THE CHALLENGE
Unmitigated exposure to environmental factors poses a significant threat to the aesthetic and structural integrity of natural stone surfaces like Indiana Limestone. Weathering, rainwater infiltration, and biological adhesion contribute to unsightly staining, organic growth, and progressive material degradation. Traditional maintenance methods often prove insufficient or resource-intensive, necessitating a novel approach to preserving the pristine appearance of outdoor stone surfaces.
THE SOLUTION
Armus presents a solution to this challenge through a two-pronged approach: Hydro Guard and Pure Guard. Hydro Guard utilizes advanced surface chemistry to create a robust near-surface, water-repellent barrier. This impedes contaminant infiltration, minimizing adhesion of dirt, stains, and organic matter. Pure Guard complements Hydro Guard's action with its photocatalytic properties. Sunlight activates organic matter decomposition on the treated surface, promoting a persistent self-cleaning effect. The combined application of these products provides a synergistic shield against the environmental adversaries that compromise the integrity and visual appeal of natural stone.
IMPLEMENTATION
To evaluate the efficacy of Hydro Guard and Pure Guard in a real-world setting, a controlled experiment was devised. An Indiana Limestone block was meticulously sectioned into three distinct areas
- Control Group (50%): Untreated, serving as a benchmark for comparative analysis.
- Hydro Guard Treatment (25%): Solely treated with Hydro Guard to assess its water-repellent capabilities.
- Combined Treatment (25%): Treated with both Hydro Guard and Pure Guard, representing the full protective potential of the synergistic approach.
This instrumented limestone block was strategically placed at the base of the Miller Mausoleum in Green-Wood Cemetery. This location, notorious for rapid organic growth due to specific microclimatic conditions, provided a stringent test environment to effectively contrast the performance of each treatment.
9 MONTHS POST-APPLICATION RESULTS & evaluation
Following nine months of continuous exposure to environmental stressors, the results were conclusive. The untreated control group exhibited significant surface deterioration, characterized by heavy soiling and organic growth accumulation. The Hydro Guard-treated section, however, presented a marked improvement. Its water-repellent barrier mitigated surface contaminant adhesion, resulting in minimal dirt and staining compared to the control.
The most compelling outcome stemmed from the combined Hydro Guard and Pure Guard treatment. This section showcased near-pristine aesthetics, devoid of visible organic growth or substantial staining. This exceptional performance underscores the efficacy of Pure Guard's photocatalytic self-cleaning mechanism in actively combating organic matter accumulation, even in a highly challenging environment.
