Brick and concrete are among the most durable building materials, which is why we have been using them for centuries. Despite their durability, brick and concrete still need proper maintenance to ensure the building’s longevity. At Abbot Building Restoration, brick masonry and concrete restoration in MA are our specialties, and decades of experience have given us valuable insights into the best methods and tools for restoring and protecting buildings in the Boston area. One of these tools, especially for concrete restoration and maintenance, is protective coatings.
Protective coatings play an important role in concrete restoration in MA. Here’s a closer look at the often overlooked benefits of masonry coatings.
Coatings Prevent Water Damage
Protective coatings seal the joints in brick and concrete walls, preventing water from penetrating these junctures in severe weather. When properly applied, coatings change the capillary angles of the pores from positive to negative. In other words, instead of sucking moisture in, the pores will repel water. This effect is why we refer to protective masonry coatings as water-repellant rather than waterproof. Coatings can also fill hairline cracks in masonry, protecting bricks or concrete from freeze-thaw cycle damage.
Advanced Coating Technology
Masonry coatings aren’t a new thing, but they have become more advanced and effective. New research and development have created coating compounds made from silicones, silanes, and siloxanes. When properly applied, compounds with these bases effectively prolong the building’s resistance to weather-related deterioration.
Coating Application
Even application of the coating is essential for its effectiveness. Unprotected patches can allow moisture to penetrate the masonry, undermining the protection of the coated areas. Before applying the coating, we ensure the surface is clean. Heavy accumulation of atmospheric dirt can interfere with the coating and prevent it from adhering to the brick on the concrete surface.
Testing the surface is also a crucial step. We test the wall before and after applying the coating to ensure it adequately protects the surface and repels moisture.
Selecting a Coating
In our masonry and concrete restoration projects in MA, we use only coatings from well-known, reputable manufacturers. These manufacturers provide data and test reports on the performance of their products, enabling restoration teams like ours to select the best coating for each project.
