Masonry Creme

[granny grump]

Just had a salesman out to look at what he called 'penetrating damp' He checked the walls with his damp meter and said that they were 'off the scale' 58 68 and 80. He highly recommended Properla and I felt  that it was quite a hard sell. Can anyone - The Builder perhaps - tell me the pros and cons of this. If it is needed it is going to be costly

[brainiac]

A salesman - any salesman - is never going to tell you nothing is amiss.

[granny grump]

I realise  that brainiac We do have a problem though and I'm just putting feelers out. I quite switched on. I'm not too well at thd moment and look my age. No make up and hoarse and unsteady on my feet. He obviously  saw me as a soft touch and spoke very slowly and condescendingly. Wanted to come back when my husband was in. 

 

 

[Tilly2]

How did you come by this salesman, GG?

[granny grump]

Through Bark a bit like Checkatrade

[barry1010]

It may be worth speaking to your local council, they are always very helpful when I ask them to recommend tradespeople and services, or for advice about this type of issue

[The Builder]

Hiya Gran.  There are loads of these coatings on the market. It's a water repellent, and breathable. So far so good. Is it what you need though?

These 'specialists' are simply salesmen. They have absolutely no idea what the cause of your problem is.  It's autumn in the UK. So-called dampmeters are of no use at all. You could get a high reading just after boiling a kettle.

I know I can sound like a broken record, but I would stick my neck out and say you have condensation.

Approx age of house?

Painted render externally?

[granny grump]

Thank you The Builder. Just had a 2nd guy out. A builder this time who specialises in damp. He didn't use a damp meter as - like you the readings can be easily affected. Straight away he said it's not penetrating damp Brickwork and pointing all fine. He said it's condensation and I felt much more convinced by him than the salesman. He works with landlords and social housing specifically re damp and mould. We don't have mould. Red brick and top half pebble dash. He recommended a loft fan with a fitting in the house ceiling - above the staircase in our case. Thank you again 

 

[The Builder]

Hope it all works out Gran. Good luck  😀

[granny grump]

Thank you I'll let you know