Waterproofing of stonework and brickwork at retail premises in Blackpool, Lancashire, UK

Project Background

A historic shop in Blackpool Town Centre that had been built as a Post Office building in 1890 was undergoing refurbishment. Part of the client’s specification was the protection of exposed brickwork and stonework.

Specialist waterproofing contractors, Remedial Treatment Consultants (RTC), were contracted to carry out the work. They chose to protect the brickwork and stonework using Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream due to its high degree of breathability, depth of penetration, and long life expectancy.

Waterproofing the Brickwork and Stonework

Brickwork and stonework to be waterproofed

Scaffolding erected to allow access to brickwork and stonework

Application of Stormdry waterproofing cream to stonework

Scaffolding was erected to allow safe access to the upper areas of the building. This included additional protection to the upstands and full netting as the building was in the town centre.

Areas of defective pointing were replaced by patch pointing with a mortar mix incorporating Stormdry Repointing Additive. Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream was then applied by brush to the brickwork and stonework. Within a few hours the Stormdry cream had penetrated into the brickwork and stonework.

When the building was revisited 48 hours later the appearance of the brickwork and stonework was identical to its appearance before treatment had been carried out.

Energy Saving

As well as providing long term protection against rain penetration, the Stormdry treatment will also result in reduced heat loss through the walls of the building – resulting in energy savings. This is an important consideration for buildings of this age which are often described as ‘hard to treat’ because they are difficult to insulate by conventional means.