Ask The Trades - Print Page

Ask The Trades
https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Waterproofing a block built shed https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1464718549 Message started by RFdemon on May 31^st, 2016, 7:15pm

Title: Waterproofing a block built shed
Post by RFdemon on May 31^st, 2016, 7:15pm

Late last year we built a single skin block and brick workshop at the bottom of the garden. It stood as a skeleton over Winter then we fitted the roof during the Spring. Once the roof was on we noted that every time it rained the block walls would become saturated and water would run down the inside for ming pudders on the floor. It was realised that the blocks we used were permeable and we were faced with how we could most easily fix the issue.

One thought was to render the three block walls but access is difficult as the building was erected with only a foot between it and the boundaries. Do you think it would be possible to 'tank' the internal walls and floor to keep the water out then screed the floor in the usual manner?

Title: Re: Waterproofing a block built shed
Post by thescruff on May 31^st, 2016, 10:49pm

I would probably look at leyland Trueguard clear

http://www.leylandtrade.com/products/range/truguard-waterproofing

Title: Re: Waterproofing a block built shed
Post by woodsmith on Jun 1^st, 2016, 7:51am

If it is letting so much water through that it is ponding on the floor then you have a serious problem, and I would think that the blocks could soon become damaged by frost so I think you need to find a way to keep the blocks dry.

As a chippy my first thought is to timber clad the outside face by fixing roofing lath vertically, put a breathable membrane over that then clad with a treated cladding. With such a small space to work it will be a challenge but not impossible.

With so much water getting through it sounds like there may be no guttering? If so you need to fit some to ensure the water off the roof is taken into the drains or dig a good soak away well away from the building.

Title: Re: Waterproofing a block built shed
Post by RFdemon on Jun 1^st, 2016, 10:51pm

Thanks for the opinions. I had considered PVC cladding for the outside but the timber may be a good alternative. For info, the building has guttering fitted. The water which is finding its way into the building is just rain.

It serves me right for using the wrong blocks in the first place and I had thought about taking down the blocks and rebuilding in brick....... live and learn eh?

Title: Re: Waterproofing a block built shed
Post by woodsmith on Jun 2^nd, 2016, 8:27am

If you are considering spending on PVC cladding a perhaps better alternative would be cement based timber effect panelling. It's extremely durable and can be painted the colour of your choice.

Title: Re: Waterproofing a block built shed
Post by CWatters on Jun 2^nd, 2016, 6:46pm

Did you build the block walls on the edge of the slab or is the slab larger than the building? If the slab is larger you may have to tank the outside at the bottom before cladding..

[gallery fullsize]CWatters/1464889558.png[/gallery]