This paper presents the evaluation of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nano-particulate aqueous facade
emulsions for water repellent and thermal insulation applications. Treated bricks were assessed by; thermal
conductivity, water contact angle (WCA), water vapour permeation, water absorption and treatment
depth measurements. In addition, a theoretical model was produced which was used to evaluate possible
financial and energy saving potential of such treatments. Nano-particulate emulsions showed a 5% water
beading improvement over the emulsion control. Thermal insulation of the treated samples improved significantly
in wet conditions and was attributed to reduced water ingress. The titanium dioxide treatment
showed approximately 45% lower sorptivity values compared to the emulsion control. Each emulsion
achieved 13–14 mm treatment penetration while still allowing water vapour permeation to occur. Theoretical
modelling showed that all emulsions reduced energy consumption considerably allowing real
financial savings to be made. Nano-particulate emulsions improved saving potential against the emulsion
control by approximately 32%.