Hydrophobizer for concrete. Which firm is better to buy a water repellent

Concrete - the material is strong, but poorly resistant to moisture. Water penetrates into the thickness of structural elements of buildings erected from it, through numerous pores. After its evaporation, white spots and stains form on their surface, which spoils the appearance of the structure. In addition, the material itself under the influence of moisture begins to deteriorate. In order to increase its water-repellent properties, it is necessary to use a hydrophobic agent for concrete.

Operating principle

When applied to concrete, the hydrophobic agent is absorbed by the pores and solidifies from the inside on their walls. As a result, capillary moisture, instead of ascending these micro-channels upward, is pushed out. It happens only with large water structures. Individual molecules pass through the pores freely. As a result, concrete acquires water-repellent properties and does not lose the ability to pass steam, that is, it remains "breathing".

Thus, water repellents significantly increase the service life of concrete structures, preventing corrosive processes, increasing the strength of their surface layer and frost resistance. In addition, they prevent the appearance of "efflorescence" on the surface of concrete products, thereby preserving their attractive appearance.

Using

The hydrophobic agent for concrete can be applied in three different ways. This means can be processed already ready-made construction or added to water in the manufacture of a concrete mixture. In the latter case, the maximum dosage indicated by the manufacturer must not be exceeded. This can adversely affect the quality of the finished concrete structure.

Also, there are injection hydrophobisers. In this case, the agent is injected into the concrete with special tools.

The most popular type of hydrophobisers at the moment are silicone coatings. It is very easy to apply them to the concrete surface. They are fed in the form of impregnated liquid emulsions or concentrates that require dilution. For application, you can use any paint tools. Most often, concrete surfaces are sprayed with hydrophobisers using a roller. In hard-to-reach places use a brush. The agent is applied to the surface until the pores stop absorbing it. The hydrophobizer dries out in about a day.

Do not apply silicone hydrophobisers before painting the surface. These agents greatly reduce the adhesive properties of materials. Therefore, walls, a balcony, a foundation, a blind or a border should first be painted, and then covered with a waterproofing-enhancing agent.

Next, consider which is better to buy a water repellent. Cheap funds from little-known companies can harm concrete structures. Some unscrupulous manufacturers make hydrophobisers based on anti-silicone not potassium, and sodium. Reacting with carbon dioxide, the latter forms a carbonate, capable of attaching water molecules and "grow", destroying the surrounding material. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase products only from firms whose products have good reviews.

Best producers

Produce means that increase the moisture resistance of concrete, many manufacturers. The most popular brands are "Aquasil", "Tiprom" and "Penta". These companies produce a good quality water repellent. The price of their products, moreover, is not too high.

Hydrophobizers "Aquasil"

Use of this company's equipment allows to reduce water absorption of foam concrete and ordinary concrete by 10-15 times. At the same time the strength of the material increases by 30%. Produces the said hydrophobizator (reviews about it only positive) homonymous firm. The main advantages of this brand are:

• Reduced alkalinity;
• Increased explosion and fire safety;
• Long service life (re-treatment will need to be done no earlier than 10 years).

Supplied funds of this manufacturer in the form of concentrates, diluted with water at a ratio of 1:10 or 1:30. The consumption of water-repellent agents "Aquasil" is approximately 0.25-0.5 kg per m ² (depending on the porosity of the concrete).

Use the means of this brand can be both as a lubricant, and voluminous materials. In the latter case, the concentrate is added to the water during the mixing of the concrete solution (in an amount not exceeding 0.5% of the weight of the cement). It costs a concentrated water repellent for concrete "Aquasil" about 300 rubles. Per kilogram.

Means of the brand "Tiprom"

It is also a very reliable and durable water repellent. His service life is 10 years. All funds of the brand "Tiprom" are divided into three groups:

• With a high level of protection - "Tiprom U" and "Tiprom U1";
• With an average - "Tiprom K" and "Tiprom K Lux";
• With a low - "Tiprom D" and Wepost Luxe.

The differences between these varieties of a hydrophobic agent are primarily in the depth of penetration into the concrete surface. So, "Tiprom K Lux" impregnates the material by 10 mm, and the modification marked "U1" - by 35 mm.

The compositions of this brand are applied in 2-3 layers and do not change the color of the surface at all. In general, this is a sufficiently high-quality hydrophobizer. The price for it can range from 200 to 300 rubles per liter.

Compositions of the brand "Penta"

The products manufactured by this manufacturer also have excellent performance. The latest development of this brand - "Penta-820" - can be used not only on dry, but also on wet surfaces. This tool - just an ideal option for the treatment of walls in damp rooms or basements. Modifications of Penta-811 and Penta 818 can also be used for volumetric hydrophobization. The product of this company - perhaps the best water repellent for today.

The service life of Penta funds is at least 10 years. The consumption of the solution is 1 liter for 3-5 m ² . The compositions of this brand also cost 200-300 rubles.

Hydrophobizer for concrete - the product is actually effective, allowing to significantly increase the service life of the treated structures and improve their performance characteristics. However, this concerns only the quality compounds produced by companies with a good reputation. Cheap funds from little-known manufacturers at best will be useless, and at worst - they will inflict irreparable harm on the structures and significantly shorten the life of the device.