Hydrophobic Impregnation

A comparison of capillary water uptake: the untreated substrate absorbs water (left picture). When hydrophobic impregnation is applied, the water beads off (right picture).

With SILRES^® BS, WACKER offers hydrophobic impregnations that siliconize the pores of mineral substrates. Unlike film-forming coatings, organosilicon-based water-repellent agents do not block pores, and so maintain the breathabilityof the substrate. At the same time, water can no longer penetrate into capillaries in liquid form, since, as a polar liquid, it is unable to interact with the non-polar hydrophobic surface.

Benefits:

SILRES^® BS has a good penetration depth. Because it is not film-forming, water vapor can escape.

Reduction of capillary water uptake by at least 80%:

Low capillary water uptake is the most efficient protection against rain and damp
Hydrophobic impregnation reduces water uptake and retains water vapor permeablity

Extremely long-lasting protection from water due to:

High penetration depth
Sufficient resistance to alkalis
UV stability
Freeze-thaw resistance

Film-forming systems (coating and impregnation) will not be permeable to water vapor. Water penetrates at damaged areas and causes further deterioration.

Impregnation of New and Existing Buildings

Hydrophobic impregnation of a façade can help to reduce maintenance and heating costs, make it easier to clean and increase the value of the property. SILRES^® BS hydrophobic impregnation agents combine excellent technical performance with ease of application.

Application:

Brick, mortar
Sand-lime brick
Sandstone
Marble, limestone
Granite
Mineral plaster

Pre-Impregnation of Construction Materials

Hydrophobic impregnation with SILRES^® BS protects clay-based building materials and bricks against efflorescence, allowing them to remain breathable. Application is very easy: the clay products are simply dipped in or sprayed with the hydrophobization agent.

SILRES® BS protects against water, salts and grime. Water vapor can escape despite the water-repellent hydrophobic impregnating agent.

How hydrophobic treatment of open pore, heavy clay ceramic works - SILRES^® BS protects against water, salts and grime. Water vapor can escape despite the water-repellent hydrophobic impregnating agent.