Silotreat - Hydrophobic Impregnation

There is no doubt that if we prevent water and its dissolved products from penetrating the structure, we drastically reduce negative impacts. However, the key question is, what is the right way to achieve this?

It is known that water absorption due to capillary action in concrete can be prevented through standard hydrophobization. Over time, monomeric alkyl-alkoxy-silanes have proven exceptionally effective in achieving this effect. However, this standard hydrophobization represents an additional technological step in the construction or repair process of concrete. This is not always possible due to execution schedules, concrete curing, or other reasons. In the long term, omitting this step proves to be a costly decision.

There is no doubt that if we prevent water and its dissolved products from penetrating the structure, we drastically reduce negative impacts. However, the key question is, what is the right way to achieve this? Treatment with water-repellent systems, called hydrophobization, using SiloTreat^® construction protection products, is effective and unique. The SiloTreat® Concrete DH hydrophobizer penetrates deep into the concrete and creates permanent protection against water transfer in its liquid form. At the same time, it preserves the ability for vapors to migrate from the inside out.

 

Unlike SiloTreat^®, polymer coatings designed to protect structures, such as acrylic or epoxy systems, form a film on the surface. Water cannot penetrate the coating, but water vapor from the interior also cannot migrate out due to blocked pores on the surface. Thus, a large portion of the vapor transitions into a liquid phase, initiating processes of leaching water-soluble components contained in the concrete and masonry mortars, and processes of secondary crystallization, for example, when in contact with carbon dioxide.


Photos 2, 3, and 4: Examples of massive leaching of calcium hydroxide from concrete and the formation of calcium carbonate on the surface of untreated elements.



 

 



In other words, the large molecules of polymer water protection coatings seal the pores of the substrate, preventing it from "breathing." The process deepens, passing through various stages of physical and chemical changes. This leads to increased internal stress, causing damage, with the visible result often being common white spots on the surface, deteriorated protective coating, and even crumbling and chipping of concrete pieces. The aging induced by UV rays, which significantly reduces the protective properties of the coatings, should also not be ignored.

In contrast to the described scenario, the hydrophobic molecules of the low-viscosity, liquid silane system SiloTreat^® Concrete DH are hundreds of times smaller than the size of the pores. Thanks to this, the product penetrates deep into the concrete matrix and chemically bonds with the inner walls of the pores, increasing surface tension and creating long-lasting hydrophobic protection in depth. Water and dissolved contaminants cannot enter the pores, but water vapor migrates freely. The structure remains "breathable."

Photo 5: Concrete with an impermeable coating, deteriorated due to the movement of water in liquid form (capillary action) and condensation of water vapor under the coating. Again, there is a lack of deep hydrophobized concrete layer under the coating.


 


The silane system SiloTreat^® Concrete DH not only protects your buildings but ultimately protects your investments. Its specific properties contribute to adding valuable operational qualities to concrete structures:

• The water-repellent product SiloTreat^® Concrete DH penetrates deeply and is not affected by UV rays or abrasive stress (e.g., traffic, wind erosion, etc.).
• SiloTreat^® Concrete DH maintains the vapor permeability of the concrete.
• The deep hydrophobizer SiloTreat^® Concrete DH does not change the appearance of the concrete surface.
• SiloTreat^® Concrete DH can significantly extend the service life of concrete structures.
• SiloTreat^® Concrete DH can be used before applying the product SiloTreat® Concrete BE, which serves for surface hydrophobization.
• SiloTreat^® Concrete DH increases the resistance of the concrete surface subjected to freeze-thaw cycles.
• SiloTreat^® Concrete DH is an excellent base for paints and coatings. It prevents water transfer through capillary action at the boundary between the coating and concrete, prevents peeling, prevents the formation of crystals that break through the coating, increases the adhesion of styrene dispersion, methacrylate resin, silicone, and epoxy systems, and ensures long-lasting service life.

 
Areas of Application:

• Exposed/architectural concrete
• Facade fiber-cement boards
• Concrete pavements
• Concrete parking areas
• Bridge structures
• Port facilities
• Tunnels and underpasses
• Concrete panels
• Reinforced concrete pipe racks
• Hydraulic structures, etc.