Effect of Hydrophobic Materials on Water Impermeability and Drying of Finish Brick Masonry

Abstract

By the analysis of experimental data, it is established that the material selected for hydrophobic purpose has caused significantly decrease in water absorption of bricks themselves, but an effect on mortar hasn’t been adequate. As a consequence, large moisture volume has got into bricks through mortar joints. The rate of drying (decrease of vapor conductivity) in this case is serving as additional factor in deterioration at freezing-thawing cycles. As a conclusion, it could be stated that the surface protection against water absorption cannot ensure weather durability of finish brick masonry façade, if an opportunity is left for water absorption through the joints in the masonry.