High humidity is the main enemy of most surfaces or structures. Humanity throughout the entire time of its existence is constantly waging an invisible struggle with it. And it has long been proven: the hydrophobic coating copes best with it. To date, there are plenty of them, and they honestly prove their right to use.
What is a hydrophobic coating
A hydrophobic coating is the effect of not wetting the surface to which it is applied: brick, concrete, glass, stone, gypsum, and so on. Moreover, thanks to it, the treated surface is more resistant to corrosion processes or the effects of low temperatures on it. What is important for reinforced concrete or concrete structural elements.
Hydrophobic coating is a modern substance for treating any surface. The main goal and objective is to protect it, first of all, from the destructive effects of moisture. Available as a spray or in a liquid state. Therefore, it is not required to have special skills or to attract a specialist to use it. Do-it-yourself hydrophobic coating on any surface, strictly following the instructions for use.
Scope of water repellents
Hydrophobic coating is used to process finished products in factories with open warehouses, to reduce its water absorption, increase heat resistance or frost resistance. And also before transporting it from these warehouses. For anticorrosion treatment of a car body or other parts made of metal. Also, in order to preserve the paintwork of the car. To strengthen and protect concrete, stone and other structural elements from exposure to weather changes and temperature extremes, as well as high humidity.
How does a hydrophobic agent work
Each hydrophobic coating has an active filler, which, interacting with the surface, forms a special very thin layer - a film. It is she who prevents the penetration of moisture through herself, creating a kind of anti-corrosion barrier. This coating can handle fabric elements, metal, glass, even in very adverse weather conditions, extending their service life. The line of new and modern hydrophobic substances includes:
- wax compounds;
- Teflon coating
- silicon based organic matter;
- corrosion with silicone inhibitors;
Having a unique structure and composition, the hydrophobic coating is able to penetrate deep into the pores of the surface, while creating a thin invisible layer by crystallization.
Types of hydrophobic material
All products of the range of water-repellent coatings are divided into four main types:
- varnishes;
- impregnation;
- special paints;
- stains.
Varnishes are used to process and protect wooden surfaces from damage, decay and other destructive actions, they are made in unpainted form, that is, completely colorless. It is easy to lay on the surface, the service life is quite large. Painted surfaces become attractive and shiny. The processing process takes place in two stages: surface preparation and the process of applying the material.
Impregnation. Used in the construction of paths on terraces or the erection of walls of a building. The material is applied both at the time of bookmarking, and at its completion. The use of impregnation is especially effective for porous surfaces, where, as a rule, water enters, which subsequently leads to a deterioration in both the appearance of the surface and its inherent characteristics.
Stains. The basis of this product is drying oil, which especially affects the quality of wooden surfaces and is perfectly absorbed by the latter. It is applied by roller, brush or spray method.
Special paints. Suitable for all types of wall surfaces. The product is easily applied to the material, odorless, moisture resistant and hygienic, vapor permeable and economical. Paint easily lays on a damp base. After drying, it becomes an excellent protective barrier against high humidity and its effects.
Hydrophobic agent and car
Hydrophobic coatings for a car can be purchased in almost any car shop. The body treated with this substance for many years will protect it from corrosion or other contaminants, it perfectly protects the paintwork and prevents the appearance of scratches on its surface. If you apply a hydrophobic coating with your own hands by polishing the metal parts of the main components of the car, this will extend the life of the car as a whole.
Now, such products are sold in a variety of forms. Modern hydrophobic coatings for automobiles are non-toxic, indifferent. And most importantly - they are able to completely protect the treated surface from damage due to high humidity. The hydrophobic coating for car windows has a unique water-repellent effect. And this is a safe ride in heavy rain or heavy rain.
Waterproof concrete with additives
As you know, concrete is a material that has a high coefficient of water absorption, therefore it is recommended to additionally and specifically process it. After all, moisture that penetrates its surface will not only lead to shedding of the base, but also to damage its integrity. Often, a hydrophobic coating for concrete, applied to its surface, can completely protect it from this incident. But in some cases this is not enough, and you have to change the structure of the material in order to minimize the level of porosity, making it more durable.
Advantages of Water Repellents
The main and indisputable advantages of these substances are:
- Lightweight work with materials, such as concrete. In finished designs, they are almost invisible.
- During the crystallization process, a light film capable of passing air is formed.
- Non-toxic and do not contain substances harmful to human health, do not pollute the environment.
- The processing of building facades by these means prolongs their service life.
Remember that in order to achieve the desired effect from water repellents, you need to correctly and skillfully take into account the nuance: each of the surfaces that will be processed by them has its own special means. And for this it is better to use either the advice of a competent person, or entrust this matter to an experienced specialist. With the right approach and the right choice, the surfaces and structural elements processed by him will serve you for many years.
Hydrophobic compounds in the waterproofing of walls
Since the beginning of the development of architecture and construction of structures, one of their main elements has been roofing. A reliable roof is a symbol of building protection. And we must admit that it is it that is subjected to the greatest influence of natural and temperature loads. Therefore, it requires additional attention and processing. If you apply a hydrophobic coating for stone in construction or in decorating certain parts of a country house with this material, then the appearance of the material will always have its original appearance.
For this purpose, developers of water-repellent coatings have created special additives. They are able to influence the density of the solution and plasticity. The result is a concrete solution that is convenient for laying, and when dried, it is a solid, durable, waterproof and resistant to low temperatures product. To achieve such an effect during construction using concrete, it is necessary to use the additives listed below or separately in combination:
- Colmatizing.
- Polymer.
- Plasticizing.
Comparative characteristics of water repellents
Hydrophobic agents first appeared about 40 years ago. They were based on: an organosilicon solution, which included polyhydroxyloxane, Na methylsiliconate and Na ethylsiliconate. These substances had negative qualitative properties: low in efficiency and fire hazard. To date, they have completely disappeared from production. The modern tools of this line are for the most part made from polyorganosiloxane and its derivatives: polymethylhydride siloxanes liquids, resins from polymethylsiloxanes, alkali metals, alkyl siliconates or other compositions based on the latter. These products are non-toxic, harmless, and not harmful to the environment and to the human body.
Surface and volume hydrophobization
Surface hydrophobization is carried out by injection or by applying a substance with a brush, roller, spray. Volumetric hydrophobization is carried out by injection into specially drilled holes in the walls of a building or other surfaces. Drilling is done in a checkerboard pattern with a slope in depth almost to the very end. Further, a hydrophobic material is introduced into these holes under a certain pressure. This method of surface treatment is considered more effective than the first.
This is due to the fact that the denser the surface is impregnated with a substance, the stronger the hydrophobic protection is considered. Such protection does not lose its properties for 30 years during surface treatment, and if bulk is applied, then the entire service life of the structure.