Dulux Weathershield - breathable?

[88v8]

Present owner of the 1620ish cottage we will own as of Friday, tells me he painted the infill panels (some brick some wattle) with Weathershield.
He also painted the solid stone walls which, needless to say, have no dpc.

Is Weathershield sufficiently porous, or should I be looking to get it blasted off with plastic blasting, and recoat with limewash?

Ivor

 

[Flyfisher]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your (almost) new home.

I wouldn't rush to change things, unless the cottage has some obvious problems. My limited experience is that it takes a while to get the true 'feel' of an old house and to understand how it really 'works', especially during the different seasons.

It's possible that the paint won't cause any problems; there are many variables to consider and, if you have the patience, time will tell.

 

[Pford75]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your new home. We do tend to demand pictures on the forum - especially of lovely new, old homes.

I'd echo FFs advice and also add that if you do decide to remove the weathershield paint, remember the following:-

1. If your building is listed you may need LBC.
2. I wouldn't recommend any sort of blasting (even plastic).
3. A chemical strip of some kind is likely to be the kindest to the building

But, as FF says, you may find that the paint is causing no problems in which case I'd prioritize your time and funds in other areas.

 

[biffvernon]

Don't make things worse by adding more bad paint. There are probably plenty of more urgent jobs elsewhere round the house. Take your time to research the situation carefully.

 

[88v8]

Thankyou.

Yes maybe I should wait, even though the Weathershield can left in the shed, describes it as 'waterproof'.
There are no visible damp problems, and our surveyor only found a couple of soggy bits of wall plate, but there is much new paintwork in evidence inside and out, so.....

Perhaps more in need of attention is the ground level at the back, in places 22" above internal floor level, although again no sign of problems. Been reading the French drain thread.

All good fun.
Will add some pics soon.

Ivor

 

[Moo]

Will add some pics soon.

Ooh - yes please!

 

[Penners]

Just another vote for taking it slowly. If you had just rendered a period building with lime mortar, then I would caution against painting it with Weathershield. But as you have a fait accompli I should give yourself time to see whether you have a problem or not.

There's an adage oft repeated on this forum: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". To this I would add, "...because in a period house there are likely to be plenty of other things that you'll need to fix"! :wink:

Welcome, and I hope we'll hear (and see!) lots more about your house, as you get to know it.