I've been through a wide range of forums and still can't find the best answer. I am looking to change the top end of my garage into a playroom/gym. It's a single skin garage, and the rain does soak through the external walls in really bad rain (which in Wales, we get a lot!).
I'm not in the trade at all, so have done lots of research which tells me that it's ok to tank the inside, but I've also read lots of information that says it's not brilliant for the bricks.
I'm leaning towards an external application of Stromdry to stop the water penetrating, as it's breathable and shouldn't compromise the bricks as much.
Is this right?
(Once I've done this, it'll be on to building the stud wall, and battening the walls with DP strips on the back of the battens before insulating and covering with OSB, but that's a different headache.)
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Stormdry is a great product. But I would still add a membrane to the internal such as dry-flex as the adhesive is a form of tanking and the membrane is then an insulating protective layer. This will also help bring the temperature up internally to aid with condensation issues.
You wouldn't need to worry about about the degradation of the brickwork as stormdry is a breatheable product which will let any existing moisture escape externally.
Rising damp may also need to be looked at if there is no DPC or DPM on the floor.
Any cream degrades with uv and needs reapply by regularly. You should render with a suitable product - which can also include insulation thereby reducing condensation risk as well! Don’t just tackle the inside as it’ll lead to condensation
Stormdry is a decent product but I tend to use it as a precautionary measure along with other treatments which would be installed dependent on the issues. Is the moisture coming in at the bottom? As another tradesman suggested it may need a dpc, this can be injected. Is it high up? I'd start to consider roof issues. Is it backed up to earth? This could be penetrative damp, digging back if possible will help. If not, internal channels can be installed. Single skin? Block or brick? Block would be better rendered. Whatever your answers to my questions I'd always diagnose the problem looking from the outside inwards as if an external problem is diagnosed and cured it opens up far more available options for decorating internally.
Answered5 March 2024
1
Anonymous user
Building regs sometimes ask for three coats of tar to be painted on the inside, then treated timbers, then celotex insulation and then foil back plasterboard or insulated plasterboard, skimmed with plaster. You need a building inspector if you are converting your garage into a living space.
