Masonry Waterproofer 3

[jike]

Any recommendations on a good quality, commercial grade, spray-on brick waterproofer? Must be waterproof, breathable and not affect color. Prefer 10 to 15 year guarantee.

 

[dik]

I've used products by Prosoco with good success... have to be very careful as some products (not by Prosoco that I've encountered) discolour the masonry.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[STrctPono]

Brick is clay or concrete?

Sinak Corporation is always my go to for these type of applications. They are a chemical company out of San Diego that makes tons of curing compounds, waterproofing, densifiers, etc. for masonry products.

 

[Enable]

I mean those requirements don't really lend themselves to a true waterproofing system. And if I am being honest, I cannot think of a single product that accomplishes all that you desire. If you want to have no effect on the aesthetic, you are basically limited to sealers right? And while there are several good water repellent sealers, I highly doubt you'll get a waterproof gaurentee for 10-15 years. Even if they say they are "waterproof" think about what the product actually is and ask yourself if you really believe that. Simple fact is if all we needed to do to keep things waterproof was apply a clear coating, it would go down everywhere instead of more expensive / cumbersome polyurethanes.

If I wanted a vertical masonry wall to truly be waterproof I would go with Tremco ExoAir, but that messes with the aesthetic. Our usual around here are Euclid chemical products. They have a line of water repellent, clear sealers you can take a look at. But they wont give you the guarantee you desire.

Then again, might be some products I don't know about and would be happy to learn! I've checked out the websites of those recommended above, and from a cursory review, all of the products that might be applicable seem to be sealers.

 

[hokie66]

Enable is correct. You can't waterproof with anything that is clear.

 

[MotorCity]

I believe there are clear water repellants.

 

[hokie66]

Clear coatings degrade quickly, so cannot be considered to be waterproof.

 

[dik]

link:

https://prosoco.com/products/hard-surface-care/water-repellents/

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[STrctPono]

All very good points Enable.

jike, what is your definition of waterproof? By true definition, penetrating sealers are not going to accomplish the same waterproofing effects as coatings but may be considered water repellants. If this actually may be retaining water or saturated soil then you better go with an actual waterproof coating. But if this is above grade and looks is the primary concern but you are hoping to "seal" the masonry from potential driving rains and it gets exposed to UV light constantly, then perhaps a penetrating sealer is your best option. Any film forming coating will have issues with UV exposure but will provide greater waterproofing characteristics.

Enable is correct, most of Sinak's stuff that I am aware of are penetrating sealers but I don't know if they offer film forming sealers.

hokie66 is alluding to the fact that most clear coatings do not have enough pigment in the resin to be stable against degrading UV light so break down with exposure. My understanding of this, however, is that penetrating sealers are not susceptible to UV degradation.

 

[dik]

I've had excellent results with Prosoco sealers... and no problems. They are clear and remain clear... they don't last forever (nothng is forever, earthling) but they last for several years without reapplication. I've used them with historic brickwork which is critical for discolouration issues. They have coatings for both brickwork and CMU. I have no affiliation with the company. The product, IMHO, is one of the best.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[hokie66]

dik,
No doubt the company you suggested makes useful products. But the clear products are 'repellents', not waterproofing. Jike asked for a 'waterproofer', with a long guarantee. Perhaps that is not what he actually needs.

 

[dik]

You cannot get any effective waterproofing materials for masonry that are not a membrane. For nearly all masonry work, the best you can get is a repellent... Prosoco is one of the best and often spec'd for historic brickwork and stonework; it lasts for several years (a decade or maybe more). If you need it waterproofed, you need a membrane.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[Ussuri]

Silane, siloxane and silane/siloxane blends claim to be breathable and are clear. Breathability depends on your definition though, these products claim to maintain water vapour transmission but I think you would be best to speak to them directly.

https://www.keim.com/en-gb/mineral-products/what-product/keim-lotexan/

https://www.beeck.com/en/products/bmf-product.php?p=silicone-plus

 

[dik]

I've used (and still do) siloxane as a 'waterproofing' agent for concrete slabs and my experience is that it tends to discolour a bit... maybe because the siloxane is a 'heavier' molecule than the silane. Used to use silane but switched to the 'better' produce siloxane a decade or two back.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[jike]

Thank you all for your comments. Great information as usual!

 

[masonrygeek]

One last post (maybe). Here is a more technical discussion of clear water repellents (I don't like the term sealer since you really don't want to seal the brickwork):

https://www.gobrick.com/docs/defaul...less-coatings-for-brick-masonry.pdf?sfvrsn=0.

BIA Tech Note 6A does a pretty good job of discussing the pros and cons.

 

[dik]

Great paper...

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik