Use Efflock for: Preventing efflorescence, rising damp, salt attack, and picture framing in tiling, brickwork, stonemasonry, and concrete applications.
Efflock is a high-performance, water-based liquid additive designed for the bulk impregnation of cement-based building materials. By creating a hydrophobic molecular structure within the pores of cured concrete, Efflock dramatically reduces water absorption while allowing the controlled release of moisture. This makes it an excellent solution for preventing efflorescence, dampness, and other water-related problems in various construction applications.
Key Features of Efflock
- Prevents Efflorescence: Provides complete efflorescence protection for tiling systems, compatible with tile beds, tile adhesive, and grout.
- Reduces Dampness: Prevents capillary action that can lead to waterproofing failure and rising damp.
- Protects Against Salt Attack: Repels waterborne contaminants like salt, resulting in excellent resistance to salt attack and concrete cancer.
- Concentrated Formula: Dilutes 100 times for convenience, minimal plastic waste, and reduced transport impacts.
- Improves Durability: Prevents absorption of damp, salt attack, and frost attack, enhancing the long-term durability of cement-based materials.
- Hydrophobic Effect: Repels water, promoting a cleaner appearance and inhibiting moss and mould growth.
- VOC Free and Environmentally Friendly: Water-based and free of volatile organic compounds, making it safe for use.
Technical Overview
Efflock's unique technology creates a hydrophobic molecular structure within the pores of cured concrete without filling the pores of the material. This dramatically reduces water absorption while maintaining permeability. Efflock provides bulk impregnation, protecting concrete throughout its entire mass, ensuring that performance is not affected by traffic wear or movement cracks.
Hydrophobic Properties: Imparts a water-repellent quality to cement-based materials, preventing water ingress and associated damage.
Dilution Ratio: Typically 1 part Efflock to 100 parts water, but may vary depending on application. For tile screed, add Efflock neat at 0.001% of the mixer capacity.
Application Information
- Required Tools: Measuring jug, mixing buckets, mechanical screed mixer (for screed), soft bristle broom or air pressure sprayer (for surface application).
- Trade-Specific Tips: For tile screed, use a mechanical mixer and add Efflock neat to ensure proper proportioning, as sand from the building yard has unknown moisture content. Ensure thorough mixing for uniform dispersion. When working with natural stone, conduct on-site testing to confirm compatibility and desired outcome.
- Common Issues and Solutions: Ensure accurate batching and thorough mixing to achieve optimal performance. Protect concrete from premature drying and avoid rain exposure for at least 24 hours after application.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Storage Requirements: Store in tightly sealed original containers, kept dry and at moderate temperatures out of direct sunlight.
- Shelf Life Information: Can be stored in original containers for at least 24 months if stored correctly.
- Temperature Considerations: Avoid temperature extremes below 0°C and above 45°C, as they may cause irreparable damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Efflock
Q: What types of materials can Efflock be used with?
A: Efflock is designed for use with cement-based building materials, including tile screed, mortar, grout, render, and concrete. It is suitable for various applications in tiling, brickwork, stonemasonry, and concrete construction.
Q: How does Efflock prevent efflorescence?
A: Efflock creates a hydrophobic molecular structure within the pores of cement-based materials, reducing water absorption. Since efflorescence is caused by water carrying salts to the surface, reducing water ingress prevents efflorescence.
Q: Can Efflock be used with natural stone?
A: Yes, Efflock can be used with natural stone. However, due to the variance in stone porosity and composition, on-site testing is recommended to confirm compatibility and desired outcomes. Pre-sealing of the stone may be necessary.
Q: What is the correct dilution ratio for Efflock?
A: The general dilution ratio is 1 part Efflock to 100 parts water. However, for tile screed, Efflock should be added neat to the mix at a rate of 0.001% of the mixer capacity. Always follow the specific recommendations for each application.
Q: How is Efflock applied?
A: Application methods vary depending on the use case. For mixing in screed, add Efflock during the mixing process. For surface application, use a soft bristle broom or air pressure sprayer. Refer to the product data sheet for detailed instructions.
Use Efflock for:
- Bathroom tiling
- Balconies, patios, and stairs tiling
- Stone and concrete paving
- Stonemasonry
- Brickwork
- Pool surrounds
- Render
- Off-form concrete
- Construction in saline soils
- Protection against freeze/thaw damage
- Concrete pavers and blocks manufacturing
- Post tension concrete reinforcement pockets
- Impregnating sealer for concrete, brick, and sandstone
Why Use Efflock:
- Provides an excellent additional barrier to a waterproofing system.
- Offers complete efflorescence protection for a tiling system.
- Negates the practice of installing a secondary membrane, saving cost and time.
- Protects against picture framing and crypto florescence in stone, brick, and concrete.
- Is water-based, environmentally friendly, and VOC free.
- Concentrated formula reduces plastic waste and transport impacts.
- Prevents absorption of damp, salt attack, and frost attack.
- Provides invisible bulk impregnation of the entire concrete mass.
- Has no detrimental effect towards adhesion of paint, adhesives, and other finishes.
- Offers good workability and improves curing.
- Is permeable to vapour and UV stable.
How to apply Efflock:
- For general use, prepare gauging water by mixing 1 part Efflock with 100 parts clean tap water.
- Add the pre-mixed gauging water to dry concrete ingredients and proceed as usual.
- For tile screed, add Efflock neat to the mechanical mixer at a rate of 0.001% of the mixer capacity.
- For surface application, dilute Efflock 1 part to 9 parts water and apply using a soft bristle broom or air pressure sprayer.
- Ensure thorough mixing for all applications.
Efflock limitations:
- "Builders Cement" (Type GB) should be avoided when using Efflock. Use General Purpose Cement (Type GP).
- Efflock does not prevent or contribute to colour consistency and colour retention problems in dark coloured tile grouts.
- Efflock is not intended to resist head pressure under water.
- Care should be taken when using sealers in conjunction with Efflock, especially with low porosity stone.
Safety precautions when using Efflock:
- Handling: Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for safe handling instructions.
- Storage: Store in tightly sealed original containers, kept dry and at moderate temperatures out of direct sunlight.
- Disposal: Dispose of any waste chemicals at an authorised chemical disposal facility.
Efflock can be used on the following substrates:
- Tile screed
- Mortar
- Grout
- Render
- Structural Concrete
- Brickwork
- Sandstone
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