Penetrating Damp

Penetrating Damp and Water Repellents

Penetrating damp is the largest source of unwanted water in buildings and can cause serious damage to the fabric of the structure in many ways:-

Penetration of rain through the wall to cause damp patches
Frost damage
Cracking due to swelling and shrinkage
Impairment of thermal insulation properties
Conditions suitable for organic growth (moss, algae)
Efflorescence and salt damage caused by hydration and crystallization

Where there is water penetration in masonry causing these problems, they can be prevented or considerably reduced by the use of water repellents available from ACS.

There are three products available from ACS and their use in general is briefly described below (a full Code of Practice is available for the application of water repellents).

How to treat Penetrating Damp

Preparation

Surfaces must be dry, dust free without cracks or spalling.

Application

ACS 290 Water Repellent and Universal Water Repellent are supplied ready for use; the AQ Silicone Water Repellent is a solvent free concentrate diluted 1 part to 14 parts water.

The preferred application method is low irrigation flood coats to the surface, paying particular attention to mortar joints.

Precautions

Sensitive areas such as windows, stained wood and aluminium should be protected accordingly.

Consumption

Will vary from 1 to 4 sq.m/litre depending on the porosity of the substrate.

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