What is the purpose of hydrophobic facade?

All building structures have a common enemy - it's moisture. And if the air gap and waterproofing are saved when creating ventilated facades, then this method for concrete or stone walls is not suitable. Hydrophobization of the facade prevents moisture from entering the structure from a monolith or brick and creates a film on the treated surfaces that does not allow water to pass through.

Differences

Such technological work can provide protection against the destructive effect of water, but they have their own peculiarities in the field of use and methods of implementation.

Hydrophobization of the facade consists in applying waterproof materials on the surface, requiring protection. Widely spread and purchased fused and glued types, made from natural or polymeric substances. This coating is used to protect against prolonged effects of moisture. The main disadvantage is a minimum vapor permeability, because of which the wall construction may violate the gas exchange process. The pores are compacted after application of a special formulation, and the building ceases to "breathe".

When using mineral materials such as plaster, concrete, stone, brick and sandstone for finishing the facade, hydrophobization becomes an important factor in their protection. When using technology, the walls change their characteristics. Hydrophobizers are compositions that have a deep penetration and form a water-repellent film. So the level of the influence of dampness decreases, but the vapor permeability remains the same. This technology is useless for continuous contact with water.

Composition

Hydrophobization of the facade implies the use of active chemicals with a high penetrating ability. A distinctive feature of the drugs is high adhesion, which makes it possible to obtain a monolithic layer with low hygroscopicity. The surface subjected to processing, due to this, acquires protection from the direct influence of atmospheric precipitation (including oblique rain).

The hydrophobizators contain silanes, siloxanes, silicates that penetrate the material a few centimeters deep through the porous surface. The layer being formed has breathable, frost-resistant and waterproof characteristics.

Advantages

Hydrophobization of the facade has many advantages, the main of which are:

• Prevention of elution from the wall of binders. Due to this, the probability of formation of highs on the surface (salt coating) and further destruction of the material disappears.
• If all the nuances of application are observed, the average period of coating efficiency is about 15 years.

• Preservation of the level of vapor permeability allows to maintain the optimum air composition inside the premises.
• The wall structure after the treatment is not subject to wetting, which leads to a deterioration of the thermal insulation characteristics.
• Coverage provides a simple care for the surface of the facade.

Hydrophobization of the facade: technology

The application of the composition is possible both in the construction of the house and in the process of operation. The distribution of impregnation is not difficult and allows you to quickly process even a large surface area. The list of main tasks is determined after the initial assessment of the general condition. A suitable composition of impregnation is selected depending on the type of highs and the materials used for the walls.

Self-processing of low-rise buildings is possible, but as for multi-storey modern buildings, the optimal option will be hydrophobic facades by climbers. This will allow you to perform all the work regardless of complexity in a short time.

Preliminary preparation for processing is also required. It consists in cleaning the walls of dust and dirt, removing damaged materials. In most cases, it is sufficient to wash the façade with special means. Hydro-jet cleaning is used for complex soiling. Further, the surface is treated with a primer to prevent the occurrence of mold and fungus. The walls are covered with impregnation in two layers, between application of which must pass at least 1-2 hours.

Features

During the distribution of the composition, the ambient temperature is of great importance. It is important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer, since violation of the established rules is fraught with a decrease in efficiency.

The application of water repellents is similar to the painting of walls. Special sprayers provide a high speed of work, but you can do with the usual roller and brush. It is easier to prevent any problems than to deal with their consequences. Therefore, if you compare the cleaning of facades from the highs and hydrophobization, the latter option becomes more preferable and long-term.