Dekguard E2000: Elastomeric Protective Coating for Concrete and Masonry

Product Overview

Dekguard E2000 is an elastomeric, pigmented acrylic protective coating system designed to protect atmospherically exposed concrete and masonry structures from environmental degradation. Manufactured and supplied by Fosroc International Limited, this water-based coating provides comprehensive protection against multiple corrosive agents while accommodating substrate movement.

Product Composition and Description

Dekguard E2000 comprises two complementary components:

1. Nitoprime DG Primer: A single-component, film-forming, stabilising primer supplied as a clear liquid. This primer is based on an acrylic resin and silane-siloxane dissolved in a penetrating organic carrier. It is reactive and capable of producing a chemically-bound hydrophobic barrier that inhibits the passage of water and water-borne contaminants while consolidating and stabilising porous substrates.

2. Dekguard E2000 Coating: A crack-accommodating, water-based protective coating based on a special acrylic polymer. The coating provides excellent elongation and recovery properties with low dirt pick-up and resistance to aggressive environmental elements.

Key Features and Advantages

Dekguard E2000 offers multiple protective benefits:

• Elastomeric Properties: True elastomeric coating with excellent elongation and recovery capabilities, enabling substrate crack accommodation
• Multi-Barrier Protection: Excellent barrier to carbon dioxide diffusion, chloride ions, oxygen, and water penetration
• Dirt Resistance: Special acrylic polymer minimises dirt retention on the coating surface
• Vapour Permeability: Allows water vapour to escape from the protected structure while blocking liquid water ingress
• UV and Weather Resistance: UV-resistant with high resistance to long-term weathering effects
• Water-Based Formulation: Environmentally friendly, solvent-free composition

Technical Properties

The protective properties of Dekguard E2000 are demonstrated through rigorous testing:

Property	Typical Result
Volume Solids	50% approximately
Elongation at Break	>300% (ASTM D412)
Carbon Dioxide Diffusion Resistance	>96 metres equivalent air thickness
CO₂ Diffusion Coefficient	3.7 × 10⁻⁰⁷ cm²/sec
Chloride Ion Diffusion Coefficient	2.3 × 10⁻¹⁴ m²/sec @ 147 days
Fire Rating	Class 1 (BS 476, Pt 7: 1987)
Water Transmission Resistance	14g/24h/m²/KPa (AS/NZS 4548.5-1999)

Intended Uses

Dekguard E2000 is specifically formulated to:

• Protect atmospherically exposed (non-trafficked) reinforced concrete structures from attack by acid gases, chloride ions, oxygen, and water
• Provide protection especially where substrate cracking is anticipated
• Protect other cementitious substrates and masonry surfaces
• Accommodate substrate cracking without loss of protective integrity
• Protect structures in coastal environments where chloride ion exposure is a concern
• Serve as a component of Fosroc's Renderoc system for concrete reinstatement

Application Specifications

Substrate Types

Dekguard E2000 is formulated for application to:

• Clean, sound concrete surfaces
• Clean, sound masonry surfaces
• Properly prepared cementitious substrates

Coverage Rates

• Dekguard E2000: 2.5 m² per litre (total coverage)
• Nitoprime DG Primer: 2.5 m² per litre (total coverage)

Application Method and Film Thickness

Component	Application Rate	Wet Film Thickness	Number of Coats
Nitoprime DG	0.4 litres/m²	N/A	Flood coat
Dekguard E2000 (One Coat)	0.4 L/m²	400 microns	One
Dekguard E2000 (Two Coats)	0.2 L/m²	200 microns	Two

Application Methods

Dekguard E2000 can be applied using:

• Brush Application: Suitable brushes for manual application
• Roller Application: Standard rollers for broader coverage
• Spray Equipment: Airless spray equipment at 3000 psi, utilising Graco 795 or Graco 1095 equipment with 19 thou or 21 thou spray tips. Spray application of a single coat on well-prepared surfaces (with no blow holes) can achieve 400 micron wet film thickness, providing substantial time savings.

Drying and Overcoating Times

• Nitoprime DG Overcoating Time: 2 hours minimum at 20°C before Dekguard E2000 application
• Dekguard E2000 Overcoating Time: 8 hours at 20°C between coats

Surface Preparation Requirements

Proper surface preparation is essential for optimal performance:

• All surfaces must be dry and free from contamination including oil, grease, loose particles, decayed matter, moss, algal growth, laitance, and all traces of mould release oils and curing compounds
• Lightly grit-blast the surface to achieve optimal cleanliness and adhesion
• Where biological growth (moss or algae) is present, apply proprietary biocide treatment after grit-blasting
• Fill surface imperfections: Surfaces containing blowholes or pitting should be filled using Renderoc FC or Renderoc ST 06 cementitious fairing coat, allowed to cure for approximately 48 hours before Dekguard E2000 application
• Trial applications are recommended when applying over existing sound coatings to ensure compatibility and bond retention

Protective Performance

Cracking Accommodation

Dekguard E2000 is designed to provide protection while accommodating substrate cracking:

• Designed with elastomeric properties to accommodate substrate movement
• Applied in two coats to achieve minimum total dry film thickness of 200 microns for proper crack accommodation

Environmental Protection

The coating system provides protection against:

• Acid Gases: Protects from atmospheric acid gas attack
• Chloride Ions: Provides excellent barrier to chloride ion penetration into concrete
• Water and Moisture: Blocks water ingress while allowing vapour transmission
• Carbonation: Excellent barrier to carbon dioxide diffusion
• Oxygen: Prevents oxygen ingress into concrete structures

Application Limitations

Dekguard E2000 has specific limitations that must be observed:

• Temperature Restrictions: Application should not commence if substrate temperature is below 5°C
• Frost Exposure: Should not be applied where exposure to frost is likely within 48 hours of application
• Weather Conditions: Should not be applied in windy conditions or where rain is likely within 2 hours at 20°C or 20 hours at 5°C (up to 80% relative humidity)
• Humidity Limits: Should not be applied when prevailing relative humidity exceeds 90%
• Ponded Water Exposure: Not suitable for areas subjected to exposure to ponded water; Dekguard S should be considered for such applications
• Trafficable Surfaces: Not designed nor suitable for use on traffic-bearing surfaces
• Existing Coatings: When applying over existing coatings, compatibility trials are required to ensure bond retention between underlying coating and substrate

Product Supply and Availability

Dekguard E2000 products are made to order and subject to minimum order quantities:

Product	Product Code
Dekguard E2000 White 15L	FC860625-15L
Dekguard E2000 Special Colour 15L	FC860626-15L
Dekguard E2000 In Can Tint 15L	FC860628-15L
Nitoprime DG 20 litres	FC862600-20L
Fosroc Solvent 10 4 litre	FC600800-4L
Fosroc Solvent 10 20 litre	FC600800-20L

Storage and Shelf Life

• Store in cool, dry conditions away from sources of heat and naked flames
• Dekguard E2000 must be protected from frost during storage
• Product shelf life varies based on storage conditions; check product labelling for expiration dates

Tool and Equipment Cleaning

• Dekguard E2000: Remove using clean water immediately after use
• Nitoprime DG: Remove using Fosroc Solvent 10 immediately after use

Design Criteria

The coating should generally be applied in two coats to achieve a total dry film thickness of not less than 200 microns to accommodate substrate cracking. However, it is possible to achieve the total dry film thickness in a single coat on well-prepared surfaces, depending on substrate type and finish requirements. Trials are recommended before full application to ensure the finish meets client requirements.

References

• [1] Fosroc_Dekguard_E2000_TDS.pdf
• [4] Fosroc_Nitoprime_DG_TDS.pdf
• [6] Fosroc_Guncrete_E_TDS.pdf