The Guildhall of Free Boatmen is a protected monument on the touristic Graslei in Ghent, in the historic heart of the city. The building dates from 1530 and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. The building has had various functions over the centuries, including a trading house, a merchant’s residence and even an inn. It owes its name to the free boatmen who used to moor their ships here along the nearby Leie.  

Substantial moisture problems had been identified, and the building has undergone a large-scale renovation: not only to solve the moisture problem, but also to further restore the building.  

The contractor responsible for the renovation of this beautiful building found the tailor-made solution they needed with Bekina BeSealed. This allowed them to restore the Guildhall of Free Boatmen to its full glory and eliminate the moisture problems. 

To waterproof the exterior walls, the contractor used Polybar+ swellable strips. These swellable strips are mounted in moisture-sensitive areas such as construction joints. When in contact with moisture, Polybar+ swells so that moisture can no longer seep in. Get rid of moisture problems!