Water Repellents

Penetrating Damp Treatment and Water Repellents

Penetrating damp is when water from outside penetrates the building material (brick, stone, render, concrete etc) and is then absorbed into the building material. The moisture then continues to travel through to the internal surfaces of the building where it can cause damage.

Damage Caused by Penetrating Damp

Penetrating damp often carries salts and other pollutants from the atmosphere into the facade of the building. This can cause:

• Damage to timber elements, corrosion of wall ties and metal framework
• Efflorescence, bursting crystals of salt, cracks, spalling in masonry work
• Loss of strength, sanding and detachment of renders
• Growth of algae and lichen on your walls

Many building materials react badly to increased moisture, losing their strength. The damage associated with water ingress is far more extensive and varied than the major ones described above. You should therefore consider taking steps to prevent penetrating damp. 

The physical properties of the building material – particularly thermal conductivity – also change, rising dramatically and reducing insulation as the moisture content increases.

Reducing the moisture content of a material always increases the thermal insulation properties of the building substrate. This in turn improves the indoor environment and  saves valuable energy.

Treating Penetrating Damp

To protect your property from penetrating damp and reduce the risk of its associated problems, we highly recommend opting for a penetrating damp treatment. You can apply one or a combination of our water repellents to all exposed external masonry surfaces. We stock everything from facade creams to our highly effective deep-penetrating Microshield Ultra masonry waterproofing cream. Any penetrating damp treatment should only be applied to surfaces that are not coated with paints or other coatings that could affect the penetration of the damp treatment.

Penetrating damp treatments can be applied to most masonry substrates including brick, concrete, render, natural and reconstituted stone.

By applying an external water repellent you can stop penetrating damp as well as reduce the build up of dirt, algae and lichen. Another benefit is reducing the heat lost through your walls. A dry brick conducts just 30% of the heat lost that is experienced through a damp one. 

Our water repellents do not change the substrate appearance and provide a waterproof surface while still allowing the substrate to "breathe".

Permagard - Providing Solutions. Inspiring Confidence.

For help in selecting the right external water repellent contact our expert team. We're more than happy to discuss the penetrating damp treatments available and advise on the best for your situation. Feel free to call us on 0117 982 3282, we’re here to help.

Find out more about waterproofing brick and masonry substrates in our guide and explore our guide to preventing damp on outside walls. You can also see our top products for treating penetrating damp.