What is the best waterproofing or paint for exterior walls? Guide to protecting your home

Choosing the best waterproofing or paint for exterior walls can seem like a challenge when you're faced with a myriad of options. If you've ever felt the frustration of finding damp on your wall, you're in the right place! Let's delve into this world of protection solutions for exterior wallsso that you can make an informed and effective decision.

Why is it so important to waterproof and paint exterior walls?

The exterior walls of your home are the first line of defence. against the elements. Whenever it rains, it's windy, or even when the sun shines, your walls receive the direct impact of nature. If they are not properly waterproofed, water can seep in, causing structural and aesthetic damage - and that's not what you want!

Factors to consider before choosing a good paint or waterproofing product

Before diving into the ocean of products, it is important to consider certain factors. Not all products are suitable for all surfaces or climates.. . Here are some things you should evaluate:

• Wall material: Protecting a brick wall is not the same as protecting a concrete or metal wall.
• Climate in your area: If you live in a place where it rains a lot, you will need something stronger than if your climate is drier.
• Durability: Look for a product that offers long-term protection. You don't want to be repainting or waterproofing every year.

Types of paints and waterproofing for exterior walls

When we talk about paints or waterproofing, it is important to note that they are not all the same. There are several types, and each offers different levels of protectionIt also depends on the type of material and the final objective we want to achieve. Here are the most common ones:

Acrylic paints

They are the most popular due to their versatility. They are easy to apply and offer good protection against moisture. Within the wide range of Tecno Prodist you can find Façades or Tecpint SuperIf you are looking for extra coverage and a snow white you can opt for Tecpint Super Coating. Some of these paints also allow the walls to "breathe", which is key for prevent moisture build-up inside the wallas Tecpint Extraliso transpire by Tecno Prodist, which both waterproofs and allows the wall to breathe at the same time. If the current paint is not of good quality, has low resistance or is peeling off the wall, you will have to scrape off all loose areas and apply before painting. a primer, Tecpint primer Tecno Prodist or Tecpint Primer gel are ideal for this function, on the other hand, if you need to restore pieces of rendering, holes or repair cracks in the facade you can use for this purpose M-Repar Facades o Tecpint Putty.

Bituminous waterproofing

They are thicker and used externally on basement walls or buried underground structures. These products are extremely water resistantbut they are not very aesthetically appealing as they are underground and are used to prevent water or moisture from entering from the outside or from entering the interior in the basement. If you are looking for something more discreet for your home, this may not be the best option.

Transparent waterproofing

Depending on the material of your façade, applying paint may not be the most aesthetic option, for example if your façade is made of single layer mortar or facing brick, in these cases the ideal is to clean well, restore the areas that need to be restored and apply Tecno Prodist Hydro Ain this case instead of using a roller you simply use a sprayer. or if it is a lot of metres, a sulphate pack, soaking the entire surface, this waterproofing will leave your façade completely waterproofed without changing its appearance..

Thermal insulation and waterproofing

This is where it gets interesting. Products that combine thermal insulation with waterproofing properties are perfect for areas where heat and cold are recurring problems.. An ideal example of this type of product is the Termoimperwhich waterproofs the façade and also helps to maintain a more stable temperature. inside your home, and it is also a flexible paint that makes it a anti-cracking paint to prevent those annoying cracks that appear over time on façades.. As options in ecological, breathable paints with waterproofing and thermal properties at the same time, there is the Tecpint Termic Ecologic and if you are looking for mineral and thermal paint Tecpint Sol Silicato Termic would be your best option.

If you need a increased thermal insulation or if you want to smooth your facade and at the same time thermally insulate it, before the application of any of the thermal paints you can apply Termomur flex, this thermal putty is very easy to apply as it comes in a ready-to-use paste.

Ecological and breathable paints

Without being extremely expensive, if you like organic products and you need a breathable paint (paint that allows the wall to breathe but remains impermeable) you can choose between Tecpint Lime Ecologic, the latest generation of highly breathable lime-based paint, ideal for old or damp façades o Tecpint Sol Silicato EcologicThis paint is mineral and differs from the rest in that it does not create a film as it manages to seep into the substrate.It has a mineral matt finish and extremely long durability, it is also breathable, ideal for unpainted walls, but due to its formulation it can also be applied on already painted facades.In both cases it is recommended to apply one or two coats of the primer, which is also breathable, Tecnpint Silicate binderThe paintwork is mainly of poor quality, not well adhered or peeling off.

How to apply a paint or waterproofing for exterior walls?

The application process may vary depending on the product, but generally follows these steps:

1. Removal of loose parts, mould and mildew: You must remove all loose areasIn the case of mould or verdigris, spray with water and bleach and leave it to act to eliminate it.
2. Rehabilitation: We will repair areas of rendering with M-Repar facades, small holes or cracks with Tecpint Putty and expansion joints or cracks larger than 3 mm with Masitec Flex W.
3. Surface cleaning: Make sure the wall is clean and dry before applying the product. Any dirt, dust or loose paint can affect adhesion..
   
   • Application of a first coat: It is usually recommended to apply a first coat of primer, in the case of non-ecological paints we will use Tecpint Primer or Tecpint Primer Gel, especially if you are going to paint on a very porous surface, poor quality paint or poorly adhered paint and in the case of ecological paints we will use Tecpint silicate consolidant.
     
   • Application of the paint or waterproofing: Depending on the product, you can use a roller, brush or sprayer. Make sure you cover the entire surface well, the first coat is usually diluted between 5 - 10% of water, and the second coat is applied pure or with a maximum of 5% of water if it is very thick, you must respect the recommended drying times for each paint, in the case of thermal paints and to achieve a better thermal effect it is recommended to apply a third coat of product.
     
   • Drying and application of additional coats: Respect the drying times between coats. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Buy waterproofing paint for exterior walls

Protecting the exterior walls of your home is an investment in the longevity and comfort of your space. Choosing the best paint and waterproofing will not only save you time and money, it will also save you money. in future repairs, but also improve the energy efficiency of your homeDon't wait for rain, humidity and inclement weather to wreak havoc in your home, protect your walls and enjoy a dry, warm and comfortable home.!

What is the best waterproofing paint for you?

Now that you know the types of waterproofing paints and how to apply themThe big question is: Which one should you choose? If you are looking for something that not only protects against humidity, but also offers insulating properties for climates in intense heat or cold, I recommend you take a look at products such as the Termoimper of Tecno Prodist. This product is perfect for exterior walls, waterproofing and protecting them from humidity and filtrations. while at the same time achieving thermal insulation. In ecological and breathable version you can find Tecpint Termic Ecologic or Tecpint Sol Silicato Termic. Lhe durability of all of them is extremely long if the application processes are correctly complied with.

In an environmentally friendly version of high quality and durability but without thermal properties you have Tecpint Lime Ecologic or Tecpint Sol Silicato Ecologic. If, on the other hand, your main objective is not thermal insulation, depending on your budget and tastes you can choose between Relas façades, Tecpint Super, Tecpint Super Cubriente or Tecpint Extraliso Transpire, these are the best options. high quality acrylic paints and could be your best choice..

Frequently asked questions about waterproofing for exterior walls