Why weatherproof? Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager from Thompson’s, explores weatherproofing, including what it is and the cross-selling opportunities it presents to merchants.
Aside from the occasional heatwave, it’s no secret that the UK weather is unpredictable at best. The wet and humid weather can cause havoc to untreated and unprotected hard landscaping surfaces, from brickwork and driveways to block paving and patios.
That is where weatherproofing comes in. Whether your customer has just laid a new patio, fixed a leak or built a small extension, it’s important to seal those hard surfaces and protect them against the great British weather — reducing the chance of issues or callbacks further down the line.
Customers will often look to merchants for project and product advice, making it important that you arm yourself with the latest industry knowledge. So, what are some applications in which weatherproofing can be used?
Patios: When laying a new patio for a homeowner, porous materials like stone can make it easy for water to work its way in and cause damage. Not only can this ruin the appearance over time, but it can also affect the structural stability of the patio. So, when you have a customer looking to order materials for a project like this, it’s worthwhile making them aware of the different issues that could be encountered.
One example is freeze thaw, where water penetrates a surface and, due to low temperatures, freezes, expands and cracks the substrate. Over time this can drastically alter a surface’s appearance, as well as affecting the structural integrity of a patio.
“Whether your customer has just laid a new patio, fixed a leak or built a small extension, it’s important to seal those hard surfaces and protect them against the great British weather.”
Another common issue is algae growth. Our wet winters make those corners of a patio where drainage is poor, moisture lingers and sunlight is limited the perfect breeding ground for algae. Thanks to the UK’s damp and humid climate, these slippery conditions may last for months and even contribute to long-term wear and tear.
Algae traps moisture against the surface, and when temperatures drop, that trapped water can freeze inside small cracks, causing them to expand and worsen over time.
Brickwork: Brickwork can also fall victim to weathering, with freeze thaw able to affect this surface too. Efflorescence is another common problem. While predominantly an aesthetic issue, efflorescence is something that affects many properties, especially new-build homes.
It is caused by the presence of excess moisture within a substrate, which when combined with the salts already present in brickwork, can form a powdery white substance on the surface, ruining the appearance of the bricks.
Leaky roofs: Another common consequence of our country’s rainy climate can be leaky flat roofs. Whether its prolonged UV exposure weakening the top layer or heavy and continuous rainfall that ponds and begins to seep through, it is important that these structures are protected.
Seal the deal
In these situations, it’s always advisable to seal the substrate or hard landscaping surface to protect it against the weather. Accordingly, weatherproofing products and sealants can create an additional barrier of protection across a surface.
Most are silicone based, meaning that once applied it will cure and form a continuous water-resistant film. For extra benefits, direct your customers towards microporous solutions, such as those offered by Thompson’s, which allow moisture particles to pass back out of a surface, like brickwork, ensuring it is still breathable.
For flat roofs, look for sealant solutions that will flex with the natural movement of a flat roof, so as not to split and tear.
Thompson’s offers a wide range of weatherproofing products, ideal for use by contractors completing extensions, walls or patio projects. These include One Coat Water Seal, One Coat Patio & Block Paving Seal and One Coat Roof Seal, which make it quick and easy to seal new hard surfaces and flat roofs against water and weather damage.
These products can be applied directly after work has concluded, providing you with an ideal upselling opportunity and ensuring a contractor’s work is well protected for the wetter months, delivering a higher quality finish.
Click or tap the link for more information on Thompson’s and its weatherproofing range of products.
