very quickly turn into an expensive case of wet rot!
If you suspect your property is suffering from any form of damp, contact Alliance, for a professional survey.
Penetrating Damp
Penetrating damp simply means moisture coming into your property through the walls and roof. Water most commonly gets in through:
- Leaky pipes and appliances
- Faulty roofs
- Leaking window frames and sills
- Cracks or damage to your masonry, pointing or chimneys
- Damaged, cracked, overflowing or blocked gutters or rainpipes
- An increase in the ground level around your home – perhaps after the installation of new paths or landscaping
What are the signs of penetrating damp?
The most common signs of penetrating damp are:
- Damage to plaster roofs and walls, including watermarks
- Black mould
- Permanently wet or damp patches on walls
- Musty smells
Rising Damp
Rising damp is caused by moisture moving up into your house from the bottom up. Moisture from a damp basement or ground floor can rise up to the drier, higher levels of the building and leave tell-tale marks at the bottom of the walls.
Rising damp is commonly caused by the failure of a previous damp course. It can also be caused by the ‘bridging’ of the existing damp course, when a rise in ground level outside the property – perhaps from the addition of landscaping or patios – causes moisture to get in around it.
Condensation
Sometimes excess moisture is found in our properties because of internal factors. When water vapour – from steam, cooking, breathing and washing ¬– is trapped in our homes, condensation occurs. In condensation, vapour turns back into water, leading to ideal conditions for mould. The black mould commonly seen around windows and in bathrooms is a good example of the result.
How will Alliance fix my damp problem?
No matter what is causing your problem with damp, our trained experts will:
- Identify what source of moisture is causing your damp problem and the extent of any damage with a full survey
- Deal appropriately with whatever is causing the damp, whether it’s a leaky pipe or a failed damp course, to put an end to the dampness and prevent it from returning
- Install a damp-proof membrane, if necessary, to protect plaster and timber in future
- Ensure that any secondary problems caused by the damp (such as wet rot) are dealt with, and timber or plaster replaced and treated as necessary.
If you have any questions about dampness, how to prevent it or how to treat it, contact Alliance today 01764 663107.
