The present invention relates to compounds useful for and a method for improving the water penetration rate through hydrophobic surfaces comprising the application of an effective amount of a compound having the formula: wherein R and R' are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C 1-24 alkyl, aryl, C 1-24 alkylaryl, aryl(C 1-24 )alkyl, -C(=O)-R 1 (esters), C(=O)-NHR 1 (urethanes), or C(=O)-O-R 1 (carbonates) wherein R 1 is selected from the group consisting of C 1-24 alkyl, aryl, C 1-24 alkylaryl, C 1-24 arylalkyl； A is an organic moiety derived from the group consisting of alkylene oxides having 4-12 carbon atoms and aryl epoxides having 8-12 carbon atoms； x=1-300； y= 0-200； z=0-200； and with the proviso that R and R' can not be H or ether functionality at the same time.
