If the abundance of rain this winter is taking its toll on your external walls, but they're still in good condition, applying facade cream could be a potential option to help prevent water ingress, and the dreaded arrival of damp.
But what is facade cream, how does it work, is it suitable for all homes, when should you avoid using it and is it something you can DIY, or will you need to call in the professionals?
We asked two building experts to explain the benefits of this product, also sometimes referred to as masonry cream, and asked them if it really can help ensure your home stays warm and dry this winter.
What is facade cream?
So what exactly is facade cream and why could it help your home, particularly during the winter months?
"Facade cream is essentially a water-repellent cream that is specifically designed to protect your exterior walls from damp and frost damage, while still allowing the wall to breathe," explains Andy Simms, build expert at MyBuilder.com.
Acting as an invisible barrier, the cream prevents water from penetrating your walls, but as it's breathable, it still allows moisture to escape, thus preventing the risk of trapped moisture or condensation.
However, there are a number of different products available, and which one you choose depends on what your external walls are constructed with and your external cladding or finishes. Choosing the right product is key to ensuring unnecessary expenditure, warns Alex Peters, a cost check expert at Checkatrade.
"There are two main options," says Alex. "The first is facade coating which can be applied to multiple surfaces including brickwork, masonry, render and pebbledash, as well as painted surfaces. It's used to waterproof the exterior walls of a property and its composition allows water droplets to run off the surface. The material is still breathable, and it allows moisture to escape from the masonry.
"But, there's also masonry crème (often referred to as facade cream) which works in a similar way, but is mainly used on brickwork, stone and concrete," he explains. And, it's this option which is also more DIY friendly.
Shop for facade cream
A water-repellent silicone cream for the protection of masonry
A 4" masonry paintbrush suitable for applying facade cream
A simple to use water repellent for the protection of external masonry
With over a decade of experience on the front line in construction as a multi-trader, Andy is uniquely placed in the construction industry to help bridge the gap between tradespeople and product managers with his role at MyBuilder.com
Alex Peters is a cost guide expert at Checkatrade, helping homeowners make the right decisions about where to spend their homebuilding and home improvement budgets
What are the benefits of facade cream?
There are a number of positives to facade creams or coatings, particularly when the unpredictable combination of cold and wet in the winter can lead to many homes experiencing problems such as rising damp.
“We’ve experienced a lot of rainfall across the UK recently, which is showing no sign of slowing down, and this means that any existing cracks in our exterior walls can be exacerbated. They also risk frost-related damage when the temperature drops," says Andy Simms, "and one of the best items to help prevent this kind of masonry deterioration is façade cream."
Coating your walls to prevent water seeping in, means that you are naturally less likely to experience damp, mould and you may even see a reduction in your energy bills.
"In addition to weatherproofing and a potential reduction in the need for maintenance to your external walls, it can also improve thermal efficiency," confirms Alex Peters.
When should you not use facade cream?
Making sure you have the right product for your walls is the first and most important step to take when understanding when not to use facade cream.
In addition, Alex Peters shares the following advice. "Don’t use facade coating on brickwork or exterior walls that need repair. If your walls have any damaged rendering, cracks or bumps, the coating won’t accurately cover them.
"You need to make sure any underlying issues are repaired first. If the damage is mostly superficial (such as hairline cracks), you should be able to apply the product," he adds, "but a basecoat may still be recommended as the first step."
Timing matters too which means applying during the winter needs extra special attention – a potential dilemma given it's normally winter when you realise your walls need some extra help.
"Don’t apply the coating at the wrong time of year," warns Alex. "Some products must be applied to a dry surface in a temperature above 5 degrees celsius. Failing to do so will mean that the product doesn’t dry correctly."
How do you apply facade cream?
If you think your walls might be in need of some extra protection, the guidelines regarding application of facade cream can differ depending on which product you use. Always check the instructions to see if you need to call in a professional, or if it's something you can tackle yourself.
"If using products such as those supplied by ProPERLA , some coatings must be applied by a tradesperson who specialises in applying it," warns Alex Peters. "This is because a professional finish is necessary to ensure the coating performs at its best. It’s also to ensure that your chosen coating is certified and safe to use."
However, if opting for an alternative, such as PermaSeal, “it’s extremely easy to use," says Andy Simms.
"As long as the surface you’re applying it to is clean, free from algae and paint and has been dry for at least two days, you can apply one layer of your façade cream straight from its bucket. Use a brush for smaller areas, or roller equipment for larger areas.
“You will notice after application that your exterior wall appears white," he notes. "This is nothing to worry about. All you need to do is wait for your wall to fully dry - it will appear darker during this process, before returning to its original appearance.”
Keen to consider some alternative finishes external walls that may offer additional protection? Check out our guide to house cladding ideas, but if the problem with your walls lies more with cold, than it does damp, make sure your external wall insulation isn't in need of an upgrade first.
