Treating / Painting external render below DPC

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In common with many neighbours I've experienced flaking of bricks below the DPC.

I now have a cement/sand render over the bricks up to the DPC and would appreciate any advice on how to treat the render.

I would prefer to use paint although I appreciate this will need re-painting every few years.
If an alternative is likely to be a much better option I would certainly consider it.

Any guidance on what to use and any pre-treatment prior to painting.

 

[dcdec]

Bitumen

 

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I hadn't thought of Bitumen and at first it didn't appeal too much.

I did a bit of searching and there is more choice than I assumed.
Technoseal Rubber Based Paint seems to be a bitumised coating and is available in white as well as black so may be the way to go.
I can only assume it will last as long as paint, possibly longer, and can be re-applied when needed.

The other option I considered was a Water Repellent which I think should allow the render to breathe but means I'd be stuck with the existing render colour/finish.

Many thanks for replying.

 

[jondecs]

Personally I like to let the below dpc render breath, perhaps treat bare render with silicone solution.
Or. If you want to paint it. use a masonry paint which is microporous.(sandtex smooth is good) Thin first coat then a more round (thicker) coat to finish off.
This wont crack and flake

 

[Newbar]

Thanks jondecs.

I had thought of a microporous paint and Sandtex looks like the favourite but I suspect a water repellent is likely to be more effective in allowing the render to breathe.

I've been reading up on Microshield.

It's a microporous product ie water repellent which is intended to allow the render to breathe whilst shedding water.

I'd have to give up on the idea of painting which I could probably live with.

Has anyone any experience of it or can recommend an alternative.
There don't seem to be that many water repellents as distinct from sealants around.

I believe products containing silicones tend to be sealants ie don't breathe well, if at all, wheras water repellents normally contain silanes and/or siloxanes, and do.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[jondecs]

I just used to use a product called 'Grangers' silicone sealant. This seemed to dissapear when Thompsons water seal hit the shelves with a massive promotion. Instructions say's its breathable. Though I usually find old bare render does'nt need any treatment, unless it's obviously crumbling etc.