The best water repellents

In order to preserve the operational characteristics and a decent appearance of the facade, as well as the internal surfaces of the building, materials must be impregnated with special solutions on an acrylic or organosilicon base. They protect coatings from moisture, water, sunlight and increase the service life of structures. Representatives of the rating of the best hydrofibers, which were selected taking into account customer reviews on the basis of efficiency, safety, versatility, adequately cope with such tasks.

Rating of water repellents

Before writing the rating, customer reviews were analyzed and a consultation with sellers and builders was held. The main selection criteria were as follows:

• Scope - indoors or outdoors;
• The basis of the composition;
• Hydrophobization method - surface, volumetric or mixed;
• Consumption;
• Waterproof rate;
• Protection retention period;
• Working temperature;
• The required number of layers;
• Shelf life;
• Penetration depth;
• Additional protection - against dirt, fungi, frost, oil, efflorescence or corrosion;
• Versatility;
• Liquid color;
• Full fixation time;
• Water vapor permeability.

Also important parameters were safety, value for money of goods. After comparing 20 applicants, 7 best water repellents were selected. For convenience, they are divided into 3 categories: for brick, stone and concrete, for paving slabs and wood.

Water repellents for brick, stone and concrete

To protect brick, stone and concrete structures from moisture and water, silicone, organic and inorganic flame retardants are used. The first ones are characterized by increased durability and additional additives that enhance frost resistance and improve the decorative properties of products. They also prevent mold growth. The second option is distinguished by high penetrating ability, resistance to weathering and intensive moisture removal. Out of 7 tested nominees, 3 products showed high efficiency.

Elcon Aqwel

The wet effect water repellent is supplied in a 0.9 l container containing a colorless homogeneous liquid that does not need to be diluted. In addition to the water-repellent effect, the silicone composition enhances the color of the treated surface, and also protects it from the appearance of fungi and moss. It is suitable for working with concrete, brick and natural stone. The advantage of the product is the preservation of optimal air permeability of the material by creating a thin protective film.

Elcon Aqwel can be applied with a roller, brush or pneumatic spray. The protective coating is formed within 24 hours. In order to avoid poor quality results, before processing, it is important to make sure that the humidity of the air and the surface does not exceed 80% and 60%. The substance is not recommended to be applied to areas exposed to prolonged exposure to water, as this leads to the disappearance of the wet effect. Buyers note a sufficiently deep penetration of the impregnation into the pores of materials - up to 35 mm.

Advantages:

• Low consumption - 1l / 6-6 sq. m;
• Excellent water resistance - 120 mm water. Art .;
• Wide operating temperature range - from -30 to + 40 ° C;
• The protection period is 10 years;
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Disadvantages:

• It is necessary to apply 2-3 layers;
• Not suitable for highly porous surfaces.

It is recommended to maintain a pause of 10-20 minutes between layers to form an even coating

Dali

A composition of organosilicon compounds in the form of a concentrate, which is recommended to be diluted only for poorly absorbent substrates (1 liter of mixture to 1.5 liters of water). The product has proven itself well in protecting natural stone, concrete, slate, paving slabs, plasters, tiles and other porous surfaces from moisture ingress. The water repellent penetrates into the structure of the material up to 5 mm and increases their corrosion and frost resistance, and also prevents efflorescence and fungal infections.

Impregnation is often added to cement and construction mixtures to enhance the water repelling properties. The liquid is colorless, therefore it does not affect the appearance of materials. It can be applied with a roller, brush or spray at a temperature of at least + 5 ° C and a minimum humidity of 80%. Work can be performed both inside and outside the premises, provided that the air humidity is no more than 85% and the temperature is from +5 to 40 ° C. Final strength is achieved within 24 hours. Depending on the material, the flow rate is 0.15-0.25 l / m².

Advantages:

• Does not affect the appearance of the processed materials;
• Water-repellent properties appear after 12 hours;
• 1 layer required;
• Long-term service of hydrophobic coating - more than 15 years;
• Retains vapor and gas permeability;
• Versatility.

Disadvantages:

• It is difficult to wash off surfaces that cannot be treated.

If there is a need to apply several layers, then it is important to take into account that each subsequent coating should be processed before the previous one dries.

Neomid H2O Stop

Water repellent impregnation based on organic and inorganic fire retardants is intended for porous surfaces: paving slabs, drywall, aerated concrete, foam block, brick, etc. It is supplied in a 5 liter package and needs to be diluted with water in proportions 1: 2. If the processed product will be under constant exposure to moisture, then the concentration should be increased to 1: 1. The maximum durability of the coating occurs within 24 hours.

The aqueous solution increases the service life of building materials by improving thermal insulation and frost-resistant properties, as well as protecting them from moisture. It has a dirt-repelling effect, which makes it easy to keep the facades clean. Neomid H2O Stop is often used for protection against capillary trays and for hydrofibic separation of walls from the foundation. Water-repellent properties appear within 10 minutes.

Advantages:

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use;
• Wallpapering and painting with oil paint after application is allowed;
• Prevents the formation of efflorescence;
• Wide range of applications;
• Remains effective after 5 freeze-thaw cycles;

Disadvantages:

• Large consumption - 200-500 g / m².

Buyers write that Neomid H2O Stop is well applied both with a brush and roller, and from spray guns. But to save money, it is better to use the latter option.

Water repellents for paving slabs

For paving slabs, mixtures of silanes and silicates are mainly used. They are versatile and highly efficient. Such compositions increase corrosion resistance and protect well against moisture, alkalis and weak acids. Their feature is a decrease in the adhesion of ice to tiles, which greatly facilitates its clearing of ice. The experts at expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ carefully studied 6 candidates. After a detailed comparison, the 2 winners with the most points were selected.

Tiprom U1

The product is supplied in a 5 liter canister containing a ready-to-use mixture of siloxanes and silanes in the form of an organic solution. The water repellent agent is intended for aerated concrete, natural stone, plaster, concrete (ceramic and silicate), slate, paving slabs and other mineral products in order to provide protection against the ingress of water and moisture. The product increases their resistance to corrosion, acids and alkalis. The concentrate can be applied at temperatures between -20 and + 30 ° C using a spray, roller or brush.

The advantage of the product is to facilitate the process of removing ice from paving slabs by reducing the adhesion of ice to the surface. Builders often use it to eliminate capillary drift in structures and prevent re-efflorescence. It does not discolor the treated areas and does not impede steam retention. Manufacturers do not recommend using the product for finely porous surfaces that are often in contact with water and are located horizontally.

Advantages:

• Penetrates deeply - up to 35 mm;
• Prevents the formation of mold;
• Provides long-term durability - 10 years;
• Average consumption - 150-350 ml / m²;
• Can be applied to damp items.

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for indoor use;
• Pungent solvent odor.

Altereco Prom-expert 11

The Russian-made product is supplied in a 1 liter container and does not need dilution. It is designed for processing slate structures, concrete, building and artificial stone. The water repellent is also suitable for bricks, paving slabs and other materials containing silicates. Altereco Prom-expert 11 has a water-repellent and antiseptic effect, and also prevents efflorescence and corrosion.

For maximum hydrophobization, it is recommended to use the product in dry weather at temperatures not lower than + 5 ° C, and preferably at + 15-20 ° C. It can be applied with a roller, brush or spray. Before processing, it is important to clean the surface from dirt, dust, traces of oil and grease, get rid of fragile plaster.

Advantages:

• Optimal flow rate - 150-300 ml / m²;
• Biodegradable composition;
• Shelf life - 2 years;
• Low price;
• Does not contain solvents.

Disadvantages:

• Reaches maximum strength in 48 hours.

The substance is fireproof and does not form harmful vapors, therefore it is suitable for interior work.

Water repellents for wood

Wooden structures handle well impregnations of siloxane and silane, a fluorocarboxylic polymer., Which are used in addition to antiseptics... They are distinguished by multi-stage protection: from dirt, moisture, water, oil, alkalis and weather conditions. Resistance to the formation of fungi and other microorganisms is especially important. Six nominees took part in the selection. The editors of expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ chose 2 winners, who were distinguished by their versatility and high efficiency.

Sika Sikagard-703W 5L 414

The water repellent impregnation is made on the basis of siloxane and silane, it is supplied in a 5 liter package. The aqueous emulsion is not diluted and is immediately ready for use. The product has proven itself well in protecting against moisture ingress on structures made of wood, stone, concrete, brick, asbestos cement, masonry and reinforced concrete. Also, the composition significantly increases the resistance of the base to pollution and the formation of fungi.

Sika Sikagard-703W 5L 414 must be applied by spraying with a roller or brush at low pressure and an air temperature of +5 to + 35 ° C. After processing, all surfaces retain their original appearance and are ready to be painted with flexible paints. They are protected from the harmful effects of alkalis.

Advantages:

• Eco-friendly material;
• Does not contain solvents and phosphates;
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use;
• Does not affect vapor permeability;
• Does not emit harmful fumes.

Disadvantages:

• Large consumption - 150-500 ml / m².

Customers note the high efficiency of Sika Sikagard-703W 5L 414 in protecting cornices, balconies and terraces from moisture and dirt.

Bionic MVO

Water repellent for wood from the Russian manufacturer "Leto Trade" is supplied in a 10 liter canister. It is made of fluorocarbon polymer and functional additives that have oil, dirt and water repellency effects. Bionic MVO is not subject to atmospheric influences, temperature changes and the influence of acids, alkalis and salts. The composition is compatible with brickwork, plaster, ceramics, concrete, brick, artificial and natural stone, gas block and other absorbent surfaces.

The product does not violate the structure of the material, thereby maintaining its vapor permeability. The treated surface can be used after 6-8 hours. Full fixation occurs in 24 hours. The water repellent can be applied with a spray, brush or roller. Re-coat using the wet-on-wet method. The tack-free time depends on the ambient and surface temperature. On average, you should aim for 3 minutes. Any absorbent material will work to remove excess material.

Advantages:

• UV resistance;
• Low consumption - 50-150 g / m²;
• Biodegradable composition;
• Value for money;
• Resistance to abrasion and stress.

Disadvantages:

• White liquid.

A feature of the mixture is the creation of a wet stone effect, which emphasizes the structure and color of the material.

How to choose a water repellent

When choosing a water repellent, it is important to take into account the material to be processed, the composition and the effect.

Processed material

For structures made of concrete, brick and stone, a silicone water repellent, a mixture of organic and inorganic fire retardants, is suitable. A high level of protection for paving slabs and wood will be provided by a composition of silanes and silicates. It is also good to handle such products with a fluorocarboxylic polymer-based product.

Composition

The silicone composition is practical and has a high durability. It has additional additives that significantly improve the appearance of products, provide excellent resistance to frost, corrosion and fungal growth. The base of organic and inorganic fire retardants and fluorocarbon polymer penetrates deep into the pores and intensively removes moisture. It is quite resistant to temperature extremes, frost and mechanical stress.

the effect

Additional substances in the formulations contribute to better surface protection. Dirt-repellent property will keep fences and facades clean from dust, splashes and dirt. For the operation of products at high and low temperatures, thermal and frost resistance is important. Structures that are exposed to prolonged exposure to moisture require resistance to corrosion, the growth of fungi and other microorganisms. The tolerance of alkalis, acids and salts is also important.

Which water repellent is better

Which water repellent is better depends largely on the effect:

• Those who want to protect their products from corrosion, fungi and moss, as well as get a wet effect, should buy the ready-to-use Elcon Aqwel compound.
• To prevent efflorescence, fungal infections and to increase the resistance of structures to frost and corrosion, the Dali concentrate is the best option.
• Frost-resistant Neomid H2O Stop will well protect against dirt.
• If the paving slabs are exposed to prolonged exposure to moisture, alkalis and acids, you should choose a ready-made mixture "Tiprom U1 or Altereco Prom-expert 11".
• For wood, a good solution would be to purchase Sika Sikagard-703W 5L 414, resistant to dirt and mold growth, or Bionic MVO.

High-quality water repellents will maintain the integrity of structures for a long time, despite frequent temperature changes and high humidity. The TOP contains the safest, most effective and versatile formulations.