Penetrating Damp in Ayrshire
Penetrating damp, also known as water ingress, can affect both old and modern properties in Ayrshire and the surrounding areas. This happens when water enters the external structure of your property, such as walls or roofs. Most often this is caused by damage to the brickwork, poor maintenance, or adverse weather conditions. Matheson Damp Services offers professional damp treatment in Ayrshire to help keep your home or business safe and comfortable.
What Causes Penetrating Damp?
Penetrating damp is caused by water entering your property from above ground. Common causes include damaged masonry, leaking gutters or drain pipes, or heavy rain. Unlike rising damp, water ingress can happen at any height, including walls and roofs.
If penetrating damp isn’t addressed, it may weaken the structure of your property, encourage the growth of mould and mildew, or cause wood and timber to decay.
Common structural causes for penetrating damp are:
- Poorly fitted windows and doors: If they are poorly fitted or not well sealed, water and rain can enter through windows or doors and lead to dampness around sills and frames.
- Broken or defective masonry: Any gaps or cracks in the bricks or mortar joints can lead to water ingress. You might notice damp patches on the walls, or deteriorating external structure.
- Broken or clogged gutters: This can lead to water running down exterior walls, which can deteriorate the structure and allow water to penetrate through masonry.

Book a penetrating damp survey in Ayrshire with Matheson Damp Services today on 0141 737 8655 or 07898 010 682 or email us now.
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How Do I Know If I Have Penetrating Damp?
It is important to be aware of the signs of penetrating damp, so you can seek early treatment and prevent further damage that could result in extensive repairs. If you’re concerned about penetrating damp in Ayrshire, keep an eye out for these important indicators:
- A persistent musty or damp smell: Even if you don’t have visible mould or mildew, a bad smell that doesn’t go away after ventilating can be a sign of damp.
- Damp patches on walls or ceilings: If you notice this, especially if it gets worse after rain, you may be dealing with water ingress from outside.
- Damaged plaster: If the plaster is crumbling or looks damaged, this may be due to prolonged moisture exposure.
- Peeling or blistering wallpaper or paint: When there is moisture present in the walls, this can weaken wallpaper glue and cause paint to bubble or blister.
Treating Penetrating Damp in Ayrshire
Ayrshire’s coastal location and frequent rainy weather means properties may be more susceptible to water ingress. Properties that are older or have poorly maintained exteriors may be at increased risk of penetrating damp due to aged or degrading roofs and masonry.Â
Treating penetrating damp is important. If water ingress is left unaddressed, you might see issues like:
- Health risks: Mould and mildew can trigger allergic reactions or contribute to respiratory distress.
- Increased energy bills: Moisture in the walls will mean they lose heat rapidly, meaning it is harder to keep a heat in your home.
- Structural damage: Prolonged moisture exposure can erode bricks and mortar joints, meaning the structure of your property will degrade over time.
Why choose Matheson Damp Services?
Matheson Damp Services is an experienced family-run business and trusted provider of damp-proofing services in Ayrshire and the surrounding areas, including Girvan, Kilmarnock, and Troon. We are a family-run business with a professional specialist team, and we understand the unique challenges posed by Ayrshire’s coastal geography and humid climate.Â
Our team will conduct a detailed damp survey in your Ayrshire property using trusted materials and techniques, to help make sure your home or business is protected from long-term damage. Don’t let damp make your home unsafe or uncomfortable – contact Matheson Damp Services today for a bespoke solution that will protect you from penetrating damp problems.
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