Repair Systems — 03 — Facade & External Envelope
Anti-carbonation facade coatings
Technical product reference for elastomeric anti-carbonation protective coatings for concrete and masonry facades — CO2 barrier coatings to slow carbonation progression and protect reinforcing steel on Class 2 strata and commercial buildings.
What are anti-carbonation facade coatings?
Anti-carbonation facade coatings are elastomeric protective coatings applied to concrete and masonry facades to provide a barrier against carbon dioxide (CO2) ingress. Carbonation occurs when CO2 from the atmosphere reacts with calcium hydroxide in concrete, reducing the concrete pH and progressively neutralising the alkaline environment that protects reinforcing steel from corrosion.
Product Reference
1 product — ARDEX — anti-carbonation facade protective coating systems
ARDEX WPM 330 Facade
Elastomeric anti-carbonation facade protective coating
System Description
ARDEX WPM 330 Facade is an elastomeric anti-carbonation protective coating for concrete and masonry facades. Anti-carbonation coatings are specified to provide a barrier against CO2 ingress into concrete — CO2 reacts with calcium hydroxide in concrete to form calcium carbonate, which progressively reduces the pH at the reinforcing steel and removes the passive protection layer, leading to corrosion initiation (carbonation-induced spalling). Elastomeric anti-carbonation coatings provide a flexible CO2 and water-vapour-resistant barrier while accommodating the micro-crack movement typical in facade concrete. They are used on concrete frame buildings and precast concrete facades as a protective overcoat after concrete repair, or as a preventive coating on buildings at risk of carbonation progression. Confirm current product technical data sheet, system design requirements, CO2 equivalent air thickness (sd value), application method, primer requirements, and DFT with ARDEX Australia technical before specifying. Do not rely on this general reference as a substitute for current ARDEX WPM 330 Facade technical documentation.
Technical Properties
- Elastomeric anti-carbonation coating — provides CO2 barrier to slow carbonation progression in concrete facades
- Flexible formulation — accommodates micro-crack movement in facade concrete and precast elements
- Suitable for concrete and masonry facade substrates — confirm primer requirements with ARDEX Australia
Limitations
- Anti-carbonation coating alone cannot reverse existing carbonation — active structural repairs must be completed before coating application
- Confirm primer specification and substrate preparation requirements with ARDEX Australia before specifying
- Not a substitute for structural concrete repair — specify in conjunction with a concrete repair specification where spalling or corrosion is present
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
Disclaimer
This page provides general technical information only. Final product selection must be confirmed against the current manufacturer technical data sheet, project specification, substrate condition, and structural engineer advice where applicable. Anti-carbonation coatings are a protective maintenance treatment — they do not replace structural concrete repair. Do not rely on this reference as a substitute for professional advice.