I must be a glutton for punishment, but here goes: 1. I disagree with those who have been characterizing silane water repellents as coatings, or something one might "schmear" on a wall. They don't work that way. They are strictly changing the surface chemistry of the substrate, bonding a non-polar, hydrophobic functional group to what would otherwise be a hydrophilic concrete or masonry surface. (Surface, in this context, includes the surface of pores with which the treatment comes in contact.) Not a real film, like paint, no real impact on breathability, just making the surface difficult to "wet".
2. I agree with everyone who is opposed to using these things as a cheap alternative to doing the proper job of correcting water infiltration problems in a comprehensive way. Use this stuff as a Band-Aid and it can either do nothing, or may make matters worse. But used as part of a comprehensive restoration plan, it can do no harm and can significantly extend the life of repairs and substrates which are deteriorating slowly. 3. All of our work indicates that silane and siloxane water repellents diminish in performance over time. In some the differences were dramatic in a few months. In others, they were still remarkably effective after 5 years. But even if they were to last no longer than 5-10 years, what's wrong with delaying the onset of weathering for that period of time? Even if the treatment is never reapplied, you've gained 5 or 10 years pretty inexpensively. 4. Mineral coatings (if they are of the truly reactive type, which you should never presume) show great potential as long-term paint or stain treatments. For situations where the original finish has weathered away, they are a great option for aesthetic refinishing. They generally will also incorporate enough water repellent chemistry to provide some level of weatherproofing. A great tool in the right application, but a more aggressive intervention than a clear silane. Mike E Edison Coatings, Inc. M. P. Edison President 3 Northwest Drive Plainville, CT 06062 Phone: (860) 747-2220 or (800)697-8055 Fax: (860)747-2280 or (800) 697-8044 Internet: www.edisoncoatings.com E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------- Original Message ----------- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: BULLAMANKA-PINHEADS@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU Sent: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 23:56:19 EST Subject: Re: [BP] waterproof /question > I just went through all this ; I talked the client out of it and > myself an extra; Mike E. should Know ;but its my take that even the > best sealers and the most expensive silanes ,and silicones do not > last more than 10 yrs . > > Mike would not a mineral coating ( lab matched for color) be an option > for unglazed red roof tile that is fragile and has porosity?.. at > another site ...I tried to save it but I came in on the job too late > a 5500 sq ft library from the 20's with the classic Greek "peaked" > tile torn off into the dumpster; replaced with shingle (welcome to > Alabama) when asked why they did it I was told that the replacement > tile that was needed far exceeded the cost of the brand new shingle > roof .... .when asked why they didn't save it for resale I was told > the owner > (university) did not want to be shamed that it was actually good > tile ......(welcome to its my world and your living in it ).....I > spent the rest of the afternoon being distracted by two co-eds in > bikini 's sunning themselves by my tool box...which gave me a more > favorable view of the situation but it still bothers me ....the > roof that is ...Py . ------- End of Original Message ------- -- To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to: <http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>
