Preliminary Evaluation of Coating Hydrophobization of Natural Stone from Repedea - Iasi area (Romania)

Given the need for the development of interdisciplinary studies and research, including in the Engineering field and in the Building sector, this paper suggests a multidisciplinary approach to the maintenance of lithic surfaces, by analyzing some high-performance building materials and products, such as hydrophobization coating films. As it has been determined and acknowledged by the scientific community worldwide, the main aggression factor affecting the geomaterials used in the construction of heritage assets is represented by water and/or excessive humidity, especially in the case of the use of porous limestone, such as those available in the Repedea - Iasi area (Romania). Therefore, in order to ensure better maintenance of a lithic calcareous material of this type, it is necessary to use a hydrophobic preventive treatment. The findings of the research conducted and described in this paper represent one of the first steps on the path to standardization regarding the confirmation of the efficiency of the hydrophobization products, which have been increasingly present on the Romanian specialized market lately. Thus, this paper is addressed to all the specialists interested in maintaining the lithic surfaces exposed to various environmental factors, as it is useful for both historical and civil constructions.