An apartment building’s client notified Singapore Waterproofing about efflorescence along the tile grout lines on the tiled patios and balconies.
Efflorescence is a common problem associated with tiles, stone, concrete, bricks, and grout. This efflorescence is a result of water soaking through the tile grout under the tiles and evaporating to the surface.
Capillary action draws up soluble salts and minerals from the concrete bed through the grout. When the carrier moisture evaporates, salts and minerals crystallise, causing efflorescence (lime/calcium deposits) to accumulate on the grout lines and tiles.
Image: Tile grout efflorescence on the patio.
To remediate this, we recommend installing a penetrating waterproofing repellent (PWR).
To ensure best product performance, our technicians dried the substrate with heat and fans after cleaning the efflorescence with vinegar. To reduce water tracking under the tiles, the waterproofing repellent (PWR) was applied to the tile grouts after the substrate was dry.
Image: Efflorescence removed and pwr installed to the tile grouts by Waterstop Solutions.
PWR can be used on any porous substrate without changing its appearance, to maintain a dry look and offering minimal to no visual change to the substrate.
This PWR system penetrates into the substrate reducing the pore size so that liquid can no longer pass through the substrate, while still allowing it to breathe. This can create a water beading “off a duck’s back effect. The PWR system will also ease the cleaning of the treated area and reduce mould growth and dirt pick up. This treatment does need to be reapplied for best results, typically every 5-10 years, depending on application.
Water beading on the surface – Penetrating Water Repellent PWR on a concrete slab.
6 Common areas of use of PWR – Vertical and horizontal surfaces
- Concrete
- Brickwork, masonry blocks
- Tiles
- Some natural stones
- Traditional and modern stucco and render
- Traffic bearing surfaces
5 Benefits you can expect with PWR Sealant
- Long-lasting BARRIER against SALT, MOISTURE and CHEMICAL attacks
- Great CURB APPEAL and SALE VALUE with New-Look preservation
- Invisible, dry and natural look finish
- Protection against damage caused by moisture intrusion (corrosion, concrete cancer, efflorescence, leaching, scaling and spalling)
- No more scrubbing or power washing! The PWR sealant decreases dirt adhesion and prevents moss and mould growth. (Rainfall or a light garden hose wash is enough)
