Freeze-Thaw Spalling:
Freeze-thaw spalling commonly happens to softer porous materials in places with temperatures that drop below freezing.
What is freeze-thaw spalling?
Freeze-thaw spalling is the damage caused by the expansion of water when frozen. Water expands by 9% when it is in ice form. During expansion, the ice pushes the walls of the pores. If this happens close to the surface of the material, tiny pieces of the material will break off. As thousands of microscopic pieces break off, the entrances of the pores enlarge, allowing larger amounts of water to enter and freeze. The larger the pores, and the more water inside them, the more pressure it exerts when it expands, resulting in larger and larger pieces breaking off.
By the time you notice flaking or visible pitting, the spalling process is already at an advanced stage.
The photo above was taken of a sandstone wall that seems to have suffered many winters. Notice the small holes and the larger pits? The small holes are called microspalling. After a while, these microspalling will become as big as the larger pits.
How to prevent freeze thaw spalling:
How do you prevent it?
You cannot completely prevent freeze-thaw spalling from happening. However, to slow down the process, you need to keep water out as much as possible, and strengthen the material.
DRY-TREAT 40SK will keep water out of your porous materials and strengthen the surface by up to 30%. The surface will remain breathable, meaning moisture from inside the material can still evaporate, keeping the inside of your material nice and dry.
So if you are located in areas where freeze-thaw spalling is common, don't forget to use DRY-TREAT 40SK!
- Consolidation of friable and loose surfaces.
- Protects exposed surfaces from water and salt damage.
- Controls efflorescence, freeze-thaw and alkali silica reactions.
- Retains existing colour and finish.
Available in 1 U.S. Gallon or 5 U.S. Gallon plastic jugs only (not available in quarts).
ALL YOU WILL NEED: DRYTREAT40SK, low pressure hand spray, lamb’s wool applicator or brush; protective eyewear, gloves and cotton cloth (and respirator if in a confined space).
Test product in a small area of the surface, wait 24 hours, and ensure you are satisfied with the results.
Make sure the area is dry, clean and free of residues.
Generously saturate the surface with DRY-TREAT 40SK using the lamb’s wool applicator or brush.
After 10 minutes, saturate the surface again. For maximum penetration and consolidation repeat steps 3 to 5 as required.
After 10 minutes, polish the surface with the cotton cloth to remove excess. Moisten cloth with DRY-TREAT 40SK to ease polishing.
REGULARLY
Regularly clean with Rejuvenata Cleaner to keep the surface in top condition.
Please refer to the product label and Material Safety Data Sheet (available at www.drytreat.com) for further information, precautions and safety instructions.