In the world of construction and architectural design, the exterior of a building does more than create a first impression — it’s the front line of defence against the elements. Whether it’s a historic stone wall, a modern terracotta-clad façade, or exposed brickwork on a commercial development, protecting external surfaces from water damage, staining and biological growth is critical to both aesthetics and longevity.
That’s where HYDROREP ECO steps in. Engineered to meet today’s sustainability standards, this water-based, eco-compatible water-repellent from FILA Solutions provides a high-performance defence that doesn’t compromise on breathability, natural appearance, or environmental responsibility.
Let’s take a closer look at why this product is rapidly becoming the go-to solution for UK architects, designers and contractors looking to futureproof their exterior builds.
The Challenge: Weather, Water & Organic Decay
British weather isn’t always kind to building materials. Exposure to constant humidity, freeze-thaw cycles, and urban pollution all contribute to the gradual deterioration of vulnerable surfaces. On stone façades and cladding, issues like mould, algae, lichen, and efflorescence can appear quickly, especially in areas with limited sunlight or high rainfall.
For designers and specifiers working on both contemporary and heritage buildings, these problems raise key questions:
- How do we maintain the original appearance of the material?
- Can we safeguard building exteriors without risking the accumulation of trapped moisture?
- Is there a way to minimise maintenance and reduce organic buildup over time?
This exposed bricks protector was developed to answer these exact concerns, combining moisture-permeable, long-lasting protection with sustainable chemistry.
What is HYDROREP ECO?
This treatment is a water-based, VOC-compliant, eco-compatible water-repellent designed for a wide range of porous building materials. It can be used on:
- Unpolished stone and agglomerates
- Concrete
- Terracotta
- Exposed bricks
- Quarry tiles
- Plaster
- Tuff (volcanic stone)
Unlike many traditional treatments, this plaster protector penetrates deeply into the surface while maintaining over 90% vapour permeability. This is crucial for buildings that need to “breathe” — particularly older stone structures or lime-rendered walls, where breathability helps prevent trapped moisture and related damage.
The result? A natural-looking finish that allows the façade to age gracefully, but without the usual stains, streaks, or green tinge.
Designed for Modern Performance
While traditional masonry stands to benefit significantly from HYDROREP ECO, this isn’t just a niche conservation product; it’s also a frontline solution for contemporary builds.
From new residential schemes and commercial developments to bespoke garden walls, terrace cladding, and outdoor feature walls, this water-repellent is already being specified across a diverse range of UK projects.
Its key performance benefits include:
- Water-repellent with an unaltered appearance: No sheen or film.
- Strong UV resistance: Ideal for exposed elevations.
- Efflorescence defence: Especially valuable for newly installed stone and bricks.
- Anti-fouling barrier: Tested to UNI EN ISO 846:1999 standard for defence against algae, mould and lichen.
- Fast turnaround: Can be applied with residual moisture present and walked on within 4 hours.
- VOC A+ rated: Compliant with the French indoor air quality regulation.
For construction professionals working with porous materials, this blend of technical performance and environmental compatibility is a major win.
Where Can It Be Used?
This breathable, water-based treatment is trusted across a wide range of exterior applications — from modern builds to sensitive restorations — wherever long-term surface resilience is key.
Public Sector and Civic Buildings
Town halls, libraries, and museums often feature exposed stone or brickwork that must be preserved without compromising moisture permeability, making this an innovative, non-invasive solution.
Residential and Commercial Façades
Especially effective in exposed coastal areas or pollution-prone cities like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, where weather and smog accelerate staining and decay.
Hospitality and Retail
Clean, welcoming exteriors are essential to brand image. This high-performance barrier protects decorative cladding, entrance features, and surrounding signage zones from algae, moss, and pollution-related grime.
Restoration and Heritage Projects
Ideal for lime plaster, tuff, or heritage brickwork, where maintaining the material’s natural breathability is critical to preventing moisture entrapment and structural degradation. It’s also a trusted choice for chapels, listed buildings, and conservation-led restorations where sensitivity to traditional materials is essential.
Hard Landscaping and Entrances
Perfect for boundary walls, terraces, and decorative masonry exposed to damp or shaded conditions where algae, moss, and grime can take hold.
Mixed-Use and Contemporary Developments
Supports aesthetic continuity between indoor and outdoor finishes, ensuring porous external surfaces, such as terracotta and quarry tile, remain protected without altering their natural appearance.
This versatility gives architects, designers, and specifiers the confidence to use it across diverse portfolios, without compromising on sustainability or visual integrity.
Sustainable Building, Smarter Defence
One of the biggest advantages of HYDROREP ECO is its alignment with today’s sustainable building goals. With zero compromise on low emissions and a non-film-forming finish, it supports green design principles and the practical demands of low-maintenance architecture.
For professionals aiming to meet BREEAM, LEED or WELL standards, it plays a valuable supporting role in creating healthy, durable building envelopes. It’s the kind of future-proof, responsible solution that today’s specifiers are actively choosing.
Restoring Walls Before Sealing
For projects involving external wall restoration or heavy urban staining, NOPAINT STAR can be a valuable partner to HYDROREP ECO. This gel-based wall cleaner is specifically designed to remove graffiti, smog, and deep-seated grime from porous materials, including concrete, plaster, terracotta, stone, and brickwork — even on untreated surfaces.
Its viscous consistency makes it ideal for vertical applications, clinging to rough façades and delivering thorough degreasing where standard cleaners fall short. With a ready-to-use formula, NOPAINT STAR is a practical solution for contractors who need to prepare exterior walls properly, especially in urban settings, on heritage walls, or on public-facing elevations where visual cleanliness is crucial.
Using it ahead of or alongside HYDROREP ECO ensures a clean, breathable finish that’s properly primed for long-term performance.
Application in Practice
From a practical standpoint, our HYDROREP ECO formula couldn’t be simpler to use. It’s supplied ready to apply — no dilution required — and can be applied by brushing or spraying, depending on the size of the area.
- Ensure the surface is clean and dry (or has only residual moisture).
- Apply the product generously until it is fully saturated.
- After 10–15 minutes, dab away any excess product with a clean cloth.
- The material becomes walkable after 4 hours, with full water-repellent performance taking effect at 24 hours.
Why FILA Recommends HYDROREP ECO
At FILA, we develop treatments that respect the materials they’re designed to shield. HYDROREP ECO reflects this ethos perfectly.
We recommend it not just because it delivers excellent results, but because it does so responsibly. It reduces biological build-up. It preserves the character of natural materials. It makes future maintenance easier and more predictable. And it supports the goals of modern, sustainable construction.
Whether you’re specifying materials for a high-end commercial building or restoring a stone wall, FILA’s best outdoor protector gives you confidence that your projects will stand the test of time.
Specify with Confidence
If you’re working on a project involving external façades and want long-lasting protection that respects both the material and the environment, HYDROREP ECO should be on your radar.
Our technical team is available to advise on compatibility, specifications, and applications. For more information or project support, please contact our team at FILA Solutions today.
