Facade Infiltration: Complete Guide to Building Maintenance
For a long time, the issue of infiltration in facades - whether for large industries, buildings or homes - has been treated as a major problem for managers.
In this case, we derive the term “managers” from an industry professional specialized in maintaining the general maintenance of the plant, a liquidator responsible for assertive conservation decisions with the best cost/benefit for their property, or even to homeowners who strive for the highest quality of their work, always keeping it flashy and away from the problems caused by seepage on the facades.
At this point, we believe it is very important to explain the difference between waterproofing and hydrophobing of facades so that you understand the role of each of them and can choose the best solution.
According to the IBI (Brazilian Institute of Waterproofing), consists of the application of specific products for each phase of the work and whose main objective is to protect various areas of a property against the action of water, whether caused by the moisture that resides in the soil, the action of rain, direct washing of surfaces or places that constantly receive plenty of water, such as bathrooms, kitchen, backyards, swimming pools, etc.
Waterproofing must always be done from the beginning of the work, in accordance with ABNT NBR 9575 and ABNT NBR 9574.
Remember that there is no single product that solves the entire infiltration problem.
It is necessary to be very attentive when building to correctly apply the ideal product for each phase of the work, from underpinning until the finish.
What is hydrofugation?
It is the action of specific, high-performance chemical compounds that repel water and moisture, without altering the color or brightness of the applied surface.
The most common use of hydrophobing is on facades with some type of porosity, such as paints, exposed concrete, exposed brick cladding, porous stones, projected texture, among others, which causes water absorption and which, over time, can cause internal damage to the building structure, damaging from painting, mortar, plaster and even the corrosion of the iron structure.
In addition to the benefits generated for the conservation of the structure, another factor that causes thousands of users to use high-quality water repellents is their aesthetic effect.
Not least, this issue is a subject that goes beyond what the eye can see.
With the aesthetic preservation of your industry, building, business or residence, you have a substantial gain in the valuation of the property.
After all, that's what it seems to you, and when a property remains in good condition, it is undeniable that there will be a gain from its application as an added value to the property.
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What should I choose, waterproofing or water repellent?
Waterproofing and water repellants should not be treated as exclusive products, i.e. the use of one should not eliminate the use of the other.
We can break down the use of each one in the following situations:
Facades with plastering and paint/texture: for facades that will be plastered with cement mortars, waterproofing must be used on the mortar itself so that there is protection between the brickwork and the paint/texture. The paint/texture used on this plaster should also serve as a barrier waterproof. It is common to use waterproof paints, even before the finishing paint, to have an additional layer of protection. Finally, the use of the water repellent on the paint or texture will serve as an invisible layer of protection for it, against the accumulation of dirt, water infiltration and preservation of the paint/texture for much longer.
Apparent brick: in this case, water repellent or waterproofing can be used, depending on the effect you want to have on the facade. In the case of the water repellent, you will have water repellency without changing the original color or shine of the brick, maintaining its original rustic appearance. If you choose to have a shiny apparent brick, acrylic resins can be used for this purpose.
Designed texture: despite containing additives waterproofing agents in the mortar itself, the use of water repellent on this type of substrate can help form an initial barrier layer against water infiltration and will also help to preserve the appearance of the material for longer, since the accumulation of dirt on the surface is considerably reduced with the reduction of water infiltration into the material. Another advantage of using water repellent on designed textures is that the water repellent (silane siloxane) allows gas exchange of the material, not forming a film, as waterproofing agents would form.
Apparent concrete: It ends up being the same case as exposed brick, if you choose a glossy appearance, waterproofing agents, such as acrylic resins, will give the desired aesthetic effect. If you choose to maintain the color and shine of the concrete, the water repellent based on silane siloxane is the best option. Remember that this type of water repellent on any type of surface will allow gas exchange between the substrate and the environment (breathable surface).
But how to choose the right water repellent for your property?
Nowadays, there are several quality products on the market for outdoor walls.
Each of them with its characteristics of chemical composition and form of application.
But if you are looking for a quality seal to guarantee it, be sure to check out Blok products.
BlokSeal It is a product developed in the laboratory with the highest hydrophobic silicone technology, capable of easily repelling the effects of water.
After all, your work deserves maximum protection in water repellency and BlokSeal There is a line of water-repellent silicones ideal for protecting surfaces that receive the constant impact of water.
Easy to apply, high performance and quick drying, BlokSeal and BlokSeal CC sane water repellents, based on silane and siloxane, which protect and preserve the appearance of the material and maintain the natural aesthetics of the surface, that is, they have no effect of darkening or lightening the surface, keeping it with its original appearance.
Where to use water repellents?
Widely used, it is strongly recommended for applications in concrete apparent, façade cladding in a projected texture, exposed brick, unglazed ceramic and porous stone façade.
As mentioned before, if you are looking for a solution in which you want not to change the color or brightness of the surface, while maintaining the natural appearance of the substrate, water-repellent silicone Silane-based siloxane is the best alternative.
Note that the use of this type of product, in addition to preventing infiltration, will also help protect materials against dirt accumulation and also long-term conservation.
In this way, reducing maintenance costs, such as washing or repainting the façade.
You may not even see the protective layer of the BlokSeal line, but it will be impossible not to see the results.
Use BlokSeal in your construction and do not give a chance for moisture.
Summarizing All Information
With all that said, you might be wondering where to start. So let's summarize all the information to make your job easier.
First of all, there is not just one product to solve every step of a façade infiltration solution. For each stage, a specific product.
Use waterproofing, such as acrylic resin, if you want the surface to be shiny. If you want the surface to keep the same color and original shine, use the water-repellent silicone.
The use of water-repellent silicone not only serves to heal infiltrations that already exist on the façade, but also to maintain the appearance of the façade always new, with less accumulation of dirt.
Preventing infiltration of facades will also help to preserve the building structure, preventing the degradation of mortars, concrete and hardware.
If the surface is coated with a mineral projected texture, the use of water repellent is essential to prevent infiltration, but also to keep the material breathable.
For these situations, periodic maintenance must be carried out to replace sealants to prevent water from penetrating.
these sealants they can be made of polyurethane (PU), neutral silicone or modified silicone (MS).
Each of these products must be applied according to the manufacturer's guidance and replaced according to the time indicated in their technical manuals.
Blok offers the best solutions for your work.
Get to know BlokSeal CC, a super concentrated version that facilitates transportation and application labor.
Blok It is the line of waterproofing agents that always puts quality in each product and efficiency at every stage of its work ahead.
From the foundation to the roof, through walls and facades, no matter the challenge. Blok is the guarantee that your work deserves.
And only those who have been ahead of time for almost 30 years know that no work is the same.
That's why we also offer the super concentrated version, theBlokSeal CC, which allows the preparation in dilution of water directly on the construction site, promoting more convenience, especially for large areas and places with high heights, facilitating the transportation and handling of the product.
Compare, ask your questions and find out which product is the most suitable to guarantee the best cost/benefit for your work.
After all, safety and quality are key words in any construction.
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