Masonry Magazine August 2001 Page. 29
Getting into the masonry, it won't let vapor from already-absorbed water out of the masonry. The masonry can't "breathe."
The moisture will come out, however underneath the film. In most cases, it eventually breaks the film's bond, creating "subflorescence" and a "blush."
Unfortunately, you can't get rid of these effects without removing the protective film. That's expensive.
Subflorescence, which wants to migrate to the surface, is blocked by the film. It builds up in the masonry pores until it causes cracking, spalling and delamination. Film-formers cause damage almost every time they're used - often within a year or two of application.
Penetrating protective treatments answer these problems. They've become accepted practice because they repel water while letting masonry breathe.
While there are many types of penetrating protective treatments, most are based on advanced silicone technology, including siloxanes and silanes. These are molecules small enough to penetrate deeply into the masonry pores.
Once in, each molecule chemically bonds with the minerals, firmly anchoring it to the substrate, in most cases for ten or more years.
They line the pores. Incoming liquid water can't get past them. Water vapor already in the stone is small enough to escape, however. The treated masonry breathes.
Because these treatments penetrate, instead of staying on the surface, they will seldom, if ever change the surface appearance. There's no sheen, gloss or slip hazard.
That's why silanes and siloxanes are often used for protecting horizontal surfaces like bridges, roads and parking decks, as well as masonry buildings.
e RILEM tube simulates wind-driven rain and measures quantity of water absorbed over time. Documented results from standardized tests such as these should be the basis for selecting a water repellent. Photo courtesy PROSOCO
When my projects look good, I look good.
With water locked out, you lock out the problems water brings.
Some penetrants are available in concentrate, another advantage film-formers don't offer. Concentrates save costs, including reduced shipping expenses and expanded coverage areas of the diluted product. Designed for dilution with clean water at the jobsite, they can be tailored to the specific needs of individual jobs.
Sure Klean Custom Masonry products and other cleaners ensure my architectural concrete and brick buildings are clean, color-uniform, and water-repellent.
And those are specs that make everyone look great.
PROSOCO
SINCE 1939
(800) 255-4255 www.prosoco.com
MASONRY AUGUST, 2001 29