Masonry Protection Cream for Penetrating Damp

Many properties in Scotland are affected by penetrating dampness caused by wind driven rain, especially in coastal towns and cities.

This can cause damage to masonry and mortar, damp patches inside the property and cause walls to lose heat. When external walls become wet the thermal resistance lowers, and heat can escape, meaning they are less effective at keeping the internal environment warm. In some cases penetrating damp can cause structural issues such as wet rot and dry rot.

Wise Property Care have been building back value into properties across Scotland for decades, with expert advice and solutions for all types of damp, including wind driven rain. Our local surveyors will take time to investigate the extent of the problem affecting the external walls, and provide recommendations for an application of Stormdry masonry protection cream, if required.

Masonry protection cream is a product designed to create a water-repellant barrier on porous building materials like brick, stone and concrete to prevent penetrating dampness caused by wind driven rain. They typically work by lining the pores of the masonry, without blocking them, preventing water absorption. This means water vapour trapped in masonry can evaporate out, but liquid water cannot run in. This will protect the walls from issues such as spalling, efflorescence and without a source of moisture, moss and algae will no longer grow on masonry. Because walls are dry, this will help improve the thermal efficacy, meaning less heating is required to keep the internal environment warm.

Stormdry is a masonry protection cream developed by Safeguard, and Wise Property Care are approved installers and are able to offer a comprehensive solution to penetrating damp across Scotland. Stormdry is BBA certified for a minimum 25 year life and is designed to create a waterproof barrier that will repel rain penetration.

One single application is designed to reduce heat loss in single skin masonry, and in some cases has provided an energy bill saving of up to 29%. This means it will keep your walls dry and warm. However, if the mortar is breaking down, repointing will be required before Stormdry application, in order to get the required water repellent outcome.

For single leaf walls it will provide long lasting protection against moisture penetration, and will improve the thermal resistance of walls. These energy efficiencies may prove useful for properties where conventional insulation is not practical.

For properties with cavity wall insulation, Stormdry can help protect against moisture penetration which can cause insulation to become wet and lose thermal efficiency.

Rainwater can penetrate through brickwork in several different ways, and there are common causes of this problem in Scotland. Brickwork being porous is a factor, but it is often exacerbated by damaged mortar, missing bricks, poor drainage or by damaged gutters.

Once applied the treatment will penetrate deep into the masonry before curing, and will form a colourless, water repellant barrier. This will prevent your walls from becoming saturated by rain, while not altering the appearance of the stone, brickwork or concrete.

Due to its unique formulation and deep penetration, it is resistant to UV light and other
forms of degradation, resulting in a long life expectancy.

With its unique colourless cream formulation, a single coat application will protect brick, stone and concrete for years to come. It dries clear and will not alter the appearance of the masonry

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  What is the difference between masonry cream and sealer?

  A masonry protection cream such as Stormdry will create a waterproof barrier by lining the pores, rather than blocking them like a sealer does. This means that any moisture inside the masonry will be trapped inside, whereas masonry protection cream allows moisture to escape. Trapping moisture can lead to issues internally, such as degradation of plaster, or even structural damage. Sealer can often change the appearance of masonry, leaving a sheen, while masonry protection creams such as Stormdry, dry clear.

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  How do you apply Stormdry masonry protection cream?

  Stormdry can be applied by roller or brush, depending on the size and extent of the area needing protection.

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  How long does masonry cream last?

  This depends on the product used, and if it was installed correctly. Sometimes masonry protection creams can last as much as 20 to 30 years.