Prevent Rising Damp in Stone Flooring

It is one of the most frustrating problems on a new project. A beautiful light marble or limestone floor is laid, and within weeks dark patches, halos or shadows appear. Very often the cause is moisture rising from the wet screed and mortar bed into the stone. The good news is that you can prevent rising damp in stone flooring before the stone goes down.

This guide is for architects, site engineers, stone processors and contractors. We use Faber W-Drop, a water-based, VOC-free treatment that protects natural stone from rising humidity.

Prevent rising damp in stone flooring: Faber W-Drop

What Faber W-Drop is (and when to use it)

Faber W-Drop is a water-based, water-resistant anti-rising treatment for natural stone. It protects stone from rising humidity-related issues. The formula is water-based and VOC-free. It penetrates deep into the material for long-lasting protection without compromising breathability.

It does not create a film and does not change the colour of the stone. The data sheet calls it ideal for stones that are sensitive to colour changes, which covers many white marbles and pale limestones used in Indian homes and hotels. It does not yellow and is suitable indoors and outdoors.

Listed surfaces include marble, limestone, sandstone, granite, slate, basaltina, quartzite, porphyry, travertine, cotto, terracotta and marble or quartz agglomerates.

Faber W-Drop is a pre-installation treatment. The data sheet says it is generally applied in the factory or at the job site during the dry-lay stage, treating all faces of each piece. To increase stain protection, the data sheet recommends Faber Guard-S on the treated surface. Don’t apply on wet or humid stone or overheated surfaces.

What you need

Faber W-Drop (1 litre, 5 litre or 25 litre)
Lambswool applicator, brush or cloth, or a container large enough for dipping
Roller or cloth for spreading residues; a squeegee for dipped pieces
Single-disc machine or hand polisher with a cloth or white pad, for any residues that dry on
Clean racks or battens to dry the slabs on
Gloves and eye protection

Step-by-step: How to prevent rising damp in stone flooring with Faber W-Drop

Clean the slabs. Remove all dust and dirt. The stone must not be wet or humid. Work at a surface temperature of +5 to +40°C, away from overheated surfaces, and protect anything not being treated.
Test. Treat a spare piece first to confirm suitability and appearance.
Treat the top and edges first. Apply Faber W-Drop evenly over the face and all edges. Coverage is about 10 to 15 m² per litre.
Spread residues after 5 to 10 minutes. Before the product dries, even out residues with a cloth, lambswool applicator or roller until fully absorbed. If residues dry on the surface, remove them with a single-disc machine or hand polisher fitted with a cloth or white pad, using water.
Let it dry for 1 to 2 hours.
Turn the pieces over. Treat the untreated back in the same way, using the same application and residue-removal steps.
Or dip instead. Fully immerse each piece in a suitable container for 15 seconds up to 2 minutes, depending on how absorbent the stone is. Remove residues immediately with a squeegee, dry cloth or lambswool applicator.
Wait 24 hours before installing. The data sheet recommends at least 24 hours before laying treated material. Clean equipment as the data sheet directs (it specifies white spirit).

Tips and common mistakes

Treat every face. The data sheet method covers the top, the edges and then the back of each piece.
Don’t let residues dry on the surface. Spread them before they dry, as the data sheet instructs; dried residues need a single-disc machine or hand polisher to remove.
Build it into the schedule. A day for treating and drying, then a 24-hour wait, is far cheaper than lifting a stained floor.
Add stain protection. The data sheet recommends Faber Guard-S on a surface treated with Faber W-Drop to increase stain resistance.
For cleaning afterwards the data sheet suggests Faber Neugel or Faber Algafloor daily and FABER 30 or Faber Deterfug for heavy-duty cleaning.

Safety and storage

Faber W-Drop is water-based and VOC-free, but it is alkaline (pH about 11). Wear gloves and eye protection and avoid skin and eye contact.
Use suitable PPE and follow the product safety data sheet.
Keep out of reach of children.
Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Shelf life is 12 months in the original sealed packaging, so buy close to when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply Faber W-Drop to a floor that is already laid?

The data sheet describes Faber W-Drop as a treatment usually done in the factory or at the job site during dry-lay, treating the top, edges and then the back of each piece. For an installed floor with damp problems, contact us for advice.

Will Faber W-Drop change the colour of white marble?

No. It does not create a film or change the colour of the treated stone, and the data sheet says it is ideal for stones sensitive to colour changes.

Does Faber W-Drop protect against stains?

It is a water-resistant, anti-rising humidity treatment. To increase stain resistance, the data sheet recommends applying Faber Guard-S on the treated surface.

Need help?

Buy Faber W-Drop from Flagstone Fix to prevent rising damp in stone flooring, or let our team plan and apply protection on your project through our Stone Sealing service. WhatsApp +91 87792 40420 to discuss your site.