Barn conversions

Damp is a common problem in barn conversion projects for two major reasons:

1. Because barns were originally designed for agricultural use, little attention was usually paid to providing protection against damp during their construction.
2. Salt contamination is often a problem in barn floors and walls, particularly where barns have previously been used to house animals. These salts are often hygroscopic or deliquescent which means that they attract moisture from the atmosphere.

Typically, barns are constructed using a wide range of materials and techniques including cob, brick, and various types of stone. For this reason, it is difficult to suggest specific damp-proofing solutions that will be applicable to all barn conversion projects. Although most of the damp-proofing solutions that we offer can be used in barn conversion projects, our Oldroyd range of cavity drainage membranes offers our most popular solution for a number of reasons:

1. Can be used on a wide range of substrates and construction types
2. Can be used on salt-contaminated walls and floors
3. Can be removed with minimal damage to the underlying substrate
4. Allow the underlying substrate to breathe

Barn Walls

Oldroyd Xp is a popular choice for barn walls as it is designed to accept a plaster finish and can follow the natural contours of the barn walls. Where walls are to be drylined, Oldroyd Xv Clear has the advantage of requiring fewer fixing plugs per square metre – which minimises damage to the underlying substrate on heritage projects.

Barn Floors

Oldroyd Xv Black and Oldroyd Xv 20 are frequently specified over barn floors. Both products can offer protection against radon and other ground contaminants as well as damp.

For technical support, please call us on 01403 210204 or submit an enquiry and we will be happy to discuss damp-proofing requirements for specific barn conversion projects.