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Penetrating Damp

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  • Gareth, how was the chimney 'capped'? I presume it's covered from rain, but still ventilated? And there's also a vent on the breast towards its lowest point?
  • JackR09
    JackR09 Posts: 21 Forumite
    10 Posts
    Masonry cream must be a breathable, which the one I suggested may work for some people was (SD of under 1). The science is pretty clear on its success at drying exterior walls that are suffering from penetrating damp, showing a 25 year proven performance. If it is breathable then it will not trap moisture at all.
  • JackR09
    JackR09 Posts: 21 Forumite
    10 Posts
    If penetrating damp is an issue then a breathable masonry cream will work, if it is an alternative source of damp then other solutions may be required.
  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 18,257 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    JackR09 said: The science is pretty clear on its success at drying exterior walls that are suffering from penetrating damp, showing a 25 year proven performance.
    Is it proven - Do you have any peer reviewed research to back up your claim ?
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  • JackR09
    JackR09 Posts: 21 Forumite
    10 Posts
    The one I refer to has had independent testing carried out by a UKAS accredited laboratory. Can’t post the link but it’s easily found. There is another from Properla that showed the same. Masonry cream binds to the substrate rather than coating it, meaning the breathability is not affected. Take a look for yourself, pretty conclusive. Damp is not an exact science, but when penetrating damp is the issue, it is from water ingress through exterior walls.
  • JackR09
    JackR09 Posts: 21 Forumite
    10 Posts
    And as for peer reviewed research to back up my claim, it isn’t my claim haha. It’s tried and tested first hand and backed up by multiple tests on a range of masonry creams. Take a look for yourself.
  • stuart45
    stuart45 Posts: 4,864 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Opinions in the trade are divided on the use of masonry sealers. Silane/siloxane sealers have been used in the USA for a few years before coming here. The Brick Development Association claims there is no need for them as bricks have been used for thousands of years without them, whereas the American equivalent says that they can be effective in certain cases.
    I've never used them myself, although I do know some people who use them and claim that at least in the short term they are effective.
    Probably better to be used as a last resort if all else fails. Chimney stacks are sometimes given a coating.

  • JackR09
    JackR09 Posts: 21 Forumite
    10 Posts
    The key is the word sealing, masonry cream will not seal a surface, it binds to the substrate and does not affect the breathability. There’s plenty of tests that have been done proving this, and even some demonstration videos that show this too. It’s important to not mix a sealer and a nanotechnology masonry cream.
  • stuart45
    stuart45 Posts: 4,864 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Masonry creams are silane/siloxane based, and still classed as sealers in the trade, although they are claimed to be breathable ones.
     
  • JackR09
    JackR09 Posts: 21 Forumite
    10 Posts
    Yes, as everything there are variances in quality and some masonry waterproofing products should be considered sceptical. Stormdry, Properla & Emperor Paint all have masonry creams that are backed pretty significantly by testing, not just on water repellency, but also on breathability and longevity. To say these products should not be used as some have suggested is completely unfounded and can take away a very effective and economical solution for penetrating damp away from homeowners in need of help. As long as breathability is maintained, damp problems will be significantly reduced by these products if applied correctly and if water ingress on exterior walls is the issue.
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