Water Repellents

A large number of the mechanisms leading to building damage are directly or indirectly connected with penetrating damp. Penetrating damp is where water penetrates the building material (brick, stone, render concrete etc) from the external side and is absorbed into the building material which then continues to travel through to the internal surfaces of the building.

It’s this penetrating damp that often carries salts and other pollutants from the atmosphere into the facade of the building. This can cause:

• Damage to timber elements, corrosion of wall ties and metal frame work
• Efflorescence, bursting crystals of salt, cracks, spalling in masonry work
• Loss of strength, sanding and detachment of renders
• Growth of algae and lichen on your walls

Inadequate attention is also often paid to the fact that many building materials react to an increase in moisture content by losing strength. The damage processes associated with water and moisture are far more extensive and varied than the few major ones described here.

The physical properties of the building material – particularly thermal conductivity – also change, rising dramatically and reducing insulation, as the moisture content increases.

Because water has such good heat conductivity, a reduction in the moisture content of a material always increases the thermal insulation properties of the building substrate, improves the indoor environment and also saves valuable energy.

To protect your property from penetrating damp and reduce the risk of the associated problems caused we highly recommend the application of an water repellents to all exposed external masonry surfaces. By applying an external water repellent not only will you stop penetrating damp, but you will also reduce the heat lost through your walls. A dry brick conducts just 30% of the heat lost through a damp one.

Our water repellents do not effect the substrate appearance, and leave a waterproof surface but still allow the substrate to "breath".

For help in selecting the right external water repellent for your application please feel free to contact us on 0117 938 1596, we’re here to help.