09 Jan 2024

How to stop damp coming through walls

As January unfolds, and the relentless rain showers seem to be the soundtrack of our days, it's not uncommon to find ourselves in a collective state of home-related anxiety. With damp creeping in through the walls, our sanctuaries are under siege.

But fear not, for we've gathered some invaluable tips straight from the professionals to help you keep damp at bay. In this blog post, we'll steer clear of jargon and share straightforward advice - direct from the pros who shop at Kingfisher - on how to stop damp from making an unwelcome entrance into your home.

Let's tackle this damp dilemma together and ensure your walls stay dry and your home remains a cosy haven, even in the midst of January showers.

 

Danny, a builder from Glasgow uses Storm Seal:

 

“When it comes to battling damp, we usually think "rising damp," but truth be told, the real troublemaker is often "penetrating damp." Especially in winter, some walls just refuse to dry out, playing hard to get even on the driest days, especially those stubborn north-facing ones. The hassle with most water seals? You've got to wait for the wall to dry before applying. Talk about bad timing!

 But Storm Seal actually thrives on damp surfaces – in fact, it won't work its magic unless the exterior wall is a bit on the wet side. This game-changing feature makes Storm Seal the superhero of water seals, giving us year-round control over that pesky lateral penetrating damp. Trust me - If you're battling damp exterior walls, Storm Seal is your secret weapon!”

 

Simon is a plasterer in Carlisle and swears by Terrain membrane:

 

“This stuff is my not-so-secret weapon against damp in those tricky spaces. You've got a water-resistant membrane with studs on one side and a polypropylene mesh on the other. Tough as nails yet as flexible as you need it to be, Terrain membrane is a game-changer. I've tackled damp above and below ground with Kingfisher Terrain products, and let me tell you, it's a plasterer's dream!

The high-performance bonded mesh is no joke – it's like the superhero cape for walls. Plus, you can render, plaster, or dot-and-dab board on top. It's waterproof, salt-fighting, and ready to create a dry, habitable space where damp used to be a nightmare.

Cutting it down to size is a breeze with a sharp blade, and folding it around windows and doors is easy. The best part? Quick installation with minimal prep needed, and no waiting for a drying-out process – you can redecorate right away.”

 

Kev is a painter and decorator in Kilmarnock who only uses our Weatherflex Masonry Coating: 

 

“I've got a soft spot for Kingfisher's Weatherflex. I've been using it for years and I wouldn't choose any other brand now.

This stuff is like the ninja of paints, flexible as anything. It bends and moves with your walls, so no cracking or weird flakes. Just a solid job, no fuss.

The durability is spot on. They've picked materials that can take a beating, which is just what you need around here with the weather mood swings.

And this is the real selling point for me – breathability. It's like letting your walls breathe a bit - it keeps the rain out but lets the place vent. Especially handy when the weather can't make up its mind.”

 

 Apart from top-notch products like Storm Seal, Terrain Mesh Membrane, and Weatherflex, there are some DIY-friendly steps to keep damp at bay. Firstly, check your gutters and downpipes for blockages – a clogged drainage system can lead to water seeping into your walls. Ensure proper ventilation, especially in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, to reduce humidity levels. Consider using a dehumidifier if needed. Inspecting and repairing any cracks or gaps in your walls is crucial, as they can be entry points for moisture. Lastly, maintaining a good external ground level, ensuring it slopes away from your home, helps divert rainwater and prevents it from pooling around your walls.

 

In conclusion, tackling damp is a multi-faceted effort that combines both preventive measures and effective products. Whether it's Storm Seal for versatile water-sealing, Terrain Mesh Membrane for tricky spaces, or Weatherflex for breathable and durable masonry coating, each solution plays a vital role. Couple these with practical steps like checking drainage, improving ventilation, and fixing wall cracks, and you've got a robust defence against damp. So, here's to dry homes and walls standing tall – ready to weather any storm!

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