Protective solutions

Dow Corning's Idil Yurdakul Peker explains how silicon products suit every market need in the coatings industry.

For more than 60 years, architects, building consultants, contractors and construction material providers around the world have turned to Dow Corning for its expertise and silicon-based, performance-enhancing materials and additives. From low-VOC water repellents, anti-stain coatings and various mortar, cement and dry mix additives to hydrophobic treatments and resin products, silicon-based materials from Dow Corning offer a variety of protective enhancing treatments and solutions for the construction industry, including:

Improved material strength, durability, and weatherability: Compared to other substrates, silicone offers a unique structure comprised of organic and inorganic polymers that are able to resist a variety of environmental forces, including ultraviolet rays, rain and snow. Silicone sealants were used in the construction of the world's tallest building structure, the Burj Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Dow Corning experts worked closely with structural engineers to ensure the building could withstand the high wind loads and extreme temperatures in the region.

Extended material surface life: Maintenance engineers are increasingly turning to silicone-based sealants and water repellents to protect and repair bridges and roadways. Dow Corning provides chemical treatments that slow the erosion of concrete bridges, supporting joints and roads that are often generated by chlorides. Treatments are easy to apply and dry at a relatively quick rate to reduce water penetration to the substrate material and are often used as post-treatments to protect against corrosion, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage and water penetration.

When the Colorado Department of Transportation needed to reseal joints along I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, US, Dow Corning products provided easy to install, cost-effective solutions that continue to be used by transportation authorities throughout the United States.

Preservation of building aesthetics and versatility: Everyday exposure to water, oil, stains and sunlight can take a toll on the aesthetic appeal of a structure over time. 

The flexible nature, hydrophobing capabilities and superior beading properties of silicone resins enable them to be tailored to fit different applications and emulsification in architectural coatings. Their superior water repellency and weatherability make them the products of choice for paint or render applications. For example, Dow Corning IE 2404 Emulsion provides an industry-proven way to improve water resistance and increase moisture vapor permeability of architectural paint and facade render formulations. The hydrophobic properties of silicone resin emulsion Dow Corning IE 2404 helps prevent water from penetrating the coating by binding directly with inorganic materials in the paint. This is especially useful on water-sensitive substrates such as masonry, plaster and insulation where moisture can damage the material or lead to microbial growth.

Reduced maintenance and cost: Selecting the right materials for the right application not only strengthens the longevity of the structure, it also helps building contractors improve overall productivity and cost effectiveness. Choosing materials that can stand the test of time saves contractors time and money required to constantly repair and maintain a structure that uses less durable materials. 

Sustainable, more energy efficient structures: In addition to lower cost and longer lasting buildings, Dow Corning building materials protection products are also contributing to more energy efficient structures by reducing heat loss from evaporation of absorbed water in untreated materials and enhancing the thermal conductivity of the structure. 

Localised technical knowledge to fit specific needs: Leveraging its proven performance silicone technology and construction and chemical expertise, Dow Corning works with customers to supply the next generation of durable building materials and global resources. 

To learn more about Dow Corning solutions for the building materials protection market, visit dowcorning.com/buildingmaterialsprotection.

Idil Yurdakul Peker, Major Market Leader at Dow Corning, is leading the Building Assembly and Building Material Protection markets in the EMEA region. She holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, MSc degree in Structural Engineering from Bosporus University and a MBA degree from Bilgi University in Turkey.