A decade of Stormdry sees Shoreham, Sittingbourne and Smethwick protected by Safeguard

As Stormdry – the market-leading masonry protection cream from Safeguard Europe – reaches the 10^th anniversary of its launch, the company has calculated that material sufficient to protect over 50,000 houses – equivalent to towns the size of Sittingbourne, Smethwick and Shoreham – has been applied to UK homes.

The popular adoption of Stormdry as a preferred masonry protection system is acknowledgement that creams are the most effective method for keeping walls free from the damage caused by penetrating damp and extreme rainfall; delivering significant performance benefits over liquid ‘waterproofing’ alternatives.

Key to this market dominance is the colourless cream’s longevity, coverage, powerful accreditations and the unique mechanism by which it binds to brickwork. Backed by the British Board of Agrément (BBA), the Energy Savings Trust and endorsed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG); Stormdry works by lining the pores of brickwork and other masonry rather than blocking them.

This enables water vapour to escape while preventing moisture, such as penetrating rain or excess surface water, ingress; and means it can be even be applied to wet walls, which will continue to dry out.

Stormdry is more deeply penetrating competitors – up to 12mm in flettons – than traditional liquid applied meaning that its crack-bridging capability is greater; and its life expectancy increased to up to 25 years: a longevity borne out through accelerated ageing tests by the BBA.

This durability is also a function of its high level of active ingredient level – 40%, compared to concentrations as low as 2.5% for some – which means it is far more effective at excluding moisture. The 40% active ingredient level also results in a better coverage rate, where less material is needed to achieve optimum water repellency.

Finally, Stormdry Masonry Protection Cream brings increased thermal efficiency from walls. University of Portsmouth tests on solid wall constructions treated with Stormdry established that it can provide energy savings of up to 29%. Bricks have twice the thermal resistance when dry than when wet, making them insulate more effectively. As a result, Stormdry is also classified under VAT Notice 708/6 as an energy-saving measure that qualifies for a reduced VAT rate of 5%.

With 10 years, and over 50,000 homes, of performance in the field to its credit, Stormdry is the only masonry protection solution to deliver two major benefits in one convenient product: long-lived and highly effective water repellency and a cost-effective thermal efficiency boost for external walls.

Safeguard Europe’s comprehensive range of tested and proven damp-proofing solutions is supported by the company’s own highly qualified and experienced staff. The support and know-how they offer is extended to contractors, specifiers and property owners and includes technical advice, specification help, research and even in-house laboratory analysis of plaster and masonry.