How to renovate a façade with a waterproof breathable coating.

The Problem

The exterior facades are subject to extreme conditions and many stresses due to contraction as a result of changing temperatures. At the same time, they need to protect against degradation from continuous exposure to the elements. Climates around the world are becoming more extreme with increased rainfall and above average temperatures. Bricks, joints, cement, concrete eventually crack and  delaminate due to these adverse weather conditions.

Due to the continuous movement of buildings and exposure to harsh weather conditions, hairline cracks can develop, freeze thaw cycles will further damage the structure and result in concrete spalling, exposing the steel reinforcement bars within the concrete to accelerated corrosion.

Once this process commences it is critical to act fast to protect the structure and integrity of the building. The economic losses are high in terms of asset write off and lost productivity.

This is the start of water infiltration problems in the wall which can cause significant damage if not resolved in time. Each winter, with the frost and thaw, the degradation will become more and more noticeable.

Water ingress into the building fabric can result in Carbonation within the concrete structure.

 

Concrete Carbonation is the result of an electrochemical reaction between carbon dioxide, moisture and calcium hydroxide that is present in cement producing calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate lowers the alkalinity of the concrete from pH 12 to 9, making steel reinforcement within more vulnerable to corrosion.

Carbonation can advance at a rate of 1-5 mm per year dependant on the porosity and permeability of the concrete façade.

Elastoflex is a cost-effective solution to prevent carbonation. It allows the concrete to breathe and release moisture trapped within and prevents penetration by moisture and carbon dioxide into the concrete from the  atmosphere.

Cracked Wall
The Solution

Elastoflex AntiCarbonation Coating

Elastoflex is a quick, simple and economical solution for the sustainable renovation of brick and concrete facades. It has proven global track record with successful projects in Brussels, New York , Mexico and Denmark where large buildings are protected by  Elastoflex for many years with extremes of climatic conditions.

Elastoflex is a unique breathable coating with 600% elasticity. It will bridge hairline cracks (<1mm) and can be applied direct to concrete and brickwork, no additional primers are required.

It is CE class 2 certified and allows the substrate to breathe while preventing damaging carbon dioxide and moisture penetrating the concrete, the cause of carbonation and concrete decay.

It is an Ecological and Sustainable coating with low odour and low emissions available in an extensive range of RAL Classic and NCS colours in a satin finish.

Estimated service life 20 years.

Elastoflex  exhibits supreme elasticity when applied to brickwork and concrete facades. It acts as an anti-carbonation coating  preventing spalling and building degradation as a result of corrosion of the steel reinforcement bars within the concrete.

 

Elastoflex can be applied by airless spray in two coats to achieve the recommended dry film thickness of 350 microns per coat. It has a theoretical coverage rate of 0.8 Kg per square metre when two coats are applied.

Elastoflex complies with the requirements of standard EN 1504-2 as a protective coating for concrete and is CE marked. It has an expected service life of 20 years.

It is a unique primer finish, no additional primers or adhesion promoters are required. It is easy to apply, fast drying, a very reliable solution that does not compromise on quality, health and safety.

Available in an extensive range of NCS and RAL Classic colours, made in the West Midlands for free delivery throughout the UK.

Benefits & Performance

The service life of the system is in excess of 20 years. The system has a global track record Waterproofing, Protecting and Decorating brickwork, exterior walls and concrete facades. It delivers great benefits to the owner of the building in terms of a cost-effective solution to protect from concrete carbonation and corrosion. For the applicator it is a simple safe single product solution which is easy to apply.

For the project manager:

  1. Protects Buildings against concrete decay.
  2. 20 Year performance. CE Marked.
  3. Excellent Elasticity and Durability.
  4. Ecological and Sustainable paint.
  5. Low VOCs and Low Emissions.
  6. Low Odour, minimal disruption.
  7. Made in West Midlands.
  8. Wide choice of RAL & NCS colours.
  9. Free Delivery no hidden costs.

For the applicator:

  1. Single product solution. No primers.
  2. Breathable coating applied direct to concrete.
  3. Bridges hairline cracks (<1mm), no fillers required.
  4. Easy to apply, Fast drying.
  5. Low Odour, Low Emissons. No fire risk.
  6. No overcoating or pot life restrictions.
  7. Made in the West Midlands.
  8. Wide choice of colours.
  9. Free Delivery to site.
Preparation

Weather

As with any outdoor project, try to avoid starting a job in wet conditions. A minimum of 10 °c (50°f) and no rain forecast during and immediately after application are required to be able to apply the product successfully. Above 15°c (59°f), working conditions are perfect and enable higher productivity. If the project is located in a very hot area with very intense sunshine avoid applying the system when the sun is the most intense and  work early in the morning or in the late afternoon.

If you are working in humid climates, and especially if it is cold after sunset such as in the autumn , be sure to complete the job a few hours before dark. Otherwise, you risk having condensation covering the fresh paint and preventing it from drying. If you are working at dawn, be mindful of condensation on the surface.

Surface preparation

The surface to be protected must be clean, dry and dust free. New masonry must first be brushed with an iron brush to remove the remains of mortar.

Elastoflex will bridge hairline cracks (<1mm). Repair mortars will be necessary for larger cracks in the concrete.

Existing coatings

Existing painted surfaces can be cleaned using a high-pressure cleaner with a power of 275 bar - 4000 psi, equipped with a rotating nozzle. This will remove any loosely adhering paint and damaged concrete. Feather the edge of the intact coating to provide a smooth transition with the exposed concrete.

Equipment

Elastoflex is usually applied with a brush on localised areas and with an airless spray gun on the main surfaces. For airless spray use a pressure of at least 180 bar or 2600 psi and a nozzle size between 0.015 and 0.023 inches.

If spraying is not possible, it can be applied by roller. It will take longer, and you will need to apply more coats to achieve the minimum thickness required.

For application by roller, it is recommended to use 14 mm (½ inch) polyamide rollers

At the end of the work, clean your equipment with tap water.

System Application

The application

Elastoflex is supplied ready to use, stir it mechanically for several minutes.

Apply the first coat of Elastoflex over the entire surface to be protected. A wet film thickness of 685 microns should be applied to achieve a dry film thickness of 350 microns per coat. Elastoflex with 600% elasticity will bridge hairline cracks <1mm.

Allow the paint to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before applying a further 350 microns of Elastoflex over the entire surface.

Elastoflex should be applied uniformly with a total theoretical coverage of 0.8kg per square metre. Application by roller will require 3-4 coats to achieve the recommended dry film thickness.

After 4 hours of drying at 20 ° C, the coating is dry and resistant to rain.

Elastoflex is available in a wide variety of colours from the RAL Classic and NCS ranges. Made in the West Midlands for free delivery throughout the UK in 5kg and 25kg containers.

Wall Painting On Riggin