damp concrete block workshop

[jellyfinger]

Hi guys,

I have just had a concrete block workshop built, and it's getting pretty damp in there.

The guy who built it did warn me that a single skin block wall would let water through. So I'm not really suprised to find the walls are soaked on the inside after the rain we've been having.

Would a good quality exterior paint keep the water out, or will it need something with a bit more substance? (render?)

Is the "water seal" stuff any good?

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[noseall]

you may find that condensation is an even bigger issue particularly if you use the building frequently and when the outside temperature is very low.

using paint-on products will not amount to much.

 

[jellyfinger]

you may be right about the condensation, but I can see that water is soaking through the block by the way they look darker around the edges.

It's really annoying as I have got loads of tools in there that are going to end up knackered in no time at all....

 

[gday2uk]

Water Seal is ok but you need lots of it and re-coat every year.
Use a good quality masonry paint like weathershield with 15yrs or whatever protection and it will help repel the rain. Did the builder put a damp course in the blocks or membrane in the floor? If not don't bother trying to protect it - it won't help you at all.

 

[jellyfinger]

yes there is a membrane under the slab.

Thanks for the help.