What External Wall Coatings Should You Buy

Your home’s exterior walls are the first line of defence against the elements. Without proper protection, your property could suffer a lot of damage.

A popular solution to this problem is external wall coatings. These can provide an attractive decorative finish whilst offering the added benefits of weather protection.

Super hydrophobic technology

Super hydrophobic technology is a common term used to describe materials that cause water droplets or ‘beads’ to repel, meaning they ‘stick’ to the surface rather than run off. This is a technique that has been developed and used in industry, as well as on the surface of some insect wings.

This technology is often applied in the field of external wall coatings to ensure that walls are waterproof and that dirt and grime does not penetrate the coatings. These products have also been found to help keep walls clean and aesthetically pleasing, which is great for the environment.

Besides preventing corrosion, superhydrophobic coatings have a self-healing property that can improve their mechanical durability and UV resistance. The self-healing mechanism involves the migration of hydrophobic groups to the uppermost layer of the coatings, which is thermodynamically driven by minimizing the free energy of the surface.

Prevents penetrative damp

Penetrating damp is a common problem that affects homes throughout the UK. It usually causes damp patches, black mould growth and a musty smell in the property.

The problem is often caused by building defects and deterioration to your home’s exterior wall. Cracks, mortar rot, faulty brickwork, frost damage to bricks, leaking roof tiles or poor drainage systems can all contribute to penetrative damp.

If you’re looking for an effective, long-lasting solution to prevent penetrative damp, it’s best to get a professional in to do the work. These specialists will identify any building defects that are causing the damp, make any necessary repairs and seal your walls with a protective coating.

These wall coatings also protect your walls from masonry frost, brick and stone erosion and eliminate efflorescence. Essentially they’re modern treatments that actually penetrate the surface of your wall to produce a water-repellent barrier that will keep moisture out on the outside and away from your home.

Self cleaning

The self-cleaning capabilities of external wall coatings help to keep your walls looking fresh and clean for a longer period of time. This reduces the need for expensive exterior washing and means that your property will look its best throughout the year.

The photo catalytic ability of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) allows it to break down dirt and stains with little UV light. In addition to this, it also helps to prevent the formation of bacteria on a surface.

To achieve these properties, TiO2 is used in a paint that can be applied to a building’s outer wall. The result is a super hydrophobic paint that doesn’t allow dirt to stick to it and then falls off with the next rainfall.

As well as this, the self cleaning technology has the potential to significantly reduce the frequency of maintenance needed for a building. The process can save a large amount of water, which helps to drive down costs for the maintenance of a building.