facade restoration
Water repellents
Preventing water from penetrating historic masonry is essential. If allowed to penetrate, water will cause the freeze/thaw cycles and the crystallization of expansive salts with damaging results. Penetrating and breathable water repellents are a good tool to prevent water penetration. However, if an inappropriate water repellent is applied, it can actually assist in trapping moisture in the wall instead of keeping it out.
Under normal circumstances, properly selected and applied water repellent will usually last 10 years. Once the water repellent is applied, an annual test should be completed to test absorption adequacy. By keeping accurate records, and comparing the results of the tests, it can be determined when water repellent should be reapplied.
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