Technical Services Chemist at Thompson’s, Chris Fletcher recommends some key waterproofing products to call upon this winter. As the harsh weather hits, there are some preventative measures worth suggesting to customers to protect their homes from damage, particularly those that live in areas susceptible to extreme weather.
Thompson’s Water Seal, for example, uses a unique micro silicone emulsion to stop water penetration and freeze-thaw damage in brick, concrete and stone. It is most commonly used on buildings and other structures, such as low garden walls and especially on surfaces that are exposed to hard driving rain, which can cause damp and mould – and lead to significant structural damage if left untreated.
You can recommend your customer to apply as follows, firstly use a stiff wire brush to remove any loose debris such as dust, moss and cement. Then, apply using a brush or roller. Use at full strength – do not dilute. If applying onto a wall, work in one metre sections from the bottom upwards and the whole wall should be treated, not just isolated areas.
Once an area is fully saturated, move onto the next section and ensure the mortar lines are also coated. As soon as the first coat has soaked in, the second coat can be applied.
Flat roofs are another area at risk of water penetration. To guard against this, advise your customer to seek out flexible products that can move with the natural movement of the roof, such as Thompson’s 10 Year Roof Seal. Its combination of acrylic polymers, fillers and pigments outperforms most standard bitumen paint and the fast-acting formula is rainproof in just six hours.
Again, advise application as follows, give the surface a decent scrub with a stiff bristle brush to remove any dust or dirt – and repair any structural faults. Cut open any old felt blisters and make sure any ponding water is dry, before securing the felt with tacks. Fill any cracks and level any depressions in the roofing felt.
On cold, damp days drying and re-coat times will take longer, so for best results, use Thompson’s 10 Year Roof Seal on a dry day above 10C. Apply using a brush, roller or soft broom in long, smooth strokes. Then wait six hours before putting on a second coat.
When it comes to preventing rain damage, Thompson’s has the answer. For further details on the wide range of waterproofing products visit: www.thompsonsweatherproofing.co.uk/waterproofing
