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Protection of Paving Tiles from Negative Effects of Moisture

When arranging the backyard territory, it is important not only to properly and beautifully lay out paving tiles, but also to protect them from possible destructive effects of precipitation. This task can be easily done with the help of water repellent sealer for paving tiles.

You simply apply it to the surface, and the tile will be protected from rain, snow and ice. In winter, there will be no ice on it - the walkway will be absolutely safe. In summer, the color shades will look brighter, and after rain the coating will dry up with the first rays of the sun.

Negative Impact of Water on Concrete Pavers

Atmospheric moisture accumulated on the surface of the pavement can cause serious damage to it. Rain and melt water are never sterile, especially within the city limits.

They are saturated with car exhaust gases, industrial emissions, sub acid and alkaline solutions. Light hydrocarbons and various microorganisms may be present in such waters as well. All this, penetrating into the pores of the paving material, contributes to dirt accumulation, appearance of stains and change of color. Besides:

Wet surfaces are a good environment for appearance and growth of various fungi and mold.
Penetrating into the concrete, water washes away the salts which protrude to the surface in the form of ugly white spots.
Wet pavers become less resistant to frost, which can lead to tile destruction in just a few seasons.

Therefore, the question of preserving your pavement from negative impact of moisture is very critical and it should be resolved immediately after laying tiles. This decision will save you time and money.

The problem with the concrete colored pavers dwells in possible penetration of moisture between the tile joints and into the tile itself through the pores of the material. And if the water that has entered through the joints goes through the base to the ground, the moisture left in pores can freeze up and destroy the material.

It is particularly vital for pavers made by vibratory casting technology - it has higher porosity.

To protect pavement from harmful effects of moisture, it must be treated with a special water repellent impregnation - a paver sealer. According to PrizedReviews.com, paver sealer penetrates deeply into the tile through the existing pores and creates a durable water repellent film on its surface.

As a result, the moisture does not penetrate inside the tiles; the destructive effect disappears upon freezing. After treatment, the tile acquires freshness and a brighter color. Apart from that, water repelling sealer for concrete pavers prevents the appearance of white spots (salt efflorescence), moss and mold on the surface - even in the most shaded areas.

Water repellent treatment should not be confused with waterproofing. The first type of treatment provides the paver surface with a water-repelling effect that also helps to preserve the ability to pass air and release vapors to the surface.

Waterproofing is completely impenetrable. So, water repellents work well only with short-term and periodic exposure to moisture. If water always stays on the surface, the protective effect of water repellent wears off.

Technology of Application of Water Repellent Sealers

Before you apply water repellent to the pavers, it is necessary to inspect them. Check for slopes, sagging that can get filled with rain water and form puddles, the condition of drainage system and catch-water drains. Repair them if needed.

Before starting major treatment of paving tiles, apply a test coating in an inconspicuous spot.

The entire surface must be thoroughly cleaned from debris, dirt, oil and other stains.
Existing cracks must be repaired, and damaged tiles - replaced with the new ones.
It is best to apply water repellent for pavers to a dry surface, because the quality of treatment decreases drastically if it is applied to wet pavers.
Wet surfaces can only be treated with alcohol-based impregnation.
Application of water repellent sealer to the paving tiles can be done with a roller, brush or a sprayer.
Chipped tiles or tiles with deep scratches should be treated 2-3 times.
The second layer of water repellent sealer is to be applied before the first layer dries up completely, but only after it is fully absorbed.
Excess of the applied material should be removed from the surface with a cloth or a sponge.
Consumption of paver treatment material depends on the porosity and moisture in pavers.
Work should be performed at air temperature of at least + 5 °C, at no precipitation or strong winds that might blow the sprayed material to the side.
Water repellent film is formed in 24 hours.

At the enterprises that manufacture tiles, they use the technology of integral waterproofing. The protective solution is added directly to the concrete mix during the production of the material. Such protection is more effective, but tiles made according to this technology are more expensive.

Types of Water Repellents

Today's market of building and construction materials offers polymer blends, water-based and alcohol-based solutions for impregnation of paving tiles. Polymer water repellent sealers provide deep surface penetration into concrete and make it possible for air and water vapor to pass through it.

However, they are more expensive than water-based solutions and they only can be used in dry weather conditions at air temperatures of + 22 °C and below. Polymer blends get dry very quickly after application to tiles; they do not change the tile color, protect pavers very well and have a service life of at least 10 years.

Water solutions are based on mixtures of water and silicone fats and oils. A special technology has been developed to dissolve silicone. The fats penetrating into the pores of the concrete securely seal them, thus preventing water penetration.

This protective inexpensive material has a short service life that does not exceed 5 years. This means that the treatment must be done every 3-4 years. Alcohol-based solutions are similar to water ones, but they are intended for universal use, because the technology of their application to paving tiles does not depend on the moisture content in them.

Conclusion

Paving tiles treated with water-repellent sealer will be protected from harmful impact of precipitation and melt water for a long time. During the cold season, there will be no cracks and black ice on the surface. The coating will retain its original color without acquiring any greasy film.

Pavers treated with protective compound will get less soiled because they are able to self-clean. However, do not forget to repeat treatment of pavers, since the protective material has a limited technical lifetime.

Water repellent sealer is a modern, effective and affordable technology used by many consumers today.