Is Granosite Waterproof?
Granosite texture coating is often chosen for its durability, modern appearance, and ability to protect exterior walls from harsh weather. A common question homeowners ask is whether Granosite is fully waterproof or simply water-resistant. Understanding how Granosite works will help you decide if it’s the right solution for protecting your walls from moisture.
What Is Granosite Texture Coating?
Granosite is an acrylic-based texture coating that contains fine aggregates to create a decorative, textured finish. Unlike standard paint, it forms a thicker protective layer over walls, offering greater resistance to weather, UV exposure, and surface wear. It is commonly applied to brick, concrete, cement render, and cladding to improve both appearance and durability.
What Does “Waterproof” Actually Mean for Wall Coatings?
In building terms, waterproof means completely blocking water from passing through a surface under all conditions. Most exterior wall coatings are not designed to be fully waterproof. Instead, they are water-resistant, meaning they repel rain and surface moisture while still allowing walls to breathe. This breathability is essential for preventing trapped moisture, which can lead to mould or wall damage.
Is Granosite Waterproof or Water-Resistant?
Granosite is best described as water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. It creates a flexible acrylic membrane that sheds rain and limits water absorption. This level of protection is usually more than sufficient for external walls exposed to normal weather conditions, including heavy rain and humidity.
How Granosite Protects Walls from Moisture
The effectiveness of granosite texture coating lies in how it forms a continuous, flexible barrier across the wall surface. The acrylic base allows the coating to expand and contract with temperature changes, reducing the likelihood of cracks that can let moisture in. It significantly reduces water absorption compared to bare brick or standard render, while still allowing moisture vapour to escape from within the wall.
Situations Where Granosite Performs Well
Granosite performs exceptionally well on exterior house walls, boundary walls, and façades exposed to sun, rain, and coastal air. It is widely used in high-humidity environments and coastal areas because it resists salt and moisture damage. Residential homes, apartment buildings, and commercial properties all benefit from its long-lasting protective qualities.
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What Granosite Does Not Protect Against
While Granosite offers excellent surface protection, it cannot fix underlying moisture problems. Issues such as rising damp, leaking roofs, faulty gutters, poor drainage, or structural water ingress must be resolved before applying any coating. Using Granosite over unresolved moisture issues may hide symptoms temporarily, but the problem will eventually resurface.
Can Granosite Be Made More Waterproof?
Proper preparation and application greatly improve Granosite’s moisture resistance. This includes repairing cracks, applying the correct primer, and ensuring the coating is applied at the recommended thickness. In some cases, additional sealers or topcoats can be used to further enhance water resistance, particularly in high-exposure areas.
Granosite vs Other Wall Finishes for Moisture Protection
Compared to standard paint, Granosite is far more durable and resistant to moisture. Paint tends to peel or blister when exposed to prolonged damp conditions, whereas Granosite forms a thicker, more resilient barrier. Compared to traditional cement render, Granosite offers greater flexibility and is less prone to cracking, making it more reliable in wet or variable climates.
How Long Does Granosite’s Water Resistance Last?
With professional application and minimal maintenance, Granosite can maintain its water-resistant properties for 15 to 25 years. Over time, UV exposure and environmental conditions may reduce performance, but recoating restores both protection and appearance.
When Should You Choose Granosite for Moisture Protection?
Granosite is a strong choice for homes and buildings exposed to frequent rain, humidity, or coastal conditions. It is ideal when you want a finish that offers both visual appeal and reliable weather protection without high ongoing maintenance.
Takeaways
Granosite is not fully waterproof, but it is highly water-resistant and extremely effective at protecting exterior walls from rain and surface moisture. When applied correctly and used on suitable surfaces, it provides long-lasting protection while allowing walls to breathe. For most residential and commercial properties, Granosite offers an excellent balance between durability, moisture resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
