Structural Risks During Winter: Corrosion and Volumetric Expansion

As we approach the end of December, the effects of seasonal conditions on buildings are becoming more apparent. In the field of restoration and building conservation, winter months are generally a critical period for analyzing problems caused by water and moisture. One of the most frequently encountered structural problems during this period, yet not immediately noticeable from the outside, is corrosion.

The Invisible Threat of Winter: Volumetric Expansion

Increased rainfall and high humidity in winter cause precipitation to seep through the pores of building materials such as stone, brick, and concrete, reaching the metal reinforcements, clamps, and tensioners inside. This accelerates the rusting process of the metal.

In restoration, the most important physical consequence of corrosion to consider is volumetric expansion. When iron oxidizes, its chemical structure changes, and its volume can increase to approximately seven times its original size.

The volumetric increase of metal elements embedded in building materials creates significant internal pressure and stress on the surrounding stone or concrete. Over time, this pressure can lead to the following:

• Hairline Cracks: The formation and growth of cracks in a material.
• Spalling: Breakages in stone or concrete surfaces that lead to disintegration.
• Loss of Adhesion: Weakening of the bonding strength between structural elements.

Professional Protection Against Corrosion

Surface damage observed on facades or load-bearing elements during this season is generally caused by corrosion that progresses during winter conditions. To extend the lifespan of structural elements and prevent this physical damage, it is necessary to control the corrosion process at the chemical level.

Our technological solution, developed for this very purpose, aims to protect your buildings against the damaging effects of winter:

Restora Steel Rust Fix

This is a specialized organo-functional silane-based product developed to protect steel reinforcement and metal elements in reinforced concrete structures from corrosion. It minimizes the risk of corrosion without disrupting the natural balance of the structure.

Technical Specifications and Advantages

• Chloride-Induced Corrosion Protection: Prevents chloride ions from reaching the reinforcement in structures exposed to de-icing salts used in winter or marine environments (breakwaters, piers, bridges).
• Deep Penetration: Rather than forming a film layer on the surface, it penetrates deep into the material, reaching the reinforcing steel and exhibiting resistance to alkaline environments.
• Breathable Surfaces: Thanks to their water vapor permeability, they allow moisture from within the concrete or stone to escape. Their colorless nature does not alter the appearance of the material.
• Electrochemical Equilibrium: By balancing electrochemical potential differences within the structure, it reduces the reactions that initiate corrosion.

Take your building into the future.

Protect your building's load-bearing systems against harsh winter conditions with Restora Steel Rust Fix and avoid risking your structural integrity.