Whilst we are very well known for the weatherproof wall coatings we apply to the outside of peoples homes, we may be less known for our work on larger buildings.
That is why we put together this page to tell you all about weatherproof wall coatings for larger buildings, using this block of flats in Lancashire as an example.
Whenever we do one of these write ups for work we have carried out, we take time in showing you some before and after photos however in this case, we can’t because the wall coating used on this job is clear, it does not change the appearance of the outside.
This means that it is suitable, and recommended, for listed and historic buildings, and soaks into the surface of the brick or stone outside, forming a breathable barrier against damp.
This differs from DIY brick water proofers such as Thompsons water seal™ which leave a sheen on the surface of the wall, and can break down over time, decreasing its effectiveness, allegedly.
With this wall coating, once applied your home, or in this case, the block of flats where you live, will not suffer from damp or mould, and the big bonus is your heating bills will be up to 30% less due to the thermal properties of the coating.
This has been verified as fact by the Energy Saving Trust.
How did we carry out this massive wall coating job?
One of the first things we had to do was to contact a local scaffolding company.
As we did not wish to inconvenience the residents too much, we did the building one side at a time.
This means however that the scaffolding had to be dismantled and re-erected 4 times.
This was extremely expensive but was included in the price of the job.
For privacy reasons we cannot reveal how much the job cost in total, but you are looking at in the low 6 figures, and £45,000 of the price was spent on scaffolding alone.
Of course our service is based on square metres etc so a private dwelling would cost only a few grand but the savings made on lower heating bills would soon pay for that many times over.
What are the benefits of a hydrophobic weatherproof wall coating?
Hydrophobic exterior wall coatings are designed to provide longevity, building protection, and weatherproofing to the surfaces they are applied to.
These coatings are formulated to repel water and prevent its penetration into the walls, offering several benefits for the building’s exterior.
Longevity: Hydrophobic coatings are typically durable and long-lasting. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations without degrading or losing their protective properties.
This longevity helps to maintain the integrity of the building’s exterior surfaces over an extended period.
Building protection: By creating a hydrophobic barrier, these coatings protect the underlying building materials from moisture-related damage.
Water infiltration can cause various problems, such as deterioration of the structure, corrosion of metal components, mould and mildew growth, and degradation of insulation.
Hydrophobic wall coatings help to prevent these issues by repelling water, reducing the potential for damage and extending the lifespan of the building.
Weatherproofing: One of the primary benefits of hydrophobic coatings is their ability to enhance the weatherproofing capabilities of the building’s exterior.
These coatings act as a shield against rain, snow, sleet, and other forms of moisture, preventing them from seeping into the walls.
By reducing water absorption, the coatings help maintain the building’s thermal insulation properties, prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms, and minimize the risk of cracks and deterioration caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
Additionally, hydrophobic coatings often possess self-cleaning properties.
They can repel dirt, dust, and pollutants, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance. This feature helps to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the building while reducing the costs associated with its upkeep.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness and longevity of hydrophobic exterior wall coatings can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the coating, the application method, the substrate material, and the environmental conditions in which the building is located.
Regular inspections and maintenance can help ensure the continued performance of the coating over time.
The most commonly asked questions about painting and/or weatherproofing blocks of flats.
Do you work on individual flats?
No, it is impossible to provide weatherproofing for one single flat, the system would not work. The entire building must be done.
Do you do interior work?
No, sorry, we specialise in EXTERIORS only, without exception.
What if I want this on my building? Do I contact you directly?
No, the building manager, estate manager, or head of residents committee must be the one who contact us. Please use the SHARE buttons at the bottom of this page to send this to them.
What exterior wall coating systems are suitable for apartment blocks?
It depends on the needs of the building, and of the majority view of residents. All our wall coatings provide weather protection, which is especially important with walls that are exposed to the weather.
There are two main types of exterior wall coating: Transparent, and coloured.
Coloured wall coatings are very durable paint-like coatings and are suitable where a pleasing painted finish is required.
Transparent wall coatings are as the name suggests, invisible to the eye once applied and they generally provide a superior weatherproof finish, whilst actually lowering heating bills with their thermal resistance.
Is this wall coating only for blocks of flats?
No, not at all, it can successfully be used on private homes too, and is ideal for listed and historic buildings where changing the external appearance is not possible.
How do I find out more about your wall coatings?
That is the easy but, you just need to give us a call, on 0800 970 4928.
We man the phone office hours, Monday to Saturday, and a voicemail on Sunday and in the evening.
If you prefer you can make initial contact with us by email by clicking HERE.
You are not under any obligation by enquiring.