Case Study
May 2025 Case Study
Case Study: Water Ingress (Dampness) Treatment for Dominic in Helensburgh
Client Background
Dominic, the owner of a character flat in Helensburgh, recently encountered a significant setback during the sale of his property. A potential buyer’s surveyor flagged a small damp spot above a door on an exterior facing wall, causing the sale to fall through. What appeared to be a minor issue raised serious doubts for the buyer, despite the otherwise excellent condition of the flat.
Seeking clarity and a permanent fix, Dominic contacted Ninja Damp Proofing to conduct a specialist damp survey and resolve the issue.
Initial Assessment
Our in depth inspection, combined with experience in older building methods, led us to an important discovery:
- The flat was constructed using lath and plaster techniques, common in period properties.
- Behind the affected wall section, we found a large build up of compacted rubble lodged between the interior plaster surface and the external masonry wall.
- Over time, this accumulation of debris created a physical bridge, allowing moisture from the external wall to transfer directly into the internal surface.
- The compacted rubble also restricted airflow, preventing natural evaporation and keeping the area persistently damp.
This was not a case of rising damp or condensation, but rather a structural bridging issue made worse by time and hidden materials.
Challenges
The primary challenge was a significant, unseen build up of compacted rubble behind the lath and plaster wall. Over time, this rubble had bridged the gap between the external masonry wall and the internal plasterwork. This rubble not only absorbed moisture from the external wall but also trapped it, preventing natural evaporation. As a result, a persistent damp patch formed on the interior surface.
Solution
Our approach was to target the root of the problem: the rubble build up. By removing the source of moisture retention and preventing future ingress, we could ensure long term protection of the wall.
Implementation
We began by carefully cutting out the section of damp plaster above the door to expose the internal cavity. Once opened, we removed all compacted rubble and debris that had accumulated behind the lath framework. With the cavity cleared, we installed a damp proof membrane to serve two purposes:
- Act as a barrier to prevent any future moisture transfer from potential future debris.
- Create a suitable backing surface to match the depth of the original wall for seamless reinstatement.
We then installed plasterboard to the treated section and sealed it securely. At Dominic’s request, the final wall finish was completed by his decorator, who papered over the repair for a cleaner and more uniform appearance.
Results
Following treatment, the damp patch has been completely resolved, and no new signs of moisture have appeared. The area now blends in with the rest of the wall, allowing Dominic to confidently move forward with relisting his flat for sale.
Conclusion
Dominic’s case highlights how minor signs of damp can often signal more complex underlying issues. With our experience and specialist approach, we were able to identify and eliminate the root cause, ensuring the wall remained protected and presentable for future buyers. Proper treatment not only preserved the structural integrity of the property but also helped restore peace of mind for the homeowner.
Emergency Service
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