Color Flex | Crack Bridging Paint

Highly elastic façade coating

Hairline cracks are usually an indication of a house settling in. Old houses can shift and move over time as temperatures fluctuate. This can result in small cracks appearing as the building adjusts to these minor changes.

Crack-bridging paint is commonly used in various situations where the underlying surfaces are prone to cracking. Here are several reasons why you might need crack-bridging paint:

Structural Movement:

Buildings and structures undergo natural movements due to factors such as settling, temperature fluctuations, and vibrations. These movements can lead to the formation of cracks in the walls and other surfaces. Crack-bridging paint is designed to accommodate such movements, preventing the paint from cracking and ensuring a continuous protective layer.

Aging and Deterioration:

Over time, surfaces can deteriorate due to exposure to weather conditions, UV radiation, and other environmental factors. As materials age, they may become more prone to cracking. Crack-bridging paint helps conceal and bridge these cracks, protecting the substrate from further damage.

Masonry and Concrete Surfaces:

Masonry and concrete surfaces are susceptible to cracking, especially in areas with high seismic activity or soil settlement. Crack-bridging paint is often used on these surfaces to provide a flexible and protective coating that can withstand the stresses and movements inherent in these materials.

Exterior Walls:

Exterior walls are exposed to the elements, including rain, sun, and temperature fluctuations. These conditions can lead to the development of cracks over time. Crack-bridging paint is applied to exterior walls to protect against water infiltration, which can cause additional structural problems.

Preventing Water Damage:

Cracks in surfaces can serve as pathways for water to enter the underlying structure. Crack-bridging paint forms a water-resistant barrier, preventing moisture from seeping into the substrate. This is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of building materials and preventing issues like mold growth.

Renovation and Restoration:

During renovation or restoration projects, existing surfaces may have visible cracks that need to be addressed. Crack-bridging paint is a useful solution for concealing these cracks while providing a protective layer that enhances the overall appearance and longevity of the surface.

Flexible Coating for Bridges and Overpasses:

Infrastructure elements like bridges and overpasses are subjected to dynamic loads, vibrations, and temperature variations. Crack-bridging paint is often used in these applications to protect the structural elements from cracking and to maintain the integrity of the infrastructure.

Preventing Surface Deterioration in High-Traffic Areas:

Surfaces in high-traffic areas, both indoors and outdoors, can experience wear and tear that leads to cracking. Applying crack-bridging paint in such areas helps preserve the aesthetics of the surface and prevents further deterioration.

Cracked concrete components or those susceptible to cracking are highly likely to suffer from damage caused by moisture penetration. Whether the cracks are static or dynamic. With Remmers Color Flex, you can easily cover up and protect your façade without losing the quality properties like breathability and water repellence that you would with other with crack-bridging coatings.

Remmers Color Flex (Elastoflex Façade Paint) properties:

■ High crack-bridging capability

■ UV-crosslinking binder

■ Carbonation-inhibiting sd CO₂ ≥ 115 m

■ Highly water-repelling w ≤ 0.1 kg/(m² ∙ h ) 0.5

■ Water vapour permeable

■ Very good hiding power

■ Listed in BASt

■ Tested in accordance with DIN EN 1504-2

■ Weather resistant

■ Colour stable

For walls with larger cracks, Remmers offer another product with filling properties as well as the crack bridging properties.

Remmers Color Flex Fill (Elastoflex Filler Paint) can be used to repair larger cracks in walls such as the one above. It offers all the same properties as Color Flex.

In summary, crack-bridging paint is a versatile solution for addressing and preventing cracks in various surfaces. It is particularly valuable in situations where structural movements, environmental conditions, and aging contribute to the formation of cracks, providing a protective and flexible coating to extend the life of the underlying substrate.