Silicone Waterproofing Agent for Architectural Conservation
1. Basic Knowledge of Silicone Waterproofing Agents
What is a silicone-based waterproofing agent
Principle of silicone-based waterproofing agents
Silane reactions Reactions
between silanes and siloxanes Silane reactions Reactions
between silanes and siloxanes
Principle of silicone-based waterproofing agents
Silicone‑based products feature strong penetration capacity and can form a water‑repellent layer inside the substrate.
Most siloxanes and silanes have extremely small molecular size. When applied onto suitable substrate surfaces, they can penetrate deep into the substrate. They react both with the substrate and with themselves to achieve long‑lasting durability. After curing, the treated substrate becomes permeable to water vapour but impermeable to liquid water, thus preventing the ingress of liquid water that may contain dissolved chloride ions or acids.
Difference between silicone-based waterproofing agents and waterproof coatings
Silicone‑based waterproofing agents are penetrating, non‑film‑forming treatments. They sink into porous substrates, modify inner‑pore surface properties and suppress capillary action. The treated material remains permeable to water vapour.
Waterproof coatings form a continuous physical film on the surface of the substrate. This outer membrane blocks water from entering. Most coatings are less breathable and create a visible surface layer.
Comparison of the properties of substrates treated with various waterproofing agents
| Waterproofing agent types | Curing | breathability | water resistance | persistence | Luster | Anti-drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acroleic acid | Surface film-forming / Colorless | difference | beyond compare | 5-7 | have | have |
| stearate | Surface film-forming / Colorless | difference | transmutability | 1 | not have | not have |
| ceresin wax | Surface film-forming / Colorless | difference | good | transmutability | not have | not have |
| polyurethane | Surface film-forming / Colorless | difference | beyond compare | 1-3 | have | have |
| silane | Internal penetration / Colorless | beyond compare | good | 10+ | not have | not have |
| oxosilane | Internal penetration / Colorless | beyond compare | beyond compare | 10+ | not have | not have |
| Silane/Siloxane | Internal penetration / Colorless | beyond compare | beyond compare | 10+ | not have | not have |
Properties and Advantages of Silicone Materials
- Hydrophobicity
- Low surface tension
- Resistant to UV Radiation and Chemical Corrosion
- Water‑vapor Permeabilit
- Water‑drop effect
- Expandability, permeability
- High durability and ageing resistance
- Breathabilit
2. Application of silicone-based waterproofing agents in building protection
Frequently asked questions：
- Reinforcement corrosion
- Morals and manners
- Cold/Hot Damage (Cracking)
- pollute
- Bacterial growth, lichen, mold, etc.
60% of damage is caused by moisture：
The surface of building materials features a porous structure, making them highly susceptible to moisture absorption; furthermore, they remain constantly exposed to the air, subject to weathering and exposure to sunlight.These factors can damage building materials, leading to the following phenomena:
- Reinforced concrete corrosion
- Bacterial growth, moss, and algae on the substrate surface
- Cracking caused by thermal expansion and contraction
- Weathering, salinization
Moisture Issues in Buildings – 60%
Concrete protection–Corrosion resistance
Long-term protection of reinforced concrete to reduce corrosion and surface contamination
Silicone waterproofing agents penetrate the interior of the substrate, forming a deep, long-lasting protective layer through chemical bonding, thereby protecting the internal reinforcement structure of concrete and reducing chloride-induced corrosion.
High-quality waterproofing layer–efficient and cost-effective
When silicone waterproofing material is mixed with concrete, it forms a high-quality waterproof layer; the resulting substrate after repair can effectively reduce water absorption.
Aesthetically pleasing surface–reduces maintenance
The UV resistance and weather resistance of silicone waterproofing agents ensure effective and long-lasting waterproof performance, thereby protecting the substrate from damage caused by dirt and preserving its aesthetic appearance.
Surface protection
Efficacy, Durability, and Potentiation
Silicone-based waterproofing agents can protect the surfaces of masonry structures such as historical landmarks, sandstone, and gypsum, preventing surface damage caused by water stains, moss, algae, mold, cooking fumes, oil stains, and other environmental factors.
Hydrophobicity–Additional Functions
Shiny finish; can be repainted; easy to clean; graffiti-resistant.
Silicone‑based waterproofing agents can be used in combination with other surface‑treatment materials, such as coatings, inks and fillers, as well as other surface‑protection products. They can be applied to a wide range of substrates to deliver targeted performance benefits while offering a cost‑effective solution. For instance, they can produce easy‑to‑clean or graffiti‑resistant surfaces by minimising surface contamination and facilitating rapid cleaning.
Energy conservation
Inhibit moisture uptake and lower the energy consumption of buildings.
3. Deep‑Polymer® Silicone Waterproofing Agents for Building Applications
Deep-Polymer® silicone waterproofing agents are based on our proprietary silane-siloxane polymerization technology, offering deeper molecular penetration, more consistent bonding performance, and tighter batch-to-batch control. We particularly recommend DPM-290. Compared to conventional waterproofing products, it penetrates deeper, lasts longer, stays breathable, and works across a wider range of substrates. It effectively addresses issues like water absorption, efflorescence, weathering, and freeze-thaw damage on concrete, stone, brick, and other porous materials. It also performs well on textiles and leather, serving as a reliable hydrophobic and antifouling finish—treated fabrics remain soft, breathable, and non-stiffening, with no interference in downstream dyeing or finishing processes. Application is straightforward: spray, roll, or brush, and dilute with water as needed. The system is cost-effective, low-odor, and suitable for large-scale civil projects, high-end restoration work, as well as mass finishing of textiles and leathers. We also offer customized formulations and can run waterproof performance tests on your specific substrates upon request.
Water‑repellent Performance of Silicone Water Repellent on Different Substrates
DPM-290 exhibits superior performance in real-world applications.
About Deep-Polymer
Deep-Polymer Co., Ltd. (Guangzhou, China) is a leading manufacturer specializing in developing sustainable products and technologies in the new-material field. Guided by our philosophy — “Everything Can Be Siliconized” — we provide professional solutions regarding silicone oligomers, silicone resins, silicone rubber, silicone coatings, and innovative high-performance polymer, which have been widely applied in various industries, such as coatings, inks, plastics, leather, textiles, construction, household chemicals, electronics, new energy and other high-tech industries. All products comply with EU REACH regulations and hold Halal certification, and we have served customers in more than 40 countries and regions worldwide. Welcome to visit our website Deep-Polymer.com for more information.
We welcome you to share your specific project development and application needs with us. Our sales and technical support teams will be fully dedicated to collaborating and following up, providing high-quality and high-standard system solutions. Regardless of the challenges, we are committed to working together with you to resolve them.
Contact Deep-Polymer at sales@deep-polymer.com or on WhatsApp (+86 13602885871) for technical data sheets and samples.
