Performance
The performance goal for the development of this system was for it to be as effective as the leading solvent-based products on wood substrates, both in water beading and water absorption properties. While products such as wax emulsions can provide a temporary beading effect, they usually provide very little protection against water absorption. Our year long exposure tests indicate that both beading and water absorption properties of our new water-based water repellent system are long lasting and compare favorably with the solvent-based standards.
AquaProof WB10™ Test Data
AquaProof WB10 vs. Conventional Aqueous and Solvent Based Waterproofing Systems on Red Cedar Decking*
| VOC Content (g/l) | Average Water Beading | Accelerated Exposure Water Absorption (%) | Unexposed Indoor Control Water Absorption (%) | 12-Month Exterior Exposure Water Absorption (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AquaProof WB10 | 0 | 4.0 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 2.9 |
| Brand A – Premium Silicone; Water Clean-up | 275 | 4.0 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 6.3 |
| Brand B – Premium Solvent-based Oil Stain; Mineral Spirits Clean-up | 250 | 3.7 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 9.0 |
| Brand C – Penetrating Oil-based; Water Clean-up | 190 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 9.2 |
| Brand D – Penetrating Oil-based; Water Clean-up | 100 | 2.8 | 7.2 | 5.4 | 9.7 |
| Brand E – Penetrating Oil-based; Water Clean-up | 350 | 2.6 | 10.8 | 5.4 | 12.7 |
| Brand F – Linseed Oil-based; Water Clean-up | 168 | 2.4 | 3.3 | 4.4 | 10.3 |
| Brand G – Penetrating Oil-based; Water Clean-up | 400 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 3.3 | 5.9 |
| Untreated | – | 0 | 14.8 | 11.7 | 20.6 |
*Water beading was evaluated on the accelerated exposure panels and the indoor control panels for each water repellant. All of the panels were tested for water beading by forming a 0.7 ml water droplet on the panel. The degree of beading was rated from 0 – 4 with 0 = no beading and 4 = contact angle > 90°. The degree of beading was rated initially and at 30 minute intervals for two hours.
Accelerated exposure samples were tested at an independent lab in a QUV chamber for 1000 hours. The substrate was red cedar decking. The water repellants were brush applied on all sides of 3” x 6” panels and cured indoors for seven days prior to testing. The testing protocol was an 8-hour light cycle (340 nm) followed by a 4-hour water cycle.
Percent water absorption was determined for indoor controls, accelerated exposure, and 12-month exterior exposure panels. Each panel is accurately weighed, and then completely immersed in water for 30 minutes. After removing the panel from the tank, the excess water is blotted off with a paper towel and the panel reweighed. The difference in weight before and after water immersion is the amount of water retained in the panel and is expressed as a percentage.