Waterproofing and Water Repellency - Weather-Resistant Surfaces
Waterproofing and Water Repellency: Lifetime Durability in Your Buildings
Buildings are designed to withstand all the effects of nature and the environment for years to come, while also maintaining their appearance. Damage caused by weather conditions, in particular, can significantly shorten the lifespan of buildings. Water from various sources, such as rain, snow, groundwater, or environmental moisture , can penetrate mineral building materials such as concrete, brick, and stone, especially natural stone surfaces, due to their porous structure. Over time, these leaks lead to cracks, expansion due to freeze-thaw cycles, corrosion of reinforcement, the formation of microflora such as mold, fungi, and algae on the surface, and overall aesthetic deterioration. Therefore, waterproofing and water-repellent technologies are essential elements of modern structural engineering.
Building materials, especially outdoors, are constantly exposed to environmental influences and begin to deteriorate if protective measures are not taken. Substances such as water and moisture not only impair the aesthetic appearance of a structure but also damage the steel reinforcement that forms its foundation and maintains its integrity. Water-soluble salts such as chloride, carried by water from the surface to the interior, cause the steel reinforcement within the concrete to corrode and rust. This, in turn, reduces the bearing capacity of reinforced concrete structural elements and leads to significant repair costs. Furthermore, the expansion of water in pores during the freeze-thaw cycle, causing surface cracking, is a common problem, especially in cold climates.
For these very reasons, water-repellent materials aim to offer an effective and long-lasting solution for protecting structures against such damage. While waterproofing typically covers the entire surface, physically preventing water penetration, it penetrates the surface's micropores to create a water-repellent (hydrophobic) surface. This prevents water from entering the material, but allows water vapor to pass through, allowing the structure to remain breathable and allowing any moisture that may accumulate inside to escape. This is particularly beneficial for surfaces that require ventilation, such as historical buildings.
Silane-based water-repellent materials , a prominent feature among modern building protection materials, feature a technology that both penetrates deeply and preserves the surface's natural appearance. Water-repellent materials provide long-term protection by forming permanent chemical bonds with the surface to which they are applied. Their unique structure provides high resistance to UV rays, acid rain, salt water, and other environmental influences.
Ecotera Water Repellent Materials
Application Area: Vertical Surfaces (facades, walls, exterior surfaces)
High Water and Oil Repellency : Prevents liquids such as water, coffee, cola and cooking oil from penetrating the surface.
Easy to Clean: It allows the surface to be wiped more easily in case of liquid spills that are frequently encountered in daily life.
Biological Contamination Prevention: Prevents the formation of microflora such as algae, fungi and mold on the surface.
UV Resistance: Prevents UV (Ultraviolet) rays emitted by sunlight from damaging the surface. It does not cause yellowing or deterioration.
Application Area: Horizontal and Vertical Surfaces (terraces, floors, walls)
Anti-Contamination: Thanks to its antistatic and thermoplastic properties, it prevents external factors such as dirt, dust and mud from adhering to the surface.
Makes Cleaning Easier: Thanks to its dirt-repellent structure, it makes cleaning easier.
Prevents Algae and Moss Formation: It prevents the formation of microflora that may occur in humid environments.
High Pressure and Abrasion Resistance: It is strong and durable when applied to surfaces that are frequently subjected to pressure or where there are crowded areas.
Application Area: Mineral Based Surfaces (such as concrete, plaster, natural stone)
Penetrates Deeply: By penetrating into the surface, it not only provides external protection but also increases the integrity of the structure.
Capillary Crack Bridging: Fills micro cracks up to 0.3 mm and prevents water and dirt from entering through the cracks.
Protective Barrier: Creates a strong barrier against water, oils and environmental contaminants.
Breathability: Controls the humidity inside without hindering the natural water vapor transmission of the surface.
Application Area: Exterior and Interior Surfaces (especially areas exposed to heavy contamination)
Transparent Formula: Does not change the appearance of the surface and does not disrupt the natural texture of the surface.
Oil and Dirt Repellency: Effectively protects against industrial and food-related stains such as engine oil, grease, and beverage stains.
VOC-Free: It does not contain volatile organic compounds and is safe for the environment and human health.
High Performance: Provides superior durability even under difficult conditions and provides aesthetic and functional protection.
Application Area: Brick, tile, natural stone, concrete, mineral plasters
Silicate Based Structure: Permanence is achieved by chemically bonding with the surface.
Water Repellent Protection : Prevents water from seeping onto the surface and prevents deterioration caused by frost and moisture.
Structural Strengthening & Consolidation: It brings together loosened minerals on the surface, strengthens weakened tissues and helps the structure regain its strength.
Ideal for Natural Stone and Historical Surfaces: Provides protection without damaging the historical texture, especially in restoration works.
Why Should You Use Water Repellent Material?
- By increasing structural strength, you can ensure that your structures or surfaces remain durable and aesthetic for years.
- Thanks to its long-term protection, it significantly reduces the cost of your periodic restoration work.
- It provides transparent protection thanks to the fact that it is a material that will not damage the surface when applied to it.
- By creating a water vapor permeable protection, it also prevents the formation of microflora such as moss, algae and fungi that may occur due to moisture on the surface.
Ecotera can protect your buildings against external factors for decades with its innovative water-repellent materials.
Author: Ecotera.net
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