Repellents for concrete, brick: modern technology

External environment does not spare even the highest-quality materials used for the construction or repair. Premature wear, cracks, fracture surfaces, formation of efflorescence and mold not only spoil the appearance of the buildings, but also directly affect the durability of structures. Avoid fixed costs to repair and prevent deterioration of the facades will be special impregnation - repellents for concrete, brick, stone and paving slabs.

Waterproofing: what it is and what it is used

In construction, the term water-repellency imparting understand the material properties, which reduce its ability to be wetted with water. This need arises due to the porous structure of the facade cladding materials and their ability to absorb ground water and precipitation. The main negative consequence of this phenomenon - the increase in the risk of structural failure due to cracking, gradual washout material and premature aging.

Besides, rainfall and ground water - a mixture of salts of different composition, which in interaction with building materials to form new chemical compounds. The result of their influence can be visually observed as scale efflorescence, making the facade is very unsightly. Goals of hydrophobic:

• protect the material against the penetration of moisture inside it;
• increase the insulating characteristics of the workpiece;
• completely prevent the formation of efflorescence;
• improve resistance to corrosion and structures exposed to low temperatures;
• prevent the formation of surface mold and lichen colonies;
• to strengthen the structure and materials, as a consequence, to increase their strength.

Important!Waterproofing reduces the absorption of water in 15-25 times materials.

According to the type of application is water-repellency:

• surface when a special composition for the treatment is applied only to the upper layer material - such protection are about 10 years old;
• volume when drilled the holes in order to better impregnate a special composition - performed once, for the duration of the construction operation.

That is used for water-repellency of building materials

To improve the water repellent properties of materials used in the construction of special structures for surface treatment - this water repellents. What is special is contained in their structure and how they can protect the surface, try to find out in this article.

The operating principle of the special impregnation is that it does not remain on the surface of the material and is absorbed by them. Therefore, protection from water has a surface and an inner nature, aimed at isolating capillary material. Water repellents can penetrate to a depth of 15-20 mm - and it forms a protective insulating layer.

Features water-repellent properties:

• possibility to treat the surface of any building material, the impregnation distinguish universal (applicable to a number of surfaces) and narrowly focused (work only with one type of surface);
• practically reduce vapor permeability (10-15% loss), allowing the materials to retain air exchange and avoiding the formation of mold and mildew;
• help to protect the surface from dust and dirt, their easy removal by rain;
• versatility, allowing to use mixtures alone or as an auxiliary component in the formation of front surfaces;
• by virtue of its transparency does not alter the appearance of structures, and in some cases even help to improve it;
• building materials confer additional properties such as frost (3-5 times) and corrosion protection (1.5-2 times);
• push back the timing for subsequent repairs: a new treatment is required after 10 years, and in some cases it can be avoided altogether;
• water-repellent price significantly lower than the cost of other options for waterproofing.

Specialized for surface impregnating materials commercially available in mixtures or concentrates and bred in certain proportions with water, but there are those that are fully prepared to application. According to the chemical composition, they are divided on the matter of water-based and silicone. The best are the silicone water repellents, t. K. Have advantages in chemical and thermal stability, have the ability to penetrate deeper into the material. They are less susceptible to external influences, and hence form more durable protection.

Important! Hydrophobization should be carried out at the stage of construction of structures to provide at once facade protection from the damaging effects of water.

Water-proofing of concrete: the solution of various problems

Concrete is one of the most popular building material in the construction of buildings and structures, so its properties and composition are important for the further operation of the facilities. The construction of the foundation, walls, platforms, use in laying bricks and building reinforced concrete structures, and so on. D. a certain effect on the requirements for concrete. The material is strong, but has a low threshold moisture resistance due to increased porosity. Water getting into these pores that actively contributes to the destruction of the concrete structure and the formation of mold, provoking frequent repairs. Particularly affected basement of the buildings and foundations.

Water repellents can be added to concrete in two ways: in the step of its production and application to the surface of finished structures and designs. Application of a means as the impregnation additive in concrete mix may further reduce costs for the organization of thermal insulation.

In addition to the general properties of all hydrophobic additive for concrete have such additional features:

• increase the density of the solution and contribute to increase the compressive strength of concrete (30% starting from standard values);
• may be a replacement for softeners that are used in the mixture to impart plasticity;
• eliminate the cost of repairs, so to significantly prolong the life of the buildings..;
• raise performance waterproof concrete up to the mark W;
• increase frost resistance;
• if used with concrete reinforcing frame, the additives simultaneously and protect it from corrosion.

Internet is full of different ideas and recipes, not without advice on how to make water-repellent concrete with their hands. You can certainly try, but the likelihood is high that the result will be worse than he had imagined, or even be absent. Therefore it is recommended to buy a ready-made water repellent for concrete, which is better to choose - on this issue must be based on the purpose and the desired end result.

Useful advice! When choosing impregnation for concrete be sure to pay attention to its purpose. Water-repellent agent for aerated concrete and concrete - is different in properties of the fluid.

Price repelling agent for concrete depends on the brand and manufacturer. Also, it can affect a multicomponent mixture, which allows for more positive qualities to the treated surface. a silicone-based fluid will cost more, but the protective properties of their higher.

Water-proofing for the bricks: the struggle with a porosity

Masonry - a bright indicator of the impact of environmental conditions on the destruction of the building surfaces and structures. Whatever the reinforcing properties of brick density, it still remains quite porous materials that require special handling. Hydrophobic treatment for bricks can help in protecting the material from moisture and dirt, premature failure and cracks.

On the brick facades of most of efflorescence formation, affecting the appearance. To eliminate them, applied special means of struggle, which at the time resolve the issue. However, to secure the effect of cleaning and prevent the re-occurrence of efflorescence is recommended to apply the treatment brick hydrophobizator. Only he is able to cope with such a task.

On sale is a wide range of water-repellent for brick. What is better to choose: universal for all surfaces, or used only for the material? If there is a need to treat only the masonry, you should look at the specialized media impregnation. They are differentiated by the concentration, the level of protection and take into account the type of cladding. Price repellents for bricks will depend precisely on these factors.

In processing the brick surfaces to make them water-repellent and other protective properties can simultaneously improve several visual characteristics facades. For this purpose, water-repellent effect of "wet stone". Tiprom M - one of those tools that can make the brickwork and a light gloss to emphasize the color of the brick foundations.

Useful advice!Before applying the hydrophobizing effect "wet look" on a brick surface of test sample and a means to wait for 3-5 days until complete formation of the protective layer.

For what are used repellents Stone

Artificial and natural stones are often used for exterior cladding facades, fencing, the organization of tracks, as well as for interior decoration texture. The material may have a different structure - polished or embossed, but each of them has the ability to absorb moisture. Active dehumidification negatively affects the appearance, leads to the formation of mold and lichen or moss overgrowing, especially if the outer surface is embossed. By reducing the temperature of the moisture that has penetrated into the stone, it leads to cracking. To combat these negative factors used by applying hydrophobic protecting means.

Hydrophobing agent for artificial or natural stone is selected depending on the type of surface and the effect desired. There are universal tools that are suitable for all kinds of surfaces. They are beneficial in the case when to treat the facade of composite materials, including stone covering. Equally effective specialized fluids used exclusively for application to the stone. They can be designed exclusively for in-house work and be safe for food. This is important for the treatment of sinks and countertops in the kitchen.

Useful advice!When choosing a hydrophobic agent for external machining note whether he has UV protection, thanks to which the material will last longer.

Water-proofing for a stone may be intended only for protection, or to include such additional options as the organization of the effect of "wet stone". After treatment, the top layer becomes small glossy coating that makes the stone surface brighter. On the packaging with water-repellent liquid always point to similar properties. For this purpose, suitable, for example, water repellent optimist. He has positive feedback, especially regarding the processing of the outer stone facing.

Before large-scale application of the stone surface water-repelling agent, check its effect on the lining of the residues or in an inconspicuous place. So you can evaluate the degree of drying, processing speed, the need for coating the second layer and the quality of the "wet" effect (if chosen such agent).

Repellents for paving slabs: protection from water and dirt

The basis for the production of sidewalk tile is concrete. It defines the basic properties of the cladding material, ie porosity. The danger lies in the fact that through the numerous pores into the paving slabs seeping water. The greatest damage it causes to the material in the winter, when freezing, expands and promotes cracking of various sizes, up to the complete split tiles. If the surface material is formed frost, then for inaccurate coverage her cleaving often deformed.

Related article:

Penetrating Concrete Waterproofing: the best way to protect from moisture

Operating principle. Advantages and disadvantages. Review of popular brands. Varieties penetrating compositions and their particular application.

The advantage of paving slabs is that you can replace the damaged material to the next if necessary. However, to avoid frequent repairs, it is better to use a repellent for laying paving. Special means has protective properties, which protect against water, cold, sunlight, salt, fungi. After treatment with the sidewalk is easily washed off dirt and chipped off ice completely retained the appearance of the material.

Important!Water repellents can protect paving tiles, if it is constantly under water.

Not every tool is suitable for the processing of the material presented on the market. The instructions for the universal means of concrete in most cases points to the ineffectiveness of horizontal surfaces. Therefore it is necessary to select a special liquid for the paving tiles, for example, water repellent NGL 11, who are actively struggling with moisture and efflorescence. If the tool is sold in concentrated form, it is diluted with water is required in accordance with the instructions, otherwise formed on the surface of unsightly stains.

The main criteria for selecting hydrophobizing liquids

To opt for any particular water-repellent liquids, should decide such issues:

• which surfaces to be processed (material, wet or dry basis);
• level of positive properties, it is desirable to achieve after treatment;
• versatility;
• manufacturer name or trade mark.

Universal repellents AquaPhone, Ceresit and Optimist

Versatility is relevant when you want to treat different surfaces and to provide them with identical hydrophobic properties. For this purpose, suitable repellent AquaPhone domestic production, which is available in a concentrated ready-made solutions and has a democratic price. It is suitable for all materials used for the roof or foundation, reduces the water absorption of concrete, foam concrete, natural and artificial stones in 10-15, and brick - in the 15-40 times. In this case, the decorative qualities of the processed materials are not affected. Guaranteed without additional repair - 10 years, but in some cases, the update may not need coverage and up to 30 years of operation.

Useful advice!Always follow the exact recipe breeding repelling agent. The error in concentration can lead to the formation of streaks and efflorescence.

Hydrophobing Ceresit usually selected because of famous brand, which guarantees the quality of mortars. In this case, it is also legitimate. The manufacturer has a series of several water-repellent impregnation universal action, in each of which one of the characteristics of enhanced. The most popular Ceresit CT 13 for the highly absorbent types of surfaces other than horizontal (paving slabs). It is perfectly isolates the internal fine cracks up to 0.2 mm and provides a 8-12 years guarantee period, during which no need to re-impregnation.

For the treatment of different surfaces of building structures applicable hydrophobing optimistic. He is not rich enough additional options as AquaPhone and Ceresit, but with the objective of protection against water and dirt copes brilliantly. In addition, the product range includes special formulations for the individual processing of materials such as stone and wood. For protection against mold, in order to provide the plasticizing frost resistance of concrete and t. D. Special resources are available. The liquid is fully ready for use.

Neomid repellents, and Neogard Tiprom M: their use and features

A multifunctional surface treatment is repellent Neomid. It is applicable to all materials, including gas concrete. It can be applied to the outside of the facade and inside the premises. It sold in concentrated solution, so the volume of ready-to processing means is increased by 2 times. The manufacturer guarantees 10 years of preserving protective properties.

No flexibility in repelling agent Neogard. It is selected solely based on the application surface, therefore it has a wide range of specialized for impregnations each material separately. However, all of the series include 2 more variety of hydrophobic coatings - water-based, which are applied exclusively on dry surface, and an organic solvent to provide an improved coating which does not depend on the degree of drying foundations. The company gives a guarantee of 5 years of operation.

It is a mistake to believe that the price determines the quality of impregnation - primarily the reliability of the solutions provided by the properties laid down by the manufacturer. Most of the funds does not change the surface appearance, but there are liquids that can add luster surface to create the effect of "wet stone". If you do this is important, choose the appropriate water repellent. Feedback from users on the Internet with accompanying photos will help you to assess the expected effect on the application. For example, hydrophobing Tiprom M may provide "wet" the surface of the brick, stone or concrete material and impart better color saturation.

Useful advice!Choose hydrophobing agent according to the type and surface quality. If moisture gets to it often, you can get by cheaper structures.

Pay attention to the fact there is a tool or a ready-to-use concentrated. Their cost varies, but the final amount of the treatment fluid will also be different. For large areas requiring coating hydrophobic means more profitable to choose the concentrates.

Follow the instructions to choose and manipulate time hydrophobizing facing materials that they have long maintained an excellent appearance without repair.