Penetrating Damp

FAQ’s Penetrating Damp

1. What is penetrating damp?
   Penetrating damp is any form of moisture penetrating into or through a masonry structure, i\either laterally or vertically. This moisture can be in the form of rain or other sources of water such as broken pipes and guttering, inadequate drainage, and misdirected irrigation systems.
2. What damage can penetrating damp cause?
   Internally, penetrating damp can cause paint and plaster to peel, timber floor boards and window frames to rot, mould to grow, and also cause efflorescence and crumbling mortar on external walls.
3. Can penetrating damp affect any building materials?
   Penetrating damp can affect any permeable surfaces such as concrete, clay, stone and wood.
4. How do Tech Dry penetrating sealers help protect these materials?
   Tech Dry penetrating sealers work by reducing the ability of porous masonry surfaces to absorb water. They penetrate below the surface, forming a long lasting water repellent barrier that helps prevent moisture ingress, salt attack, staining, and deterioration. Because they don’t form a surface film, they maintain the natural appearance and breathability of the material while providing durable protection against penetrating damp.
5. How often should you reapply Tech‑Dry sealers?
   Tech-Dry penetrating sealers will provide protection for a minimum of 3-5 years before reapplication is required. However, the overall lifetime of the sealer may vary depending on the substrate type, degree of traffic and climatic conditions.
6. What condition should the surface be in before applying a Tech-Dry sealer?
   The surface must be clean, dry, and free of dirt, mould, and grime. Clean the surface with water and a mild household detergent. For stubborn stains, use a diluted bleach solution. Treat efflorescence with a light acid wash, and use NO MORE STAINS to remove any organic staining.
7. Will Tech-Dry sealers change the colour of my pavers or make them slippery when wet?
   Generally there is no change in appearance, however on some coloured surfaces there may be a very slight darkening. A small test area is recommended prior to application. All Tech-Dry sealers are penetrating; hence there is no film or coating present after application. This results in the surface not being slippery when becoming wet.
8. Where can I apply Tech-Dry sealers?
   Tech‑Dry sealers protect a wide range of building materials, including concrete, clay brick, and natural stone. For help choosing the most suitable sealer for your surface, refer to the comparison chart.
9. I have damp walls in my basement. How can I fix it?
   Dampness in basement walls occurs when moisture moves laterally from high earth or path levels. For best results, apply a durable surface membrane to the external wall and install crushed rock with adequate sub‑ground drainage. If external treatment isn’t possible, apply a water‑resistant cement render to the internal wall instead. Incorporate a water‑repellent admixture (SALT RETARDER) into the render to reduce water penetration.
10. The pavers around my pool are starting to crumble; can any of the Tech-Dry sealers protect my pavers from further deterioration?
    Yes. PROTECTACRETE is a penetrating water repellent sealer that will protect concrete and natural stone pavers against any chlorine or salt attack.
11. How do I stop penetrating damp from damaging my home?
    Firstly you would need to identify the source of dampness, and then take measures to repair any building defects. This may include repairing any leaking downpipes or guttering, lowering high ground levels and improving sub-floor ventilation. Any permeable masonry surfaces prone to water penetration can then be protected by one of many Tech-Dry sealers.