Porous and dense concrete and masonry surfaces can be perfectly protected with waterproofing silane / siloxane water-repellent combinations.

Suitable substrate include:

- architectural concrete

- non glazed bricks

- natural stone

- artificial stone

- cementitious stucco.

Silane – siloxane formulae protect from:

- water absorption

- freeze – thaw cycles

- efflorescence induced by absorption – evaporation cycles.

ADVANTAGES OF SILANE – SILOXANE PRODUCTS

- Substrates breathe

- Non yellowing

- Invisible – won’t change the character of substrate

- Deeply penetrating. Last for 10 years.

- Protect from dirt (superficial adherence).

There are hundreds of formulae, hundreds of different combinations either solvent or water based.

HOW TO CHOOSE?

It’s a difficult procedure: elimination by trial.

After using more than 30 different formulae, we adopted some water based, silane – siloxane formulae.  These are fine products but we are sure there are tenths of  similar products of equivalent or even better quality.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

- These products have specific gravity of about 1 gr/m3.

- Usually they need two layers. Always wet on wet!

- In any case a prior test is highly recommended!

- They are overpaintable.

SUBSTRATE PREPARATION

* Substrates should be cleaned preferably by high pressure water blasting. Dirt, grease, algae, lichens, loose materials should be removed.

* Remove efflorescence with appropriate methods.

* Don’t spot clean.

* Seal cracks and joints with appropriate compounds.

* Substrate moisture not to exceed 18-20%.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

- Preferably use low pressure spray equipment or soft nylon brushes.

- Apply two coats wet on wet.

Consumption: 0.25 – 0.33 lit/m2 (two layers).

Check for overconsumption of horizontal surfaces.

There isn’t any cure-all product! So you need to enrich your weaponry with other water-repellents e.g. pure siloxanes, polysiloxanes and acrylic-siloxanes combinations.

After long, painful testing periods we ignore more than we know. We anxiously try to keep pace with technical advancements.

As Socrates said “All I know is that I Know nothing”.

Chris Strogilis

http://maconwaterproofing.blogspot.com

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This particular design is popular with many homeowners because it adds unrivaled beauty and exhibits efficiency. Masonry fireplaces can be found in most homes since they not only provide the tranquility of a fireplace, but also have extreme functionality that fits just about any need that homeowner might have. To get the best out of this type of fireplace, one must keep these useful ideas in mind.

When designing a fireplace, it is important to use a fireplace insert and flue, no matter what type of material is used to create it. These elements prevent all the heat generated by the fireplace to escape to the chimney, which defeats the purpose of having a fireplace in the first place. Apart from this, choosing the right material that will match with the whole design of the room should also be done. Whether brick or stone, it is necessary that it will match with the room’s décor or else a clash of elements will occur which can be very unsightly to look at.

The next consideration you have to make is to think how big your fireplace should be. You can just imagine what a mismatch it will be if a huge fireplace is right smack in the middle of a very little room. You wouldn’t want it to be swallowing everything in the room, so keep the size in moderation and appropriate for the room. After identifying the size of the fireplace, you can now decide on the size and design of the hearth and the fireplace surround. Next, you’ll want to consider the functional elements like a built-in firewood storage area and the furniture that will achieve the overall ambiance of the room.

Basically, before spending much of your time thinking of the best masonry fireplace design, you must know how you intend to use the fireplace. Once you have identified its particular use, you can now start designing and building it around that central consideration. When designing, you must also consider the amount of maintenance that a masonry fireplace requires so that you can check if you will be able to maintain its beauty amidst its use.

Do not limit yourself with the traditional designs you see in home improvement magazines because there are countless possibilities to play with. The most important thing is that when you finish, it will be something unique, one of a kind, and will be treasured for the many years to come.

At its best, a masonry fireplace design will give the much needed relaxing atmosphere in the house. That is why all the efforts to beautify it must be undertaken to create an elegant piece that will last for a lifetime, treasuring with it the many secrets told over the fire.

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When designing a wood burning fireplace, whether it is masonry brick, stone, or other materials, but sure to use an efficient fireplace insert and flue. The last thing you want is all the heat going up your chimney instead of out into your home.

Choose the right material with any masonry fireplace design. What you want to be sure of is that the brick or stone will match your home’s decor. You don’t want it to clash with the design of the room.

Next, think about how big of a design you want. The hearth and fireplace surround can be any size you wish.

Masonry fireplace designs can include functional things like a built in firewood storage area, unique seating and just about anything else you can think of.

The biggest issue to keep in mind with any type of fireplace design will always be how you intend to use your fireplace. Everything else is designed and built around that.

There are so many different avenues you can take with any masonry fireplace design. The great thing is that once you are finished, you will have a unique and one of a kind fireplace that will become a treasure for a lifetime.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

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Simply and clearly written, Modern Masonry presents students with a thorough grounding in safe methods of laying brick, block, and stone. This thoroughly illustrated text provides a broad understanding of materials and their properties. It covers all important aspects of the masonry trade, including tools and equipment; safety; the makeup, properties, uses, and sizes of masonry units, and the accepted techniques for laying all kinds of masonry units in all kinds of … More >>

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