Q. My builder has told me of a product called Cellarcoat. This is cheaper than Sika and does not require a specialist to install it. Can you tell me if it comes with a guarantee, and if you have experience of this product and its success rate? Many thanks.

Submitted by: NG 

A. Cellarcote (spelt \'cote\') is an epoxy resin surface applied damp proof membrane distributed by Sealocrete PLA Ltd. of Rochdale. We are not aware of any guarantee in respect of this product but perhaps you should make enquiries with Sealocrete about this. We are also not aware of any third party accreditation that would be issued by authorities such as the British Board of Agrément as to the effectiveness of the product.

You did not state the circumstances relevant to the intended use of this product in your property so it is difficult for us to comment in specific terms. The Cellarcote technical data sheet shows a very heavy emphasis on the product being applied onto concrete which tends to have a relatively smooth continuous surface. If this product were to be applied onto 120 year old bricks held together with a lime mortar in a cellar then a huge amount of preparation would almost certainly be necessary in order to achieve a successful application. In these circumstances the amount of preparation necessary could potentially make use of this type of material cost prohibitive. In common with all surface applied waterproof coatings, irrespective of their type, preparation of the substrate onto which the material will be applied is paramount in order to achieve success.

If you would like to let us know more details of the circumstances of its intended use i.e. age of property,type of construction, intended use of area to be treated, above or below ground etc. we may be able to be of more assistance.