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Stormseal Masonry Water Seal
Unstoppable – Whatever the weather
When we talk about damp in a property, our thoughts almost automatically turn to “rising damp” whereas in reality “penetrating damp” is by far the more common problem. In winter some walls simply never dry out, as even on dry days they may remain shaded and cold, especially on north-facing elevations. This can be frustrating, as the “Achilles’ heel” of most liquid water seals, is that you have to wait for the wall to dry out before applying them. Paradoxically when you need them most, you just can’t use them!
Stormseal is different, it positively thrives on application to damp surfaces. In point of fact, it doesn’t work properly unless the wall is damp! This single innovation makes Stormseal the most versatile water-seal available and facilitates all year-round control of lateral penetrating damp.
This latest version of Stormseal has many outstanding features, including:
- Seals damp walls from further moisture penetration
- 100% Breathable & micro-porous
- Apply in damp weather conditions
- Seals masonry and cement mortar joints in one easy application
- Suppresses salting on brick walls (efflorescence treatment)
- High resistance to alkalis
- Rapid development of water repellence
- Dries completely clear, without staining
- Improves energy efficiency by reducing evaporative heat loss
- Controls moss and mould growth on damp walls
- To seal moisture-laden limestone
How does it work?
Lateral penetrating damp describes what occurs when an external wall becomes saturated and subsequently transmits that moisture to the inside of a building, usually exhibiting as damp patches on the plaster and other decorative finishes. The problem arises for two basic reasons:
a) Building materials deteriorate over time or were weak to begin with
b) Water is a relentlessly persistent invader
The deterioration is often gradual over many years. Mortar joints crack with repeated freeze/thaw expansion and contraction, which provides a path for rainwater to enter the structure. Or perhaps the stonemasonry has some “soft” stones which absorb moisture, especially during periods of prolonged stormy weather. It could even be that a poorly installed window cill or stone lintel is causing a small reservoir of water to accumulate or “pond”. Brick walls also deteriorate over time and may become porous, especially if they are solid as opposed to cavity construction.
There are innumerable variations on the above theme, but the resulting moisture penetration results in all the same outcomes: damp plaster, black mould, degraded air quality and timber decay.
Of course, one product alone will not solve all penetrating damp issues, but Stormseal provides builders, homeowners & damp proofing professionals with a significant defence against the problem and crucially, without having to wait for dry weather. It limits the absorption of water, which is the starting point for most decay.
It achieves this by embedding an invisible hydrophobic shield, developed from solvent-free polysiloxanes, which are susceptible to hydrolysis. Hydrolysis occurs only after application to the substrate. This then reduces the capillary absorption of the wall which it has penetrated but does not block pores or capillary channels. There is therefore little or no impairment to the wall’s ability to breathe.
Stormseal can be used in many penetrating damp situations including:
- Domestic properties
- Commercial properties & warehousing
- Industrial letting units
- Rental properties
- Terraced houses
- Detached and Semi-detached properties
Indirectly it may also reduce condensation. A weakened solid brick or stone wall may absorb moisture to an extent that is hidden deep in the masonry, without actually pushing all through to the plaster. This can be described as partial porosity and it nevertheless exerts a significant cooling effect on the wall, especially in winter because when the moisture evaporates off, it carries heat away with it.
Stormseal restricts the ability of absorbent building materials (old bricks, soft mortar joints etc.) to soak up that moisture in the first place, with two effects:
a) Evaporative heat loss (described above) is greatly reduced
b) Condensation “cold spots” are eliminated from internal walls
Other vulnerable areas of masonry include parapet walls and chimneys, both of which benefit from maintenance applications of Stormseal.Chimneys have a very specific range of problems, especially in older properties (e.g. Georgian and Victorian) because decades of burning coal will have left deposits of sulphates, nitrates and carbon within the chimney.When these come into contact with moisture and the chlorides naturally present in bricks, sand and stonework, the resulting cocktail can be impressively corrosive.Apply Stormseal to prevent rainwater from providing that destructive catalyst, even in tough winter conditions that would frustrate conventional water repellents.
How to use Stormseal?
Cleaning
Brick walls, stonemasonry and rendered finishes should be thoroughly cleansed of all dirt, carbon deposits, green mould, moss and other organic growth. Where the mortar joints are in good condition and there are no “blown” brick faces, careful pressure washing with a fan nozzle (do not use “rotary jet” or “turbo” nozzles) will provide rapid removal of most contaminants. Where the substrate is considered fragile, use Kingfisher Eco Brick Cleaner to remove carbon and salt staining. Agitate with a scrubbing brush and repeat cleanse/rinse cycle two to three times if necessary. Moss accumulations may be removed by scraper and/or wire brushing.
Surface Sanitise
Often when organic matter is cleansed from an external wall it is prone to grow back again with a vengeance. This seems counter-intuitive until you understand that cleaning may remove the moss growth for example, but it also spreads the invisible spores around too, which quickly re-establish, often to a wider area. An application of Kingfisher Bio-Wash kills these spores and micro-root systems, so is considered an essential surface preparation before applying Stormseal.
Re-point mortar joints
Cracked, softened or even dislodged mortar joints are a common source of moisture ingress and no breathable water repellent alone, will remediate such issues. Loose cement or lime mortar should be mechanically raked out to a depth of at least 20mm and new mortar pointed in to create a water-proof joint. We recommend Kingfisher Pointing Mortar & Pointing Solution for best results.
Application
a) Stormseal is a ready-to-use formula and should be applied directly to the porous brick, stone or render. Do not apply to engineering brick, dense stone (granite), polished stone or marble.
b) If the substrate is dry, spray mist with clean water using a manual pump sprayer. The objective is for the surface to appear damp but not glistening wet so that the moisture draws in the active formula without dilution.
c) 2 coats “wet on wet” should be applied or perhaps more accurately; “wet on damp”. As for the water misting, you are aiming for the first coat to have soaked in just enough that the surface is not glistening, before applying the second coat. Apply to refusal by brush or low-pressure sprayer.
d) We suggest starting at the top of the work area and working downwards, allowing runs and drips to be captured and spread by brush (even if the main method of application is spray). Work in the horizontal plane and avoid spraying overhead.
How much will I need?
The coverage rate is 4 to 5 sq m per litre, so a 25-litre drum of Stormseal should treat at least 50 sq m with the recommended two coats.
IMPORTANT!
a) Do not apply to engineering brick, dense stone (granite), polished stone or marble
b) Do not apply during precipitation
c) Cover up if rain expected within 4 hours of application
d) Not for use indoors unless well ventilated during application and curing
Technical Support
As always, we recommend that you read the Technical Data Sheet & Safety Data Sheet thoroughly before commencing any work. If in doubt please call us for advice, we are here to help.
Stormseal
| Appearance | Clear liquid, matt finish when cured |
| Coverage | 4-6 m2 / per litre |
| Initial Cure | 4-6 Hrs at 200c |
| Full Cure | 24 Hrs at 200c |
| Application (surface) temp | +6.c to +350 |
Description
Stormseal is a protective masonry water-repellent, suitable for brush or low-pressure spray application to brickwork, stonemasonry, concrete and most other mineral-based building materials. Formulated from solvent-free polysiloxanes, it is a highly mobile, milky white liquid that dries clear. Its primary advantage over conventional masonry surface treatments is that it can be applied to damp surfaces. The polysiloxanes create an invisible hydrophobic barrier, which is susceptible to hydrolysis and develops post-application to the masonry surface. This dramatically reduces the capillary absorption of the wall but does not block pores or the capillary channels. It has therefore little or no impairment to the wall’s ability to breathe.
Companion / Related Products:
• Kingfisher Bio Wash
• Kingfisher Pointing Mortar (Heritage Lime / Dark Grey / Light Grey & Sandstone)
• Kingfisher Pointing Solution
Refer to these individual product data sheets for detailed application guidance published on our website >www.kingfisheruk.com.
Uses
Primarily applied to dwelling houses, Stormseal is equally at home on commercial, agricultural and industrial properties. Designed to shed precipitation from vertical walls, cills, lintels & chimney structures it provides excellent protection from the degrading impact of penetrating damp.
• Seals porous bricks against driving rain
• Common brick
• Sandstone & Limestone
• Lime mortar
• Portland Cement
• Concrete
• Ashlar
Advantages
1. Microporous Formula
Stormseal’s hydrophobic barrier provides impressive moisture resilience, even against storm-driven rain but crucially it never traps water within the substrate. This micro-porosity is critical to the performance of the building because trapped moisture rapidly develops into a series of other building maladies, including timber decay and plaster deterioration.
2. Invisible Protection
In the U.K we are fortunate to have a long tradition of guarding our built environment’s heritage. Whether a terrace of Victorian railway cottages or a resplendent Georgian mansion, fine craftsmanship can be found at all levels and it deserves the best protection for future generations to enjoy. In that vein, protective coatings should not alter the original appearance or character of a building. To that end, Stormseal cures completely clear and invisible.
3. Weathering
Most common building materials (brick/stone/mortar/block) are mineral-based and therefore prone to moisture absorption. Especially when exposed to the elements over long periods of time, buildings become susceptible to water invasion through thousands of tiny cracks, holes and imperfections. This process is known as “capillary absorption” and combined with the freeze/thaw cycle it very gradually degrades the waterproof integrity of the masonry. Stormseal helps to break this cycle by halting the deep rainwater absorption that catalyses so many other problems.
4. Moss & Mould Suppression
As weathering causes micro-deterioration of the wall surface, the increased absorbency provides a perfect environment for moss, lichens, and moulds to establish themselves. They thrive in these conditions with both a moisture and food source. By promoting a dry surface Stormseal deprives organic growth of the moisture and nutrient reservoir it needs to expand.
5. Seals damp walls – ALL YEAR ROUND
The problems described in 3. & 4, above can eventually lead to lateral penetrating dampness which shows up as discoloured patches on internal plaster and décor. “Lateral penetrating damp” is the technical term for moisture that soaks into a building sideways, as opposed to the classic rising damp which soaks up from the ground. It arises when the wall soaks up enough water from driving rain to create a continual capillary “movement” of moisture, from the outside of the building to the inside. The outcome is similar to rising damp; wet plaster decays, paint finishes de-laminate, black mould grows and irreversible salt damage to plaster is common too. Stormseal creates a durable barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating further than 3 to 5mm into the wall, providing reliable protection from the costly impact of penetrating damp. Unlike most masonry water seal solutions, it can be applied to damp surfaces which facilitates its use through the winter, when shaded areas often don’t dry out enough for conventional water seal products to be used.
6. Condensation & Cold Spots
The lateral penetrating damp described above is destructive, but before rainwater fully “bridges” from the outer shell of the building all the way to the inside living space, it exerts a significant cooling effect. This is called “interstitial condensation” and frequently results in frustrating condensation patches on outside walls, especially in older properties that are plastered internally “on the hard”. They give the appearance of penetrating damp but then seem to randomly disappear. The time lag between rainfall and emergence of the condensation frequently adds to the confusion, because when the rain stops the cooling effect remains, making diagnosis difficult. Using
Stormseal to dry out the wall alleviates the cooling effect and stops spots developing where warm moist air condenses on them.
7. Insulation & reduction of evaporative heat loss
The principles of convection apply to moisture evaporating from a building’s substrate. The more moisture that is absorbed as liquid, the more evaporates as gas (water vapour) and that evaporation carries heat away. By keeping the walls as dry as possible, this source of “heat bleed” is dramatically reduced and enhances the basic insulating performance of the building’s walls.
8. Corrosive salt control
Mineral-based building materials including clay bricks, stone, sand, lime etc. all contain quantities of chlorides. These chlorides, or “salts” as they are commonly referred to, only become visible when moisture evaporates off, leaving the white salt crystals on the surface. This is called “efflorescence” and can be observed as white staining on many brick-built walls. Stormseal reduces moisture absorption in the first place, which in turn reduces the evaporative “conveyor belt” of unsightly salts being deposited at the surface.
Surface Preparation
As with most surface treatments, correct preparation is the key to success:
1. Surface Cleaning Prior to applying Stormseal, walls should be clean and free of organic growth. Remove accumulated moss and mould with a brass wire brush and a scraping tool (preferably acrylic or plastic). If rinsing or washing down with a pressure washer we advise caution, as the powerful water jet can dislodge loose mortar joints and quickly drive more moisture into porous masonry, exacerbating the very problem you are seeking to rectify. Use a fan nozzle rather than the rotary turbo type which is too aggressive for this application. Alternatively use a scrubbing brush, warm water and Kingfisher Eco-Brick Cleaner before rinsing with a soft hose.
2. Bio-Wash Treatment After cleaning, external surfaces should be treated with Kingfisher Bio-Wash to neutralise the micro-root systems and spores left behind by cleaning. This prevents rapid re-growth of damaging and moisture-retaining mosses etc.
3. Repairs & Pointing Having cleaned the wall and sanitised it with Bio-Wash, check carefully for defects. Bricks with “blown” faces should be replaced if possible or turned and the mortar joints should be inspected. Weak mortar should be raked out to create a stable background for re-pointing with either standard sand and cement, lime mortar or Kingfisher Pointing Mortar for superior colour consistency and performance. Use Kingfisher Pointing Solution in your mortar mix for greatly improved adhesion, strength and water-proofing both during re-pointing (showerproof in 30 minutes) and for decades to come. If a full elevation is to be re-pointed we strongly advise the use of Kingfisher Pointing Solution to maintain colour consistency over the project.
Application
Stormseal is a ready-to-use formula and should be applied directly to the porous brick, stone or render. Do not apply to engineering brick, dense stone, polished stone or marble.
1. If the substrate is dry, spray mist with clean water using a manual pump sprayer. The objective is for the surface to appear damp but not glistening wet so that the moisture draws in the active formula without dilution.
2. Two coats “wet on wet” should be applied or perhaps more accurately; “wet on damp”. As for the water misting, you are aiming for the first coat to have soaked in just enough that the surface is not glistening, before applying the second coat. Apply to refusal by brush or low-pressure sprayer.
3. We suggest starting at the top of the work area and working downwards, allowing runs and drips to be captured and spread by brush (even if the main method of application is spray). Work in the horizontal plane and avoid spraying overhead.
4. In warm weather when working on larger areas, chalk mark when a section is completed if you are taking a break, otherwise it can be difficult to remember exactly where you finished, once it has dried in.
5. Take sensible precautions to guard against overspray or drips onto glass or proximate vehicle finishes.
Clean Up
Flush sprayer with warm water and washing up liquid, then rinse with clean water. Clean any brushes used with the same.
Coverage
Dependent on the porosity of the surface 1 litre of the product should cover approximately 4 to 6 m2.
Packaging
Kingfisher Stormseal is supplied in 5 & 25 litre plastic containers
Shelf Life & Storage
Store indoors in a garage or outbuilding. The shelf life of Kingfisher Stormseal is approximately 12 months from the date of manufacture. DO NOT store at temperatures above 40OC. Keep container tightly closed when not in use.
Health & Safety
• If applying by spray wear a face mask and eye protection
• Wear disposable gloves and overalls during preparation and application
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes
• If contact occurs wash immediately with plenty of water
• Keep out of reach of children
• Ensure good ventilation during application and drying
• Always dispose of empty packaging responsibly
• Keep children and pets away from treated areas until fully cured
• Do not allow run off to contaminate drains, waterways or planted areas
Before using this product read the Material Safety Data Sheet which can be obtained at www.kingfisheruk.com or by calling the Kingfisher Technical Dept. Tel: 01229 869 100.
The information given in this product data sheet is given in good faith, based on current knowledge and experience. It relates only to the specific material designated and may not be valid for such material used in combination with any other materials or in any process. Such information is to the best of the company’s knowledge and belief, accurate as of the date indicated.
All recommendations are made without warranty or guarantee, as to accuracy, reliability, completeness since the conditions of use are beyond our control. It is the user’s responsibility to satisfy themselves as to the suitability and application of such information for their own use.
Stormseal Exterior Wet Apply
This product is amazing and the service was fantastic would highly recommend the product and staff.
Reviewed by Sarah Walkup
Wish I'd found this earlier!
With the extreme weather we had in the early part of this year and December of last, I had a high number of customers who were suffering from water ingress. A few of these were down to penetrating damp along. As the walls were saturated we couldnt use solvent based repellents. With Storm Seals wet on wet application we were able to apply the treatment with quick results. On two properties we revisited within 48 hours, Water was beading on the surface. Wish Id found this product earlier! With regards to deliveries, My last order was extremely quick, same day.
Reviewed by Steve Lyden