FAQs Home Care
Have a look through these questions and answers. If you don't find the answer you are looking for please contact us by sending a message to us here.
You can also follow our blog at
Follow The Pest Advice Blog
This blog contains answers to many of the answers to questions we get at Kiwicare from our customers.
- NO Leaks Waterproof Red Brick and Terracotta Sealer
- NO Leaks Waterproof Masonry Sealer
- NO Moss Mould Mildew
What are the main uses for this product?
Waterproof Red Brick & Terracotta Sealers are solvent based and are designed for sealing any type of Red Brick, dark coloured tiles, slate, terracotta or dark bricks.
Can this product be used on other types of bricks?
Yes. This sealer can safely be used on all types of building materials including concrete blocks, paths, foundations, roof tiles, fibrolite, Summerhill and Oamaru Stone.
Why can I not just use an ordinary sealer on dark coloured bricks?
Using a water based sealer on dark coloured bricks can accentuate the effects of 'efflorescence'. This is caused by the white salts being carried from inside the stone by moisture and evaporating on the surface, leaving a white coloured residue. Red Brick Sealer is spirit based and therefore overcomes these problems.
How do I mix the product?
Normal mixing rates are 1 part of NO Leaks Red Brick and Terracotta Waterproof Sealer into 9 parts NO Leaks Solvent
or special purpose pure white spirit.
How long will the seal last?
20 years plus protection.
How much area will it cover?
As a general guideline, 1 litre of mixed sealer will be required for each 3 square metres to be sealed (usage will vary depending on material absorbency).
Can Waterproof Red Brick & Terracotta Sealer be painted over?
Yes. Thin down water based paints as little as possible. Always use a good undercoat before applying oil based paints.
How do I apply the product?
Apply by brush, spray or roller.
What precautions should I be aware of?
Care should always be taken to avoid splashing or over spraying the product onto glass and light alloys. Always wear safety goggles, overalls, rubber footwear and PVC gloves when applying the product.
Why should I bother waterproofing my home?
Waterproofing keeps homes WARMER, DRIER and CLEANER. It also stops the build up of moss, dirt and grime.
How do I know which product to use?
Masonry Waterproofer gives 5-7 years protection. Red Brick Waterproofer gives 20 years plus. Both of these products will seal ALL TYPES of bricks, blocks, fibrolite and masonry. However, DO NOT USE Masonry Waterproofers on red or dark brown bricks, slate or tiles.
Why do I NOT use Masonry Waterproofer on red brick and tiles?
Because the water base Waterproofer may accentuate and sometimes exaggerate the existing visual aspects of efflorescence.
What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence is the natural seepage of water-soluble salts and lime from the brick. After the water evaporates, the powdery salts (efflorescence) are visible on the surface.
How do I stop efflorescence?
You don't, but sealing the bricks or tiles with solvent based Waterproofer/Red Brick Sealer BEFORE the seepage starts is best. Sealing afterwards will ensure that the visual aspects of efflorescence are held in check.
When do I use waterproofers?
Anytime, but preferably on a fine, windless day.
How do I know if the bricks are dry enough?
One to two dry days prior to treatment are usually adequate.
How do I prepare the surface?
Clean off all moss, dirt and loose material. Where moss has been present apply Moss Mould Mildew Concentrate to control the remaining spores. Allow to dry off for one to two hours. BEFORE applying your water proofing sealer MASK ALL GLASS and LIGHT ALLOYS to avoid etching.
Can I paint over the waterproofing?
Yes you can, provided that you abide by the special mixing instructions on each label (refer to additional dilution rates of 30-1 on the Masonry Waterproofer). It is difficult for paints to bond or adhere to surfaces IF the sealers have been applied too strong.
How much waterproofing materials do I need?
As a general guide 1 litre material will seal and protect approximately 3 sq. metres of surface. Kiwicare Masonry/Red Brick Waterproofers should be applied by brush or spray to the point of run off.
What makes Moss Mould Mildew Concentrate such a great product?
With 1001 interior and exterior uses, Moss Mould Mildew Concentrate offers TOTAL FLEXIBILITY AND SAFETY. Its uses range from CONCRETE PATHS, WALLS, TERRACOTTA, DECRAMASTIC and IRON and CONCRETE TILE ROOFS, WOODEN and FIBROLITE FENCES, DECKING, GARDEN FURNITURE, BATHROOM WALLS and CEILINGS, FABRICS and CURTAIN CLEANING and MILDEW PROOFING, GERMICIDAL, BACTERICIDE for HYGIENE AREAS, plus many other uses.
How do I mix the product?
Mix thoroughly into the required amount of water (generally speaking the worse the problem, the stronger the mix that will be required). Normal mixing ratio is 10 parts water to each 1 part of concentrate.
Do I hose if off after the treatment?
No. If you want maximum benefits you will spray or brush it on and then leave it alone. When used outside the weather will wash away the moss and mould.
How long do I leave it before I can paint over it?
Not long. Just allow surfaces time to dry. Approx 1-2 hours.
Do I remove dirt and heavy moss before or after treatment?
All heavy dirt and grime and moss clumps should be removed prior to treatment, particularly so if you wish to paint or waterproof afterwards.
Will it stain?
Under normal circumstances - No. After treatment moss and spores turn brown causing some temporary discolouration, this will disappear after 1-2 weeks.
Will it affect decramastic tiles?
No. Moss Mould Mildew Concentrate is one of the few products which is totally safe for use on decramastic roofs and garden furniture.
Will it remove black mildew off ceilings and wallpaper?
Yes it will. Sponge dabbing is best to avoid smears. Avoid mixing too strong as this can also remove the colour from the wallpapers.
Is it safe for use against mildew on curtains and drapes?
Yes, it is preferable to soak the curtains and drapes in a tub and then hang them out to dry (do not rinse).
Can NO Moss Mould Mildew be used to kill moss and liverwort in turf and lawns?
Yes. At normal rates NO Moss Mould Mildew will control moss and livertworts in lawn turf. However, it may cause some burning or browning of the turf. Note: the product is not registered for such applications as it will also kill worms. Although this is temporary Kiwicare suggests the use of NO Moss in Lawns for control of moss in lawns as it will not burn the grass.
How much will I need?
Normal uses require 1 litre of mixed material for each 5-6 sq metres of surface treated.
Links Referenced
- contact us by sending a message to us here.
- http://www.kiwicare.co.nz/index.cfm/1,5,0,0,html/Contact-Us
- Follow The Pest Advice Blog
- http://kiwicarenz.blogspot.com
- NO Leaks Waterproof Red Brick and Terracotta Sealer
- #terracotta
- NO Leaks Waterproof Masonry Sealer
- #masonry
- NO Moss Mould Mildew
- #moss
- NO Leaks Solvent
- http://www.kiwicare.co.nz/index.cfm/1,186,0,0,html/Waterproof-Solvent
- NO Moss in Lawns
- http://www.kiwicare.co.nz/index.cfm/1,153,0,0,html/NO-Moss-in-Lawns
Location
http://www.kiwicare.co.nz/index.cfm/1,181,0,0,html
Copyright © Hairy Lemon 2010
