Protective Coatings

UK Nationwide Protective Coatings

Protective coatings are a specialized form of sealant that is used to protect brick and stonework from the weathering effects of rain, snow, and wind. The most common type of protective coating is a sealant, which is a material that is applied to the surface of the brick or stonework to protect it from moisture. Sealants can be made from a variety of materials, including silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, and epoxy.

It is important that any protective coating used on masonry substrates has good chemical resistance because many common building materials contain salts. Common sealant problems include delamination, blistering, cracking, peeling, and discolouration.

Waterproofing is the most common protective coating system used to protect brick or stonework from water damage. This type of system works by placing an impermeable barrier over the substrate that prevents moisture penetration into the masonry substrate. Waterproofing systems are typically composed of two layers: a bonding layer applied directly to the masonry substrate, which forms a mechanical bond between the new surface and existing one; and a top-sealant layer is placed over the bonding layer to create an effective seal against any penetrations in the surface.