LANDSCAPING


WHETHER TO WEATHER THE WEATHER OR NOT


Andy Cummins, senior product manager at Thompsons, explains how weatherproofing can be a great means of cross-selling.


A


s a merchant, customers will often look to you for project and product advice – regardless of whether they have two or twenty years’


experience in the industry. By arming yourself with the latest knowledge and updates, you can offer a higher level of customer service and help distinguish yourself from the competition.


So, what is weatherproofing? Whether your customer has just laid a new patio, fixed a leak or built a small extension, it’s essential to seal those hard landscaping surfaces and protect them against the British Weather. Whether it’s rain, frost, UV rays or temperature fluctuations, it can all have a damaging effect on outdoor surfaces.


Weatherproofing typically takes the form of applying specialist sealants or coatings, creating a protective barrier that prevents water penetration, staining and surface erosion. By sealing these surfaces, it’s possible to extend their lifespan, maintain their aesthetic appearance and reduce the need for potentially costly repairs further down the line.


Patio problems


This is perhaps one of the most common weatherproofing applications, and a great cross-selling opportunity. With a new patio representing a considerable investment, it’s essential that the surface is protected against the weather, ensuring it stays looking as good as new for longer.


As well as water penetration wearing down the appearance of a patio over time and grime settling into every crack and surface, freeze thaw damage can ruin its structural integrity. This is where water penetrates a surface and, due to low temperatures, freezes, expands and cracks the substrate.


Algae is another common occurrence. Thanks 44


to the perfect mix of dampness, low light and mild temperatures, algae flourishes during our wet winter months. As well as making the surface damp and slippery, this itself can contribute to long-term wear and tear. Jet washing alone isn’t the answer. Not only can it damage grout, it also doesn’t protect a patio against future damage. This is where weatherproofing comes into play. Using a powerful sealant can protect and seal a patio from the weather in just a few coats. Repelling moisture not only protects a patio from water damage season after season but also stops any other nasty growths, such as algae, associated with standing water.


Extending the issue


Brickwork can also fall victim to weathering, with freeze thaw able to affect these surfaces too, leading to spalling and crumbling brickwork over time. Water can seep in through several routes, including cracked mortar, porous bricks or weathered joints. Constant battering from rain, rising damp or leaking gutters only speeds up the damage.


Even the salts found naturally in bricks or mortar can play a part. When these rise to the surface and crystallise, they leave behind that white, powdery layer known as efflorescence – particularly common in new build properties. Using an effective sealant can help to prevent all these problems and more. This product penetrates deep into the surface, creating an invisible, breathable barrier that repels water while still allowing trapped


moisture to escape. One coat sealants are available that make the job quick and easy, with the sealant starting to work within hours and offering protection that can last for years.


Flat out


Whether it’s a garage or shed, felt or asphalt, flat roofs are commonplace across the UK. While it may not be the first thing your customer thinks of, it’s well worth sealing and protecting the surface, for easy maintenance further down the line. While bitumen paint has always been the traditional route, consider instead recommending acrylic-based sealants. Able to flex with the natural movement of the roof, it can protect against cracks, gaps and ensure the colour won’t fade with continued exposure to sunlight.


At Thompson’s we make sure that we offer customers a wide range of weatherproofing and cleaning products, which can be applied directly after work has concluded, safeguarding the end client’s investment, protecting hard landscaping surfaces from the great British weather and minimising the chance of callbacks further down the line. BMJ


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net September 2025


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