EFFECTIVE DAMP PROOFING TREATMENTS, MANAGED BY SCOTLAND’S PROFESSIONALS
When those tell-tale signs start to appear, JDN Property Services Ltd is the name you can count on. Learn more about the types of damp and how we work with clients across Wishaw, Edinburgh and Glasgow to resolve problems of every severity.
WHAT IS RISING DAMP AND WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH OUT FOR?
Rising damp is a vertical movement of water that works its way from the base of the wall using capillary action. Water is absorbed into the pores of the stone or brickwork causing the masonry to act like a wick. As the water rises up the wall, it brings in mineral salts.
Rising damp has infamous visual characterises; it tends to be a solid band of water from the ground level up. This can create a wave or tidal mark which typically stain the internal plaster or décor. As the moisture rises further, the water evaporates bringing the salts to the surface. Delaminating décor or blistering paint can also be another indicator.
The most common cause is the damp proof course being breached. This can be by change in paving level externally or by the damp proof course breaking down with age. This then allows a weakness in the barrier and allows the process to begin.
HOW DO WE RESOLVE RISING DAMP?
Typically in rising damp, there is a standard specification within the industry we follow however, this can differ from job to job due to the construction or layout. In general, most require us to strip the wall fabrics internally up to 1-1.2m from ground level up and insert a new chemical damp proof course.
A damp proof course, also known as a DPC, is a barrier which stops water being absorbed. The DPC originally came in many forms, including slate and bitumen however, more modern homes tend to have a plastic DPC. Depending on the age of your property, a damp proof course may not have existed, which is where our expertise will come in. Though physical DPCs are now a thing of the past, we utilise innovative chemical alternatives that mitigate the time, costs and potential risks to the settlement and party walls associated with the insertion of older systems.
UNDERSTANDING PENETRATING DAMP
Penetrating damp is the result of water successfully penetrating from the outside of the building into your property, which can occur over various areas of your property, including roofs and ceilings. Penetrating damp can affect a property of any age, and though poorly maintained older properties have a higher risk due to deterioration of building materials, modern buildings can also suffer due to poor design or flawed workmanship.
Damp patches in the form of circular spotting or blotches can be a sign that the outer wall coatings have failed, allowing moisture to transfer from the external to the internal wall. These patches will continue to worsen as water enters the building. This can often lead to more serious issues such as dry or wet rots which can compromise the buildings structural integrity if this issue is not rectified. Externally, you are likely to see darkening or green algae or organic growth on the outer render or brickwork.
Penetrating damp can be caused by a multitude of things. Poor coatings or mortar beds on your outer brick work, faulty rainwater goods, slipped tiles or slate, faulty windows or doors, these can all be contributing factors of penetrating damp. Wall ties within the wall cavity can also allow dampness to bridge the cavity from the outer leaf of brickwork to the internal plastered surface, acting like a sponge.
SO, HOW DO WE PREVENT IT?
Though damp proofing is an effective way to combat the issues your building faces, we’re advocates in the prevention of these problems altogether. Keeping on top of maintenance and conducting regular inspections, particularly after stormy weather, can allow JDN Property Services Ltd to identify areas of concern and make relevant repairs before they progress into bigger issues. Being proactive is key, and we’ll take care of these tasks so you don’t have to.
JUST SOME OF THE MANY BRANDS TO CHOOSE US
"Very professional company, our first impression was excellent and that never changed throughout the process. We had damp showing on brickwork up to the DPC on the back wall of our 15-year-old property. We contacted 3 local builders, 2 never even responded, 1 came and did not have a clue, and then we had a surveyor inspect, he did advise to remove 2 bricks and clear debris out of the cavity but made no difference. We then contacted JDN. Jon came out to survey and had meters and camera, then we received his report and estimate the next day, as promised. We authorised the work and are very happy with the result. Well done Jon and all his team for a great experience."
- Donald S, Google reviews
SPOTTED THE SIGNS OF DAMP?
Don’t delay, call JDN Property Services Ltd for rapid response, expert advice and efficient, lasting resolutions.