Technical Solutions for Historic Renovations

Sustainability and cultural value are the guiding criteria in renovation and restoration projects for historic buildings. This is an increasingly widespread practice that allows the preservation of the existing built heritage while creating a bridge between different eras and architectural styles. In this context, the conservation of external envelopes plays a strategic role, as it combines protection requirements with durability and technical performance.

To meet these needs, CAP Arreghini has developed, within its extensive range of paints and coatings, a series of specific solutions dedicated to the conservation of historic exteriors. These systems are formulated to withstand particularly harsh climatic conditions while preserving both the aesthetic integrity and structural resistance of architectural heritage.

Buildings of historic character and high artistic value represent an important component of the national building stock. Homes built before 1919 account for 9.5 percent of the housing heritage, while those constructed between 1961 and 2000 amount to almost 20 million units, equal to 56.3 percent of the total (ISTAT data 2024). At the same time, Italy holds the highest number of sites listed as World Heritage, subject to specific protection and conservation constraints.

Architects and designers are therefore required to address complex restoration and enhancement interventions on existing buildings. The careful selection of application techniques and materials suited to the characteristics of the substrate is essential to ensure durability, resistance and respect for the building’s value over time.

Siloxane-Based Solutions

The first solution proposed by CAP Arreghini for the protection of external plasters on historic buildings is the use of siloxane systems, which combine excellent breathability and resistance to weathering with high water repellence. These characteristics make such systems suitable for conservative restoration work, preserving the original aesthetic of façades.

A flagship product is Silomur,  or its water-based version Silomur W, part of the Sanacap line. This solution is designed for the treatment of natural stone, making surfaces breathable and water repellent without altering their colour or texture. It also prevents the formation of surface films, maintaining the original aesthetic appearance.

Also based on siloxane resins is Silintonachino Active, a fibre-reinforced, mould- and algae-resistant thick wall coating with a compact finish. It offers high protection, excellent colour resistance outdoors, breathability and water repellence, making it suitable for the restoration of buildings of historical interest.

Elastomeric Solutions

Another solution is elastomeric paint, suitable both for preventing and addressing structural cracking, which can allow rainwater and aggressive atmospheric substances to penetrate the building fabric. The elastomeric fibres contained in these products provide a reinforced structure, resulting in a compact and uniform finish with a high capacity to mask plaster imperfections.

This range includes Elasto Active, an elastomeric paint formulated with polyethylene fibres that forms a coating capable of resisting micro-cracking. Compact and uniform, it is water impermeable while maintaining adequate breathability. Also included is Elasto Guaina, a product that creates a continuous, waterproof, rubber-like coating similar to a membrane, and Elasto Stucco, a filler suitable for repairing wall cavities.

Mineral Silicate Solutions

Finally, CAP Arreghini offers a range of silicate-based products, paints with mineral binders based on potassium silicate, which ensure strong adhesion to the substrate, high breathability and long-term resistance. An example is Silicap, a water-based paint with a very matte finish and excellent breathability. Due to its chemical nature, it does not form a surface film but hardens through a chemical reaction with the substrate. These characteristics make it ideal for projects of historical and artistic interest.

Support for Designers

Through these solutions, CAP Arreghini supports designers and professionals from both a technical and creative perspective. Identifying the most suitable solution for renovation projects on historic and prestigious buildings is one of the key areas guiding the Project Division.

Support ranges from substrate assessment and material selection to the definition of application cycles, installation and post-intervention assistance. In this way, CAP Arreghini becomes part of a broader process of enhancing and protecting historical, cultural and artistic heritage, promoting informed, durable interventions that respect the existing architectural identity.

Sources:
https://www.istat.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Today-Abitazioni_01_08_2024.pdf
https://pubblicazioni.fondazionescuolapatrimonio.it/Minicifre-della-cultura-Edizione-2024/41/