Earthaid

Description

Earthaid is a water‑repellent admixture for the Tech‑Dry earth‑render system and other polymer render systems. It contains reactive silane/siloxanes which can react with earth render ingredients to impart durable water resistance to the entire body of the earth render against weathering.

Recommended Uses

Earthaid is used as a water repellent admixture for the Tech-Dry earth render system or other polymer render systems. The resultant earth render exhibits good surface beading and low water absorption. Earthaid also provides early water repellency to prevent wash-down due to rain or dew contacting the render before cure. The final water penetration through the render is significantly reduced.

Earthaid is added at a concentration of up to 4% by weight to the earth render. The resultant earth render exhibits excellent surface beading (as shown in Figure 1 below) resulting in very low water absorption of the earth render. The water resistance develops very quickly and prevents wash‑down when rain or dew contacts the render surface before it cures. This treatment can reduce water absorption through the render by up to 95%.

As earth render varies, it is always recommended that a test is carried out prior to application to ensure the suitability of this product for the purpose.

Use Instructions

Earthaid is easy to use. Follow these instructions when using Earthaid in a typical earth‑render system:

• Read and understand the product data sheet before use. Stir the product well.
• A typical earth‑render system with Earthaid includes (all by volume):
  • Dry earth render mix 10 parts
  • Earth Bonding Emulsion (Tech‑Dry) 2 parts
  • Earthaid (Tech‑Dry) 0.4 parts
  • Water to consistency
• Add the dry earth render mix to water, then mix in the Earth Bonding Emulsion.
• Slowly add Earthaid to the final render mix while stirring.
• Stir until the mix becomes fully homogeneous.
• Adjust the final consistency according to the Tech‑Dry Product Information for Earth Render Admixture Systems.

The earth render containing Earthaid is now ready to use. The product is water‑based, so all equipment can be cleaned with water.

Typical Data

• Appearance: Milky white liquid with slight odour
• Solids content:          50% by weight
• Specific Gravity:         1.0 gm/ml
• pH value:                   7-8
• Solubility in water: Miscible
• VOC content: Nil
• Flash point:                >100oC

Important Note

As products and the condition of use vary, it is always recommended that a pilot trial should be carried out prior to using Earthaid to determine the suitability of this product for the purpose.

Handling & Storage

Earthaid is classified as a non‑hazardous material under Worksafe Australia criteria. Still, follow good industrial hygiene practices when handling it. Store the product in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from fire sources. Earthaid has a shelf life of 12 months when kept in a sealed container below 25 °C.

Packaging

Available in 5 and 20 litre plastic drums. Other size containers may be available on request.