GLOBAL KINETICS, INC.
TECHNOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

ENVIRO-LOC
HIGH PERFORMANCE
WATER AND OIL REPELLENTS for
MASONRY, BRICK, CONCRETE,
STUCCO, WOOD & ADOBE

All masonry surfaces need protection. This includes new and recently repaired masonry surfaces. Improper construction and poor choice of materials accelerate the inevitable water and oil damage to which surfaces are susceptible.

Choosing a water repellent is complicated, not only due to the variety of products available, but also by the confusion about weather-proofing in general. In fact, using an inferior water repellent can actually increase damage to masonry surfaces. Because of this, ENVIRO-LOC WATER REPELLENTS were developed to address the problems of highly exposed structures. ENVIRO-LOC was specifically formulated to prevent water penetration, UV light degradation and freeze/thaw damage to masonry, brick, concrete, wood an adobe surfaces. Additionally, we have formulations that incorporate protection against the damage caused by oil penetration.

In order to help you understand the advantages of using ENVIRO-LOC WATER REPELLENTS, it is necessary to examine some of the major differences between ENVIRO-LOC and other water proofing agents.

There are basically three classifications of water repellents:

• Blocking Agents
• Blocking Hydrophobics
• Hydrophobics

Blocking Agents are sealers that fill and seal the pores of masonry to keep water from entering. The most common types of products in this category are vinyls, acrylics and polymer sealers. Usually a white milky liquid, they can be solvent or water-based. These surface coatings are commonly used as bonding agents or as additives in mortar and stucco. These products are non-yellowing, provide surface protection against salt penetration and are also good for reducing dusting on concrete surfaces.

Because of their high solids content, these products leave a gloss or sheen on the surface of the masonry. Unfortunately, the same solids that fill the pores and coat the surface to keep out the water also block the release of water vapors produced during the combustion process. These vapors will condense if they cannot freely escape, accelerating the cycle of freeze/thaw and internal water damage. another disadvantage of these coatings is that they begin to breakdown from exposure to ultraviolet light (sun light) and water. These are some of the reasons why the Brick Institute of America believes that the application of clear sealers to brick masonry can potentially do more harm than good.

Blocking Hydrophobics are an improvement over products in the blocking agent category because their solids are hydrophobic (resist wetting); however, they still block or fill the pores of the masonry to seal in internal vapors. They mainly work near the surface of the masonry, causing water to bead. They resist water penetration and discourage efflorescence, at least temporarily. Blocking hydrophobics, which include siliconates, silicones, searates and silanes do not exhibit long-term durability because they, like the blocking agents, deteriorate with exposure to sunlight and water.

IT SHOULD BE NOTED that all products in both the blocking agent and the blocking hydrophobic categories are somewhat vapor permeable (breathable). Any manufacturer can claim that a product is vapor permeable if it is minimally applied. However, when these products are applied in concentrations great enough to prevent long-term water penetration, vapor permeability is significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated.