Applying a masonry paint or sealer sometimes helps, but not always.

Use a masonry paint formulated for the purpose or 100 percent acrylic latex exterior house paint.

Most manufacturers describe their exterior wall paints as masonry paint.

This should last for five to seven years, and costs around £14 for a 7kg packet, to cover 20 to 40m2 (don't apply over masonry paint).

All surfaces should be clean and dry before applying masonry paint with a brush, roller or spray.

Stormshield is an acrylic-based masonry paint, available in either smooth or textured finish, in a range of colours.

Cannot be used over masonry paint.

Painting the cinder blocks either with a good masonry paint or sealer should also help.

The blocks are faced with some form of cement/mortar rendering that has been covered with several coats of masonry paint.

Q. My 50-year-old stucco house was painted with a well-known brand of masonry paint two years ago.