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Funcosil SL is effective over a wide range, especially as an impregnation agent for natural stone and lime based natural stone in particular.
Properties
Reactive, oligomer siloxane solution for water repelling impregnation of mineral building materials. The product was especially developed as a water repelling treatment for natural stone and limestone in particular (e.g. shell limestone).
Because of its low molecular structure in the packaged state, Funcosil SL has very good penetration capacity and reacts chemically in the building material in the presence of humidity to become a water repelling, UV lightfast and weather resistant material polysiloxane. After application, the active ingredients are deposited on the walls of capillaries and pores as a macromolecular layer that does not essentially influence water vapour diffusion capacity. Uneven absorbency of the substrate can lead to differences in the amount of impregnation agent that is absorbed which in turn may lead to differences in colour. Funcosil SL reduces the absorption of water and pollutants which are found in the form of water soluble acidic atmospheric gasses (SO2, NOx). Infestation of natural stone surfaces with microorganisms is reduced by the impregnation and frost/deicing salt resistance is improved. Energy loss is also reduced because the building material is protected against moisture penetration. Building material surfaces impregnated with Funcosil SL also have much less tendency to soil.
Substrate
The substrate must be in sound condition. Structural defects such as cracks, defective connections and the causes of rising damp must be corrected first. It must be ensured that water and salts dissolved in the water cannot penetrate behind the hydrophobized zone since this can lead to frost damage, spalling and salt burst. Hydrophobizing treatment fixates the state of the substrate as it is at the time of impregnation. Before hydrophobic impregnation is carried out, the capillaries and pores of the building material to be treated must be opened or prepared by cleaning. Depending on the type and degree of soiling, we recommend our facade cleaner products. The mode of action and application of these products are found in the respective Technical Information Sheets. When cleaning, make sure that the building substance is damaged as little as possible. Any residue left from previous cleaning (e.g. surfaceactive agents) could interfere with the hydrophobic impregnation and must be thoroughly washed off prior to treatment. Chase out defective mortar joints and non moving cracks, then repair with Joint Mortar. Close expansion and connection joints with elastic joint sealing compounds. Friable natural stone should be strengthened or restored with stone strengtheners on a silicic acid ethyl ester base.
Non absorbent substrates such as, e.g. fine crystalline marble and polished stone surfaces are not suitable for hydrophobic impregnation since it is essential that the impregnation agent can penetrate into the stone.
State of the Substrate:
A prerequisite for an optimal impregnation effect is absorption of the impregnation agent. This depends on the respective pore volume of the building material and the moisture content of the stone. For this reason, the building material should be dry, if possible. If salts that damage the building material are present, a quantitative salt analysis must be carried out. High concentrations of damaging salts (especially chlorides, sulphates and nitrates) lead to severe damage that cannot be prevented by a hydrophobic impregnation.
Directions
The impregnation agent is applied by flow coating under gravity in such amounts that a 30-50 cm long film of liquid runs down the building material surface. The spray nozzle is lead in a horizontal direction along the facade without interruption. After the impregnation agent has been absorbed, the process is repeated once or several times. Spraying pressure and nozzle diameter should be adjusted so that misting does not occur. To avoid missing places, limited sections should be completely impregnated without interruption.
For smaller, more complicated surfaces that do not allow spray applications, a brush or lambskin roller can be used. With this method, insufficient application amounts or missed areas can only be avoided by working carefully in small sections and with well saturated tools. The freshly impregnated surface should be protected from rain for at least 5 hours. Strong wind as well as high temperatures can speed evaporation of the carrier agent which has a negative effect on penetration depth. On light coloured and dense surfaces with low absorbency, it is recommended to wash down the surface with a pure solvent (V 101 Thinner) one-half to one hour after application to remove excess material which might cause glossiness or spotting.
Working temperature
A Hydrophobizing impregnation with Funcosil SL can be carried out at temperatures ranging between 5° C and 25° C. The evaporation of solvents and effective ingredient activation (polysiloxane) are delayed at low temperatures.
Notes
When working with Funcosil SL and during the drying period, solvent vapours may enter the building especially at low temperatures and when there is no wind. Close all windows, doors and other openings during impregnation work and after the hydrophobizing impregnation has dried, ventilate living space.
Testing the effectiveness
Water absorption in mineral building materials before and after hydrophobizing impregnation can be determined by means of the Funcosil Test Plate (Art. No. 0732) or with a test tube developed by Prof. Karsten. With the Funcosil Test Plate, a non-destructive method of measuring water absorption, the w value (water absorption coefficient in kg/m² h0.5) can be determined directly without any problem on the object. Testing should be carried out 4 weeks at the earliest after the hydrophobizing proceedings and the measured data recorded.
Tools, cleaning
All solvent resistant, low pressure, conveyer and spraying equipment, liquid pumps are suitable. Tools must be dry and clean. After use and before longer pauses, clean thoroughly with V 101 Thinner.
Available in: 5lt and 30lt.
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