Masonry Magazine August 2001 Page. 31
They work much like their water-repellent cousins. Oil repellents, for instance, line the masonry pores and chemically bond with the substrate. They're breathable; they allow water vapor to escape.
The difference is that the active ingredients are "oleophobic." They reject oil in the same way that "hydrophobic" water repellents reject water. Since they're penetrants, you get little or no change in surface appearance. On floors, there's no slip hazard.
Masonry floors in restaurants or food courts are good examples of where "oleophobic" protective treatments are valuable. Spilled food and drink never gets a chance to soak in and stain valuable masonry. It stays on the surface for easy cleanup.
Winter deicing salts are rough on concrete roads, bridges and parking decks. As snow melts, dissolving these salts, the water carries them into the substrate where they corrode and weaken the steel rebar. When treated with a silane or siloxane specially engineered for "chloride screening" the salts never make it past the surface.
That technology has been adapted for graffiti control. Getting graffiti out of porous masonry is difficult. Paints soak in, where surface cleaners can't get them. A breathable graffiti repellent keeps the paint on the surface, making removal quick and easy.
THE WARRANTY GAME
When you use protective treatments from reputable companies, you're entitled to warranty protection.
Unfortunately, some manufacturers use warranties as sales gimmicks.
Alarms should ring when salespeople push warranties as reasons for buying product. Promises of "total coverage" for however many years are no substitute for an accurate assessment of both the product and its intended use.
Good products always have warranties. Selection should be based on product performance in jobsite and laboratory testing. A reputable company's salespeople will let you know up front what you can expect from the treatment, based on hard, documented data from tests.
Also, manufacturer's representatives should be available throughout the project to ensure the treatment is applied properly and is performing to spec.
Post-application inspections should also be part of the deal. Reputable manufacturers gladly offer this support at no extra cost. You're taking a chance if you settle for less.
Despite what some salespeople might tell you, no water repellent makes up for defects or damage. Cracks, failed sealant joints, blocked wall cavities and other problems let water in, no matter what. Good salespeople help you assess the condition of the building and identify problems to solve before the water repellent is applied.
Though they're major components, water-repellents are still only one part of the system for stopping water damage. Expertise, structural integrity and a reliable, tested water repellent all work together.
As masonry designs change to fit economic realities, the right water repellent can help ensure nsure your masonry keeps its promise of low maintenance, durability and beauty.
Gary Henry is a business communication specialist at PROSOCO, an international manufacturer of products for cleaning, protecting and maintaining brick, concrete and stone.
GROUT PUMPS
• Ideal for grouting metal door frames in place
• Both hand operated & air powered models are available
• Output up to 11 gallons/minute
• Capable of 10 foot vertical lift
• 1.9 or 4.6 gallon hopper size
• Empty weight is 19 to 32 pounds
KENRICH
KENRICH
KR PRODUCTS, INC.
6853 #B Ν.Ε. 42nd Ave. Portland, OR 97218
Phone (503) 281-6190 Fax (503) 281-6227
PRODUCTS www.kenrichproducts.com
KHK Scaffolding Houston, Inc.
(800) 545-0075 Fax: (713) 465-9965. Scaffolding and shoring frames are manufactured at our Houston facility. All frames are powder coated for long-lasting durability KHK guarantees the highest quality at the lowest prices.