Damages to a home’s facade often lead to a considerable loss in value. It’s important to pay attention to cracks in the plaster or masonry, as these can have a variety of different causes. Construction errors, frost weathering, shrinkage cracks or ones due to the building settling are frequent reasons for this type of facade damage. Cracks in the facade are, in fact, structural defects that need to be taken seriously and rectified immediately. Any fissures in the outer shell of a building are weak points that act as a thermal bridge, take in moisture and can compromise the statics of the entire house.
Marés stone frequently used as the facade also acts like a sponge when it rains.
Water can penetrate through cracks in the plinth, with frost or salts causing further damage. Weathered plasters and joint mortar or naturally porous building materials (e.g. hand-moulded pavers, soft historic bricks, etc.) can increase moisture in the building’s exterior walls. Typical consequences in the interior include peeling wallpaper and mould formation, which can form where conditions are favourable – like geometric thermal bridge at the corner of the building, for example.
Applying hydrophobic agents to the facade keeps it from taking in rainwater, effectively solving the problem. BKM.Mannesmann has a variety of different products for thoroughly sealing and waterproofing facades. These are based on extremely long-lasting special plastics that are completely safe. They give off no vapours or gases, and have no negative impacts on people, pets or the environment.
This protective agent is ideal for waterproofing siliceous building materials that absorb water (e.g. tile products, plaster, mortar, concrete, marés, etc.) while retaining their water vapour permeability.
The pores in the building materials are not sealed but remain open, allowing them to breathe.
This technology is especially beneficial in building construction, where it is necessary to prevent the penetration of rain and spray water. Walls dry completely and stay cleaner longer because rainwater washes dirt away instead of being absorbed. The walls are also better insulated. After all, moist building materials – depending on the amount of water – provide poorer insulation than dry ones. The BKM.Mannesmann AG product also has interesting structural benefits, preventing lime efflorescence on brick facades, the formation of algae, mould and moss, as well as frost damage.
All mineral and absorbent substrates suitable for waterproofing with the exception of gypsum. In other words, all building materials which can take in water. These include among others:
The hydrophobic agent protects surfaces coated with dispersion and mineral-based paints, which greatly extends the life of the paint. Go to www.bkm-mannesmann.de for more information.
We are a certified partner of BKM.Mannesmann AG and exclusively use the German manufacturer’s products. We look forward to explaining our approach and process in a personal consultation.
We are a certified partner of BKM.Mannesmann AG and exclusively use the German manufacturer’s products. We look forward to explaining our approach and process in a personal consultation.