Hey, thanks!

Yes, a mineral based paint. Keim is the best but very expensive. Limewash is the most breathable but only really works on very porous surfaces. You couldn’t use it on a cement render like pebble dash because it doesn’t soak in enough.

Thanks! We do try.

Unfortunately bba is just a 'pay for cert' scam - none of these products are properly tested - they just give a ticket for money, based on manufacturers data. bba and bre were both found not fit for purpose during the Grenfell Enquiry - their 'testing' and certification of insulation is shocking to say the least - entirely made up rubbish. bba 'certify' spray foams, despite the fact we all know sprayfoam destroys roofs - see latest RICS advice which all but totally condemns sprayfoam - the sales fraudsters sell it on the basis its 'approved by bba and therefore building regulations' - its not - it just has a silly certificate that they paid for. Neither bba or bre give a rats about whether products work. bba over the years has certified dozens and dozens of utterly snake oil damp proofing scam products that could never and did never work. Its all about the money. people like stormdry are selling vast tonnages of useless chemicals on the back of these certificates - and people like you are unfortunately taken in by it. Until there is far tighter control of testing, and certification has to be on the basis of fully verified independent test methods, this scam will carry on. As part of the Grenfell Forum, I've been a part of the push to make bre a nationalised government laboratory again. Only then will be hopefully see independent testing. Masonry creams did not and will never achieve anything. We tested them here, and there's spalling sandstone blocks in the test wall as a result. More important that your wall is clear of any waterproofing stuff, and is properly pointed using fully breathable mortar - hot lime mortar is best, with no paint.

Thanks for the explanation Peter, that’s really helpful.

Ideally external ground level needs to be 150mm below internal ground level. Originally, kitchen would have been connected to the front, via air vents to get through flow. Yes, if the front is suspended, you need those air vents exposed. Ground must be below them so water cannot run into them. Do you have problems, or is this just observation at this point? Also check stormwater drainage - downpipes, etc - do they discharge INTO gulleys, or discharge over the ground - make sure all storm water goes into drains - and that those drains are not cracked underground - ideally get a cctv survey - and ensure that storm water is taken away. This helps keep ground at low level nice and dry.

@@WarmDryHome thanks so much for your reply. I just measured it I would say it's about 100-120mm below at the front and over 150mm below at the gable end. I will defo get them open at the front then, just a little concerned if the rain comes towards them as they are old vents with big holes. I'll probably get some newer ones fitted. The front ones are about 25mm from the ground, is that too low? Would it be sufficient to have open vents on the front and gable end? The gable vents are newer plastic style ones. Not sure what I can do about the back as that room is concrete. The floor in the front room is bouncy, I've not had it all up but i would say the joist and floorboards are probably on the way out. There are no downpipes on the front just gutters. I don't think anything drains on that side.

Thanks Alan - glad to have helped. Hope everything works out. I've just released the new book - Warm Dry Home - which is on the Heritage House website here: www.heritage-house.org/products/the-warm-dry-home-1.html - I'll do a video soon, so more folk get to know about it.! Have a good Christmas!! Pete

Laura - no problem - if yu email details to our office at : [email protected] - then Michelle can have a look and see what we can do for you. I've done a fair few in NI and the south, so far with 100% success!!

Hi Bob - its not so much brands - its all about breathability. Having said that, externally, limewash is best. Can be any colour .. Internally the chalk based paints are superb - either earthborn, or the best company in my view - you can talk to them as well - they really know their stuff - is Ingilby paints - easy to find online, and give good advice....