ABSTRACT
Capillary water absorption in building materials should be minimized because water carries chemical compounds that cause degradation. The effect of the adhesive covering on capillary water absorption in four different types of masonry bricks was investigated using neutron radiography. Only one sample revealed the creation of two layers of the coat to protect bricks against water infiltration. Water is absorbed into the gap between the two layers by capillary action. The progress of the water front between the two layers is proportional to the square root of the absorption time. The capillary penetration coefficient is 3.25 times faster than that of the identical type of sample in the bulk. Between the two layers, the amount of water absorbed is half of what is in the bulk of the sample. The coat is incapable of repelling water ingress in some samples The coat is effective on some surfaces but not recommended on others.