Tech-Dry Sealer Saves An Over 400-year-old French Maison

Adventurers Darren and Echo Benson purchased a property in Sauveterre‑de‑Béarn in South West France, set along the banks of the Oloron River. The location is well known for its proximity to the Pont de la Légende, a historic bridge named after the 1170 legend of Princess Sancie, who survived being thrown into the river while bound hand and foot.

The Bensons planned to turn the property into a base for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. It will support riders exploring the Pyrenees. These routes include sections used in the Tour de France. However, the building faced a significant challenge: severe rising damp caused by the region’s climate and traditional construction methods. More than 100 square metres of historic ceramic tiles and mortar sit on an ancient soil‑and‑stone base with no moisture membrane beneath the concrete or tiles. As a result, moisture and salts travelled upward through the floor. This caused visible damp patches and salt deposits on the tile surface.

Solving Rising Damp Without Damaging Heritage Tiles

A traditional repair would have required removing the tiles, grout, and concrete base, installing a modern membrane, and relaying new tiles. This approach would have destroyed the building’s historic character and required substantial cost and labour.

Instead, Tech‑Dry scientists proposed a non‑destructive rising damp solution using silicone nanotechnology. They determined that if a polysiloxane layer could be formed within the top 20 mm of the tiles and grout, it could block moisture and salt movement. Any remaining salts would migrate to the surface, where they could be easily removed.

Monsieur Benson applied a silane treatment with a catalyst, flooding the tiles and grout over several hours. This allowed deep penetration of the silane into the substrate. The material then polymerised in situ, creating a water‑repellent barrier within the upper layer of the tiles and grout. A small amount of salt rose to the surface, and the team removed it. The treatment resolved the rising damp problem without damaging the historic flooring.

Need a rising damp solution that protects heritage materials? Contact Tech‑Dry for expert guidance.