Rising Damp Treatment Near You
At Dampness & Rot (Glasgow) Ltd, we provide trusted waterproofing solutions with over 25 years of experience protecting properties from rising damp, water ingress, and moisture damage across basements, roofs, walls, and bathrooms.
“Trusted Waterproofing Specialists Across Glasgow, Edinburgh & Central Scotland”
Our team of experienced waterproofing specialists is equipped to diagnose and prevent moisture damage, ensuring your property remains dry and safe for years to come.
This approach guarantees long-term protection against water damage, backed by our 10-year guarantee.
Signs of Rising Damp
Recognising the signs of rising damp early can prevent expensive damage to your walls, skirting boards, and floors. If you’re wondering “what does rising damp look like?”, the answer lies in visual cues and smell. Here’s how to identify it in your home or property:
Tide Marks on Walls
Look for dark, horizontal lines appearing around 1 metre from the floor — a clear rising damp sign caused by evaporating moisture.
Damp Patches at Ground Level
Visible wetness or moisture on internal walls, especially after rain, is a typical symptom of rising damp.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
Damp walls cause paint to bubble or wallpaper to lift. This is often seen in rising damp internal wall cases.
Salt Deposits (Efflorescence)
White, powdery substances form as salts from the groundwater are drawn up and left behind — a telltale indicator.
Musty Smell or Mould at Floor Level
Persistent damp smells or mould growth low on the wall could suggest an active rising damp problem.
Impact on Property
Causes of Rising Damp
Understanding what causes rising damp is essential for lasting prevention and treatment. It usually stems from issues with the building’s damp-proof course (DPC) or environmental conditions.
- Failure or Absence of a Damp-Proof Course: Many older properties were built without a DPC, which allows groundwater to seep into walls — one of the most common rising damp causes.
- Bridging of DPC by Soil or Render: Soil piled against walls or thick render can bridge your existing DPC, rendering it useless and leading to rising damp external wall problems.
- Capillary Action Through Brick or Stone: Moisture naturally travels upward through porous masonry. This rising damp in walls is especially common in stone-built Scottish homes.
- Poor Property Maintenance: Blocked drains, leaking gutters, or damaged pointing can worsen moisture issues, creating the perfect conditions for rising damp on internal walls.
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Common Areas Affected by Rising Damp
Rising damp doesn’t affect just one area it can quietly spread through key parts of your home, compromising both aesthetics and structure. Here are the most common areas affected by rising damp:
Property Types Affected by Rising Damp
No property is immune, but certain types are more likely to experience rising damp in houses especially if damp-proofing has failed or was never installed.
Victorian and Edwardian Homes
Often built without a proper DPC, these homes are the most common candidates for rising damp treatment in older houses.
Stone-Built Cottages and Farmhouses
These structures allow moisture to travel through the stone by capillary action, contributing to rising damp in walls that are harder to dry out.
Terraced and Semi-Detached Houses
Shared walls and poor drainage make these properties more likely to have damp issues at ground level.
Converted Flats and Basements
Where damp-proofing was not adequately upgraded during conversion, rising damp in basements can be a serious structural threat.
Musty Smell or Mould at Floor Level
Persistent damp smells or mould growth low on the wall could suggest an active rising damp problem.
Impact on Property
Types of Rising Damp (Walls, Floors, Chimney, Cellar)
Rising damp doesn’t present the same way in every part of your home — it depends on the material and location. Here are the most common types of rising damp we encounter:
Walls: Rising damp in walls often shows as tide marks, bubbling paint, or damp patches. It typically occurs when moisture is drawn up through porous brick or plaster due to a failed damp-proof course.
Floors: Rising damp in floors is common in older properties with unsealed or concrete ground floors. Symptoms include damp smells, warped floorboards, and deteriorating finishes.
Chimneys: Chimney stacks often suffer from rising damp in chimneys, where moisture travels up from the base or through connected walls, leading to salt staining and crumbling mortar.
Cellars and Basements: These areas are prone to rising damp in cellar walls due to prolonged ground contact and limited ventilation, creating ideal conditions for persistent damp.
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Materials & Surfaces Affected
Rising damp can damage a wide range of materials and surfaces, often beyond what’s visible at first glance. Understanding what’s affected helps you act early.
Rising Damp Treatment Methods
Professional rising damp treatment requires a combination of repair, prevention, and moisture control. Here’s how we treat rising damp effectively:
Damp-Proof Course (DPC) Installation
Injecting a chemical damp-proof course creates a moisture barrier in walls, preventing further capillary action of groundwater.
Salt-Contaminated Plaster Removal
We strip away salt-damaged plaster, which no longer breathes or bonds properly, and replace it with a specialist damp-resistant render.
Damp Membranes & Tanking Slurry
In severe cases, we install damp-proof membranes or apply tanking slurry to block moisture ingress in affected walls and floors.
Ventilation & Drainage Improvements
Proper airflow and drainage are key. We often pair damp treatment with improved sub-floor ventilation or external drainage adjustments.
Impact on Property
Rising Damp Survey Process
A professional rising damp survey helps confirm the problem and ensures the right treatment is applied. Our process includes:
Moisture Testing: Using calibrated moisture meters, we check the rising damp levels in walls and floors, identifying the full extent of saturation.
Visual Inspection & Mapping: Our damp specialists carry out a detailed inspection of interior and exterior signs from tide marks to cracked masonry and mould growth.
Identifying Salt Contamination: We assess for nitrates and chlorides left behind by rising water, which are strong indicators of long-term rising damp.
Comprehensive Report & Quote: We provide a clear diagnosis, photographic evidence, and a no-obligation rising damp treatment quote, outlining all work required.
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Health & Safety for Rising Damp Treatments
Rising damp doesn’t just damage your home it can impact your health and indoor air quality too. We follow all safety standards to protect your property and well-being.
Cost & Pricing of Rising Damp Treatment
Wondering how much rising damp treatment costs? We offer fair, transparent pricing based on the extent of the issue and the size of the property.
Cost Factors
Prices vary depending on wall thickness, severity, treatment method, access, and whether plastering or redecoration is needed.
Typical Treatment Cost
Rising damp treatment typically ranges from £70–£250 per metre of wall, including injection and re-plastering, with larger jobs quoted case-by-case.
Free Survey & Estimate
We provide a free on-site damp survey with no obligation, followed by a detailed quote so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
No Hidden Charges
All costs are clearly broken down. We never surprise you with extra charges after the work has started.
Impact on Property
Rising Damp Guarantees & Certification
We back our rising damp treatments with strong guarantees and industry-recognised certifications for your complete peace of mind.
Long-Term Guarantees
All damp proofing work comes with a 20–30 year guarantee, covering both the chemical DPC and any re-plastering involved.Insurance-Backed Guarantees
We offer insurance-backed protection through recognised schemes, giving you extra assurance if you’re selling or renovating a property.Certified Damp Specialists
Our technicians are PCA-accredited (Property Care Association) and comply with British Standards for rising damp treatment and re-plastering.TrustMark & Health Standards
We’re fully vetted under TrustMark, meaning our work meets high standards of quality, safety, and customer service.
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Rising Damp Aftercare & Monitoring
Stopping rising damp is only part of the solution; we help you prevent its return with professional aftercare and maintenance advice.
Why Choose Us for Rising Damp Treatment?
Trusted across the UK for effective rising damp treatment, we bring decades of experience and a reputation built on results.
20+ Years of Expertise
We’ve helped thousands of homeowners and property managers eliminate rising damp with proven, long-lasting solutions.
Certified Damp Specialists
All treatments are carried out by fully qualified, PCA-certified professionals using industry-approved methods.
Tailored Damp Solutions
Every property is different we deliver bespoke rising damp solutions based on a detailed survey and diagnosis.
Fully Insured & Guaranteed
Work is backed by insurance, manufacturer guarantees, and long-term damp protection warranties for your peace of mind.
Fast, Friendly Local Service
With damp specialists covering areas across the UK, we offer rapid response and courteous, professional service every time.
Customer Reviews!
5 Star Reviews
Examples of High Environmental Moisture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rising damp?
Rising damp occurs when groundwater moves up through porous building materials like bricks and mortar via capillary action.
How do I know if I have rising damp?
Signs include tide marks on walls, peeling paint or wallpaper, damp patches, and musty smells near the base of walls.
What causes rising damp?
It’s usually due to a failed or missing damp proof course (DPC) that allows moisture to rise through the structure unchecked.
Can rising damp cause structural damage?
Yes over time, it can weaken plaster, rot timber, and damage masonry if left untreated.
How long does rising damp treatment take?
Most treatments are completed in 1–2 days, depending on the extent of the issue and any re-plastering required.
Is rising damp treatment disruptive?
We work cleanly and efficiently, minimising mess and disruption. All treated areas are left ready for redecoration.
Is treatment guaranteed?
Yes, we provide long-term guarantees up to 30 years, with optional insurance-backed protection available.