IS 12054:1987 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for the application of silicone-based water repellents. This standard outlines the code of practice for applying silicone-based water repellent solutions to above-ground masonry and concrete surfaces. It specifies the material requirements, surface preparation procedures, application methods, and tests to verify the effectiveness of the treatment.
Code of practice for the application of silicone-based water repellents
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Absorption Reduction (Masonry) | At least 80% reduction compared to control. | Absorption coefficient <7.5% of control, which equates to a >92.5% reduction. | BS EN 1504-2:2004 |
| Depth of Penetration (Concrete) | 2 to 5 mm | ≥ 10 mm for Class I performance. | BS EN 1504-2:2004 |
| Depth of Penetration (Brickwork) | 5 to 10 mm | Not explicitly defined for brick, but Class I concrete requirement (10mm) is used as a benchmark for high-performance systems. | BS EN 1504-2:2004 |
| Substrate Moisture Content | Not exceeding 5% by weight. | Typically <4-5% moisture; recommends using test methods like ASTM D4263 (plastic sheet test). | ACI 515.2R-13 |
| Ambient Application Temperature | 5°C to 35°C | Generally 4°C to 32°C (40°F to 90°F); always follow manufacturer's data sheet. | ACI 515.2R-13 |
| Vapour Permeability Requirement | Qualitative: 'should not sensibly affect breathing characteristics'. | Quantitative: Max. water vapor transmission of 10 perms (575 ng/Pa·s·m²) per ASTM E96. | ASTM C1793-19 |
| Curing before Rain | Recommends protection from rain for at least 6 hours. | Typically 4-6 hours, but highly dependent on product, temperature, and humidity; manufacturer's guidance is paramount. | General guidance from ACI 515.2R-13 |