Damp exterior walls due to driving rain

What is penetrating damp?

Penetrating damp or rain penetration mainly affects porous or damaged exterior walls, especially in older homes. Walls that face prevailing rain are most vulnerable. Moisture can seep into walls through porous brickwork, cracks, or even a leaky gutter. This moisture can travel through the entire wall and appear inside your home as damp patches, salt stains or mould. Penetrating damp can cause a lot of damage to bricks, mortar joints and insulation. That’s why it’s crucial to tackle the problem as soon as possible.

How to get rid of penetrating damp

Apply a water-repellent paint or impregnate your exterior walls

Water-repellent exterior paint adds a protective layer that shields your façade from bad weather conditions. Rain Protect White is a white paint that helps keep moisture out.

Wall impregnation goes one step further. Products like Rain Protect Liquid or Transparent create an invisible waterproof barrier on your exterior wall. This coating also prevents dirt from clinging to the façade, helping it look nice for longer. Impregnating walls is ideal because the walls can still ‘breathe’ after treatment. Water vapour can still escape through the impregnation, allowing the moisture to evaporate naturally.

Top tip: For lasting results, always repair cracks, fill gaps and replace damaged bricks before treating the wall. Cracks can be filled with Wall Protect Quick Joint.