Introduction & Basics

A horizontal barrier is a barrier layer that is installed in the masonry to prevent rising damp. This barrier layer can be made of various materials, such as bitumen, plastic or metal, and is usually installed around 10-20 cm above the ground. The horizontal barrier is often part of a comprehensive waterproofing of the masonry that keeps moisture out of the ground as well as from the outside. There are various methods for installing a horizontal barrier, including the injection method, the masonry saw method and the drill core method.

The problem with damp walls - and the solution

Damp walls are more than just a visual problem. They endanger the building fabric, cause health risks due to mold growth and increase your heating costs due to deteriorated thermal insulation. Rising damp in particular, which penetrates your masonry through capillary forces from the ground, is a frequent and persistent challenge. This moisture penetration of the walls can lead to serious damage such as mold growth and reduced thermal insulation capacity. In addition, leaking horizontal barriers can lead to further damage to the building fabric, jeopardizing the stability of the building.

If you are looking for a solution to this problem, you may come across the term "silicification". But is this really the best method? Read why the Isofin system offers a superior alternative and how it keeps your walls permanently dry.

What is silicification and what are its disadvantages?

Silicification is a method that has been used for decades to seal against rising damp. Special silica solutions (highly diluted water glass solutions) are injected into the masonry, where they react with the carbon dioxide in the air to form an aqueous gel that is intended to block the pores. Injections are an essential part of the process. Another method of sealing damp walls is horizontal sealing, which is also frequently used.

Although this method is widespread, it has significant disadvantages:

• Salts harmful to the building: During silicification, sodium or potassium carbonates are formed in the masonry. These salts can destroy the mortar by forming crystals or have a hygroscopic effect and keep the wall damp.

• No real drying: The resulting silica gel consists of around 95% water. The wall is therefore not really dry, but the water is merely replaced by an aqueous paste.

• Limited durability: Silicification barriers are often only effective for 2-3 years.

• Thermal bridges: As the pores remain filled with water, thermal bridges are created that allow the room heat to escape to the outside.

• Distribution problems: Aqueous products have difficulty distributing evenly in wet walls, which requires narrow drill hole spacing of 10-15 cm. The necessary work steps include drilling the holes, filling in the injection solution and checking the distribution in the masonry.

Horizontal barrier

There are several methods for applying a horizontal barrier. One of the most common is the injection method, in which a special agent is injected into the masonry to close the pores and prevent moisture from penetrating. Another method is the masonry sawing method, in which a horizontal joint is sawn into the wall into which a barrier layer is then inserted. The drill core method is another option, in which holes are drilled into the wall to insert a barrier layer. It is important that the horizontal barrier is installed by a specialist company to ensure that it works correctly and effectively keeps the moisture out.

Silicification process

The silicification process is a method of applying a horizontal barrier. In this process, a special agent is injected into the masonry to seal the pores and prevent moisture from penetrating. The agent consists of various chemicals that react in the masonry and seal the pores. Although the silicification process is an effective method of applying a horizontal barrier, it should be carried out by a specialist company to ensure that it works correctly and effectively.

Isofin - The superior alternative to silicification

Isofin works on a completely different principle. Instead of clogging the pores, Isofin makes them water-repellent (hydrophobic) while they remain open and breathable. This results in a dry wall, as moisture cannot penetrate. This offers decisive advantages: Isofin keeps walls permanently dry. Horizontal barriers are strategically placed below the basement ceiling to prevent moisture from rising through the walls. It is a superior alternative. Detailed instructions on how to carry out the Isofin application can be found in our guide.

2. long-lasting effect over decades

In contrast to the short-term effect of silicification, Isofin offers long-term protection. Over 50 years of experience with the product shows that the effect lasts for decades - a real long-term solution against rising damp. Moisture can cause considerable damage to the structure of the building and impair the statics. The injection process creates a horizontal barrier to effectively dry out the masonry and make it habitable again.

3. excellent distribution in the masonry

Thanks to its low surface tension, Isofin displaces the water in the capillaries and distributes itself optimally in the masonry. This enables a generous drill hole spacing of 25 cm, which simplifies and speeds up installation.

4. better thermal insulation and energy efficiency

As Isofin ensures dry walls and the pores are filled with air after drying out, the masonry regains its natural thermal insulation capacity. Barrier layers play an important role here, as they act as a protective measure against rising damp and thus support the thermal insulation. Effective basement waterproofing is also crucial for improving energy efficiency. This reduces your heating costs and noticeably improves the indoor climate.

5. no salts harmful to the building

In contrast to silicification, the application of Isofin does not produce any harmful salts in the masonry. Sealing the masonry is crucial to prevent the penetration of moisture. The building fabric is preserved and protected in the long term. The barrier layer is applied in the form of bitumen sheeting or PVC barrier film to underline the effectiveness of the method.

How does the Isofin application work?

Using Isofin is uncomplicated and in many cases you can even do it yourself:

1. Drill the holes: Drill 10-12 mm diameter holes into the wall at 25 cm intervals, at a 30-45° downward angle. These drill holes are crucial to evenly insert the Isofin into the masonry and ensure an effective seal. Various manufacturers offer special Isofin products that are suitable for DIY enthusiasts and allow easy application.

2. Insert Isofin: Special Isofin injection bottles are inserted into the drill holes. The wall absorbs the Isofin automatically.

3. Wait for the effect: A capillary water barrier forms inside the wall within about a week. The existing water gradually evaporates and the wall dries out completely.

Depending on the situation, you can implement various solutions with Isofin:

• Horizontal barriers against rising damp

• Surface barriers as a replacement for missing external waterproofing

• Standing locks against gear moisture due to attachments

• Barriers in balcony connections and for light well moisture

Which materials is Isofin suitable for?

Isofin can be used in almost all types of masonry:

• Brick masonry

• Sand-lime brickwork

• Concrete walls (with adjusted drill hole spacing)

• Natural stone masonry

• Quarry stone masonry

• Hollow blocks and lattice bricks

• Aerated concrete walls

• Even clay walls

It is particularly effective in basements to dry damp walls and protect against moisture penetration. When used in natural stone such as granite, the holes should be made directly in the joints to take account of the density of the material.

Do it yourself or hire a professional?

While silicification should almost always be carried out by professionals due to its complexity and the precision required, Isofin also offers a realistic self-application option for dedicated DIY enthusiasts. Injection as a method of waterproofing masonry can be particularly effective. It is also important to ensure that buildings are waterproofed to prevent long-term damage caused by penetrating damp. The detailed Isofin application manual and ease of use make it possible to fix many damp problems yourself and save considerable costs in the process.

For more complex situations, such as water pressure damage or uncertainty about the cause of the moisture, the network of trained Isofin specialist companies is at your disposal.

Why Isofin is the better choice

While silicification only has a temporary effect and ultimately creates more problems than it solves, Isofin offers a sustainable, well thought-out solution in terms of building physics. The capillary effect, in which moist air and water rise from the lower walls and the ground to the upper floors of a building, can lead to a poor indoor climate and mold growth. Waterproofing is therefore crucial to protect the building fabric in the long term and avoid moisture problems. The open-pored hydrophobic coating makes Isofin a superior alternative that:

• ensures permanently dry walls

• maintains the natural breathability of the masonry

• improved thermal insulation

• does not produce any harmful salts

• is easy to use

• offers a service life of several decades

Conclusion: Isofin instead of silicification for sustainable moisture protection

If you are looking for a reliable solution to rising damp, Isofin is the smarter choice over traditional silicification. A hairdryer can be used as a first measure to combat damp, but additional steps are necessary if more damp builds up. Isofin is particularly suitable for old buildings as it offers specific techniques for retrofitting horizontal barriers to prevent damp damage in these historic structures. With over 50 years of experience and a physically superior mode of action, Isofin offers long-term protection for your masonry.

Opt for the modern alternative that not only keeps your house dry, but also restores its natural breathability and thermal insulation. Protect your building fabric sustainably with the proven Isofin system.

Frequently asked questions about the Isofin application