Electomerics & Waterproofing

Electomerics & Waterproofing Your Commercial Building Exterior Surfaces

If you’re looking to for a skilled commercial painting contractor in southeast Wisconsin to waterproof your commercial building’s masonry—you’ll want to go with a painting contractor that specializes in industrial/commercial buildings in the Milwaukee area. If, on the other hand, you’re unsure why you should look into electromerics or waterproofing your commercial building’s exterior masonry—then the following article will give you the breakdown on why you should.

The Chemistry of Waterproofing

Whether you’re building’s exterior is cream-city brick or traditional or it’s an old brick building vs. a new brick building—you’ll still want to make sure you get your exterior masonry waterproofed if it hasn’t already.  The reason is because your building simply won’t last as long or be as sturdy if it is exposed to harsh weather conditions and constant precipitation.

What To Use

When it comes to clear, penetrating, breathable water repellants for use on above-grade, porous substrates, you basically have three options: silanes, siloxanes or room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber. All three are similar in that:

  • They contain silicone in some form.
  • They are penetrants.
  • They allow the substrate to breathe, allowing moisture vapor to escape while keeping water out. This is extremely important as it prevents freeze-thaw damage.
  • There is little or no change to the appearance of the substrates to which they are applied — they cure to a clear, flat finish.

Silanes and Siloxanes

The technologies differ in their composition, solids content and capabilities. While  silane, siloxane and silicone rubber repellants contain some form of silicone. Silanes and siloxanes are produced from the same basic raw material, silane. Being organic, their resistance to ultraviolet rays, salt spray, acid rain and airborne pollutants is somewhat limited. They are easily broken down and one should not expect them to provide protection beyond a few years.

When applied, silane and siloxane repellants penetrate into the substrate and react chemically with the alkalinity therein to form a resin. The resin that forms has no elastomeric properties and is designed to make the capillaries of the substrate smaller than that of a water molecule. This is what provides the repellency. In order for the chemical reaction to take place, which is necessary for forming and bonding of the resin within the substrate, silica must be present. Therefore, unless a catalyst is added in the manufacturing process, silanes and siloxanes are not effective in sealing substrates such as natural stone or wood.

Go With The Best Commercial Painting Contractor To Waterproof Your Building

If your commercial building is in need of waterproofing, then go with a company known for unsurpassed quality, craftsmanship, and reliability. At PGI we literally have commercial building waterproofing down to a molecular science. So if you want a commercial painting contractor in Milwaukee that’ll give you the best work when waterproofing your building—then go with PGI—a contractor name you can trust!