Imagine tiled surfaces, brickwork, and concrete that consistently stay clean, free from unsightly white salt deposits and damp patches. Efflock delivers this by integrating directly into your cement-based mixes, turning them hydrophobic from the moment they are poured or laid. This approach protects against the common causes of surface degradation, ensuring a pristine finish and lasting material health from the inside out.
Unsightly white salts, dark patches, and general damp can ruin the appearance and integrity of cement-based finishes. Efflock was formulated to stop these problems at their source. It works as a bulk impregnating additive, creating a hydrophobic molecular structure within the pores of screeds, mortars, and concrete.
This internal protection dramatically reduces water absorption without filling pores, allowing the material to breathe while actively repelling contaminants like salts and dirt. This prevents efflorescence, cryptoflorescence, and salt attack. The concentrated, water-based, VOC-free formula also offers environmental benefits and efficient transport.
Efflock is added directly to the gauging water of cement-based mixes like screeds, tile adhesives, grouts, and mortars. For screeds, it can be added neat, then water to desired consistency, compensating for existing sand moisture. It imparts a lubricating effect, often reducing the need for usual gauging water and improving workability.
Tools clean up with water. Treated materials require protection from rain for 12-24 hours initially, and damp curing for screeds for seven days, mirroring good concrete practice. A water test after 24 hours confirms successful impregnation by showing strong water beading on the surface.
Efflock is typically introduced early in the construction sequence, right at the mixing stage for cement-based materials. In a common ROOFING - CONCRETE ROOF - TO BE TILED system, it integrates into the screed and tile adhesive layers. This positions it after primary waterproofing membranes, such as Everflex WPM or Everflex Aqua-Ban Waterproofing Membrane, providing an internal hydrophobic barrier to the critical bedding and adhesive layers before the final grout and sealant are applied. It reinforces the system from within, ensuring the integrity of the tiled finish against water migration and efflorescence. It is often used in conjunction with a damp concrete primer before the screed or adhesive layers are laid.
Efflock can minimise saturation in stone bedding and grout, but suitability for natural stone requires on-site testing. Stone porosity and mineral composition vary significantly, and Efflock may cause visible dry spots if not applied uniformly or if the stone is pre-sealed.
Efflock provides an excellent additional barrier to a waterproofing system and can negate the need for a secondary membrane for efflorescence control. However, primary waterproofing membranes should still be installed according to relevant standards and manufacturers' instructions for water ingress prevention.
For most applications like tile adhesive, grout, render, and topping, prepare gauging water at a 1:100 ratio of Efflock to clean tap water. For tile screed, add neat Efflock at 100ml per 100L mixer capacity, then add water to achieve desired consistency, accounting for moisture already in the sand.
Efflock makes dark grouts hydrophobic to protect against secondary efflorescence. However, it does not assist with colour stability or prevent patchiness. Consider epoxy grout if colour consistency is a primary concern.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Tile screeds, adhesives, and grout | Controls water absorption throughout the system, preventing efflorescence, cryptoflorescence, and damp. Can eliminate the need for a secondary efflorescence membrane, saving cost. | Tilers, Waterproofers, Builders |
| Brickwork and stonemasonry mortar | Provides a hydrophobic damp-proof course, preventing rising damp and salt attack in saline soils. Repels dirt and inhibits moss growth for a cleaner appearance. | Masons, Bricklayers, Builders |
| Off-form concrete and concrete pavers | Bulk impregnation protects against chloride ingress and freeze/thaw damage. Repels dirt and suppresses moss growth, enhancing long-term durability and appearance. | Concreters, Paver manufacturers, Builders |
| Render and general cement-based materials | Offers invisible, bulk hydrophobic protection, dramatically reducing water absorption without filling pores. Improves curing and remains permeable to vapour. | Renderers, General Builders |
Use Type GP cement. For most mixes, prepare gauging water at 1:100 (Efflock:water). For dry screeds with variable sand moisture, dose Efflock neat per mixer capacity, then add water to achieve workability.
Measure additive neat based on mixer volume (e.g., 100 mL per 100 L). Mechanically mix to uniform dispersion.
Use 1:100 gauging water. Observe manufacturer water demand; Efflock may reduce water required slightly.
Compact screed thoroughly; wood-float to close. Achieve ≥90% adhesive coverage beneath tiles.
Damp cure 7 days; dry/stabilise ~2 weeks before tiling/membrane.
Protect from rain until joints are grouted and perimeter/expansion caulking completed.
Signal Word: Warning
Wear splash-proof goggles and PVC or rubber gloves. For large quantities or heavy contamination, use Viton® gloves and coveralls. If an inhalation risk exists, wear a Type A (Organic vapour) respirator.
Use in well-ventilated areas. Where an inhalation risk exists, mechanical extraction ventilation is recommended to avoid exposure.
Store in tightly sealed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances, heat, and direct sunlight. Protect from temperatures below 0°C or above 45°C. Dispose of waste at an authorised chemical disposal facility.
Proper substrate preparation and integration of Efflock are critical to prevent efflorescence, damp, and salt attack in cement-based materials.
Surface prep: Concrete must be sufficiently cured and aged to mitigate shrinkage. Rectify any negative fall or ponding areas with a bonded screed before waterproofing. If exposed to atmospheric salt, thoroughly rinse the substrate.
Primer: Not required. Efflock is added directly to the mix.
Surface prep: Ensure concrete substrates are cured and clean. For timber frame and cement sheet structures, ensure construction provides fall. If bonding screed to concrete, use a traditional cement slurry. Protect from early drying and rain exposure for 24 hours post-application.
Primer: Not required. Mix Efflock into the gauging water or add neat to the screed mix.
Surface prep: Thoroughly rinse any substrate exposed to atmospheric salt. Clean any mortar smears or splashes mechanically before using acid for cleaning. Protect mortar from rain prior to initial set and for 12-24 hours after. Fill core holes in bricks flush with mortar.
Primer: Not required. Mix Efflock into the mortar mix.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White Liquid |
| Odour | Slight Odour |
| Flammability | Class C2 Combustible |
| Flash Point | > 96°C |
| Boiling Point | 100°C |
| pH | 8 (Approximately) |
| Solubility in Water | Soluble |
| VOC Content | VOC Free |
| Dilution Ratio (General) | 1:100 (Efflock:Water) |
| Dilution Ratio (Screed) | 100ml (neat) per 100L mixer capacity |
| Application Temperature Range | 4°C to 35°C |
| Minimum Cure Before Rain Exposure | 12-24 hours |
| Shelf Life | At least 24 months (in original sealed containers) |
| Storage Temperature Range | Above 0°C, below 45°C |
Here are some common examples on where Efflock Hydrophobic Additive used by our customers.
