Masonry Paint & Damp Wall Problems

Several customers have asked recently if they can apply our “Extreme Climate” water seal over masonry paint or even underneath it to stop rain driving through their walls. Usually this question arises because re-painting hasn’t worked and the problem has come back.

However there are some key points to bear in mind before trying “mix and match” solutions….

1.  Quality Masonry Paint works!

If you are using a good quality masonry paint like “Kingfisher Weatherflex” the polymers in the paint should provide a fully waterproof (and breathable) shell.   Avoid cheap “white bucket” and “trade special” masonry paints as they are usually cut with fillers and water to save on the expensive polymer component.    It should not be necessary to “over-treat” masonry paint with “Extreme Climate” or any other water repellent

2.  Use “Stabilising Solution” NOT “Water Seal”!

When preparing the surface remove any loose paint and prime the surface with “Stabilising Solution” to ensure that the new paint can “key” into the substrate.  This improves the quality of the paint finish and the water resistance.  DO NOT prime with “water seal / repellent” as these are formulated to shrug off water droplets.   Masonry paints are water based and will simply not stick to a surface treated with “Water Seal”.

3.  Check for cracks and defects.

It is surprising how far water will travel through a wall. A crack in one place can show up us a damp patch several feet away inside the building.  Re-point any decayed mortar joints to make good before painting.  Also check for leaky gutters and decayed down pipe fixings as other pathways for water.

There is detailed guidance in our “How To Re-Coat Your Home” guide at http://static.kingfisheruk.com/specs/howto/weatherflex.pdf

Buy online damp proofing paint. If you have any questions about how to diagnose damp walls, feel free to call us for guidance.

This article originally published at Kingfisher News here

Restore-A-Drive - The miracle paving sealer

This is the time of year when we all clean our drives and patios to make the best of our lamentably short summer - especially those of us who live in Scotland!  But what can you do with really old block paving that has lost its sparkle, even after washing?

Well the answer may be "Kingfisher Restore-A-Drive" our advanced block paving sealer with the latest high intensity light fast pigments.  "Restore-A-drive" is a paving sealer with a difference formulated to actually replace lost colour and then seal it in.  Older paving loses colour from abrasion, U.V light fade, rain and the freeze /thaw cycle, leaving an unattractive greyish tinge even after pressure washing.  But "Restore-A-Drive" delivers a carefully blended pigment deep into the surface for an authentic look which enhances the existing textures and colour tones.

Unlike paint, "Restore-A-Drive" will not flake because the resin formula stain is designed to penetrate into the paving surface to seal, protect and colour your paving in one easy application.

To make it really easy to check whether "Restore-A-Drive" is the right paving sealer for you, we have made it available in handy tester pots for only £1.50 plus VAT and postage.  As always please ring for technical support if you need advice!

This article originally published at Kingfisher News here

The Truth about Roof Coating "Scams"

Recently customers have expressed concern about various web articles and websites condemning roof coatings and "roof coating scams".  Whilst it is certainly true that there have been some questionable claims and selling practices by a few rogue traders, there is a real danger of "throwing the baby out with the bathwater".  After all the double glazing industry had a reputation for dodgy traders  but no sensible person would suggest that all double glazing is bad.  We therefore thought it was time to bring some "Kingfisher" common sense to this "debate" as a respected manufacturer of structural waterproofing products and trainer of installers.

Roof coatings are just another tool for home maintenance like masonry paint for walls, and as with all surface coatings correct preparation is essential to the success of the job. We are therefore careful to train our "approved applicators" to follow a system which delivers consistent results.  We appreciate that not  everyone buying our roof coatings is "approved" or necessarily experienced which is why we detail the procedures in our product data sheet published on our website for anyone to read. This covers pressure cleaning the roof, remedial repairs, surface biocide treatment and correct methods for coating.  You will find a good deal of commonality in recommended preparation across all manufacturers.

Some commonly asked questions and important points:

1.  Will pressure washing damage my roof tiles?

No, not unless they are in exceptionally bad condition to begin with, which is somewhat rare.  Of course there is a partially destructive element to all surface preparation whether it be sanding timber or abrading rusty steel and having embarked on the preparation it is naturally sensible to follow through and complete the job.  After all a car bodyshop wouldn't repair a rusty panel and leave it unpainted!

2.  How do I find a reliable roof coating contractor?

Approach a reputable roof coating manufacturer and ask for the names of a couple of contractors in your area.

3.  How much does it cost?

It varies according to the type, condition, pitch and size of roof, access and geographical location.  An average 100 sqm roof with normal access will typically take 2 operatives, 2 days to clean and re-coat weather permitting. There may be additional time for replacing any damaged tiles or re-bedding the ridges if required.  With material cost of around £250+VAT plus equipment overhead and trade labour rates averaging around £15 to £18 /hr a contract price of £800 to £1200 is perhaps a reasonable guide. As always if it looks too good to be true, it probably is!

4.  I have been told that I can get a "thermal" insulating roof coating, does this work?

No, this really is a scam.  Heat reflective coatings will only reflect heat away from the roof i.e the sun's rays.  Roof coatings applied on the outside of roofs do not insulate!   Avoid any contractor or salesperson pedalling this concept!

5.  How long does it last?

Kingfisher "Approved Applicators" can offer a 10 year guarantee.

6.  Will a roof coating stop moss growing on my roof?

Moss needs both moisture and a nutrient source to grow. Old saturated concrete tiles provide both but "Kolourseal" coated tiles resist moisture ingress and isolate the organism from the nutrient (sand in the concrete).   Over time of course wind-borne dirt accumulates in crevices on your roof so beware sellers who tell you moss will never grow on your roof again but be confident that your newly coated roof will retain its appearance for years to come.

To sum up, roof coatings are just another part of building maintenance.  They can provide cost effective water-proofing and a vast improvement in the appearance of your home without rippiing off tiles which are otherwise perfectly serviceable.  But beware the cowboys!

This article originally published at Kingfisher News here

Interior Exposed Brick Walls

Whats all the fuss? How do I Protect it?

The latest interior design trend to feature in homes and this season's style must-have: an exposed brick wall. Just have a read through some of the latest design inspiration blog articles and magazines to see an abundance of feature brick wall designs.

Why all the fuss? New York, spiritual home of the bare brick wall. There, no west village or Tribeca apartment would be complete without an aged, red brick wall. This interior design feature craze has now made it to this side of the Atlantic and is apparent these days when you walk into many hip restaurant, shop or hotel.

Exposed brick is a fashion statement. Stand out and textural, it stands alone in a way a painted plasterboard or plain wall does not. Less is more with this design feature: You should limit your feature brick to one or two walls at most or you’ll be at risk of a cold feeling space with not much in the way to absorb sound.

Exposing a Brick wall in your home is not always guaranteed to look the way you imagine, often when a building contractor constructs a building, they will reserve the best looking bricks for the external walls, as the internal bricks were never meant to be on show. So you may find when you hack away the plaster the wall you are presented with doesn’t satisfy the look you were after, if this is the case, why not use some of our Kingfisher Smooth or Textured masonry paint. A bright internal painted brick wall can offer as good a look for your home, accentuating the irregularities and shadows cast by the brick and is a nice feature in its own right.

Bare brick walls are traditionally found in living, dining and sleeping spaces, but don't forget the kitchen and bathroom, where it's a warming foil to sleek units and white sanitaryware, our solution for sealing is non-hazardous so can be used anywhere in the home..

Bare brick might be having a fashion moment, but it's timeless – and a timeless feature needs protecting….

Kingfisher Building Products own Interior Brick & Dust Sealer is a breathable (vapour permeable) surface treatment which stops the troublesome "dusting" typically associated with brick feature walls and decorative interior stone. Older bricks commonly deposit red dust in their vicinity because heating dries out the clay surface, encouraging fine particles to lose adhesion and detach. Soft stone and cement or lime mortar joints are similarly vulnerable. Interior Brick & Dust Sealer offers a cost-effective and lasting solution to the problem by binding and sealing porous or friable surfaces with its penetrating clear acrylic ester formula. It typically darkens the surface very slightly, often enhancing the substrate colour. In most cases one coat is sufficient for dust control but two coats can be applied for enhanced surface protection against liquid staining. Suitable as a feature wall and non-flammable fireplace sealer on most mineral based substrates.

This article originally published at Kingfisher Building Products Ltd here

Home Owners Urged to Tackle Mould Before Autumn

Home owners are being urged to re-paint their properties to tackle the spread of black spot mould before falling autumn temperatures see the return of conditions favoured by the persistent fungal growth.

Black spot mould causes unsightly marks on walls, ceilings and floors. However, it is also a potential health hazard, with its airborne spores linked to numerous health issues including respiratory conditions such as asthma. Any property offering air moisture and a nutrient source such as plaster, paint or wood is susceptible. However, house holder behaviour - including keeping windows tight shut, turning on the heating full blast and drying wet clothes indoors - can greatly enhance conditions for the fungus. Traditional cleaning and re-decoration using standard emulsion is typically ineffective with the mould growing back, usually in a matter of weeks.

Now, damp and mould specialist Kingfisher UK is highlighting the issue with the nationwide launch of a new dual-action anti-mould premium emulsion which will tackle both the symptoms and causes of black spot mould growth.

Click Here - Read more about Urged to Tackle Mould Before Autumn.