Hychem Hydragard S — Siloxane dampcourse & façade waterproofing sealer

Siloxane impregnation can only work if structural defects have been repaired and the surface is clean. Algae and moss growth must be removed. Soiled surfaces must be steam cleaned. Damaged expansion joints and cracks of width greater than 300 microns need to be repaired. Construction joints, gaps between walls and roofs, walls and floor surfaces, windows, doors and surface penetrations need to be made waterproof. Faulty mortar joints have to be recaulked. The roof must be sound and waterproof.

Water penetration from the ground by way of backfilled soil needs first to be addressed. When being used to damp course injection, highly porous rubble type walls need to be first injected with a liquid cement slurry to block all voids and fissures.

Product Preparation

HYDRAGARD S is ready to use and needs no preparation. Care must however be taken to ensure that the containers are tightly sealed and no water entry has occurred. Damaged product will not be clear and a milky deposit may be observed. All contaminated product is to be discarded.

Waterproofing of walls

Long time durability of a Siloxane impregnation is dependent upon correct application. The more active ingredient that is absorbed and the deeper the absorption depth the better will be the performance. For satisfactory results, the product must be applied as a flood coat using airless spray equipment, or alternatively using low pressure high flow flood coats (e.g. backpack spray).

It is very important that the product is applied as a liquid and not as a mist. The nozzle of the application unit is held 5-10 cms from the wall and product is applied until no more will penetrate the wall, with the overflow liquid starting to run 50cm down the wall. This method applies the product in both a horizontal and vertical direction.

A second application is then carried out once the surface no longer shows a wet look. Multi application is critical to success. For areas around windows and penetrations, application by brush or roller is possible. In this case, great care must be taken to ensure adequate product is applied and many coats may be necessary. To avoid missing any areas impregnation should proceed in defined pre-selected areas before work is interrupted.

Dampcourse injection

Penetration of sufficient injection fluid is fundamental to the success of chemical injection. This is a factor of injection pressures, material porosity and distance between injection points. Generally, the distance between injection points should be around half the penetration depth. Diameter of the injection hole should be 12–18mm with a drilling angle of around 30 degrees. The drill holes should be in the centre of the brick and be deep enough to penetrate at least one layer of mortar. Very dense brick work may require injection through the mortar joint. When injecting, the drill hole is plugged with a specially designed injection packer complete with nozzle. Injection fluid is then pumped in under pressure using suitable pumps and delivery wands. Applied pressures in the 200-700 kPa region are usually acceptable, giving a good balance between application and required fluid absorption.

Splashes on glass, ceramic surfaces and cars must be avoided as these cannot be removed, other than by mechanical sanding. Plants may die if allowed to come in contact with impregnating solution.

The more material that can penetrate, the better the result. Porosity of surfaces vary greatly, with some brickwork and natural stone absorbing up to 1 sqm/litre. Concrete surfaces typically take between 2 and 3 sqm/ litre. A small 2 sqm sample trial is always recommended prior to a project.

Available in 4L, 20L and 200L.

12 months in unopened containers. HYDRAGARD S will react and deteriorate if moisture is allowed to enter partially full containers.

HYDRAGARD S is highly flammable and may present a fire hazard. Keep away from direct sources of ignition. Bitumen seals must be protected otherwise the bitumen will dissolve and stain the wall surface. Do not allow product to come in contact with eyes and wear protective breathing masks if applying in confined spaces.