Water Repellents for Masonry: Different Uses, Different Materials

Water repellents are not actually necessary to set masonry, but we do use them and sell them. We find that some masons (and their clients) depend on these incorrectly. People like to think that they don’t need to maintain their brick and concrete work as much if it’s “protected” with water repellents. But this is not the case.

These products repel just plain water — not water vapor — and are mostly helpful only in certain environments. This can prevent salts’ buildup, for example, or serious rain penetration. But they also accumulate debris and dirt more easily, which comes with its own set of problems. With the understanding that water repellent-treated masonry might need even more maintenance, then, some clients do choose to use it.

So, we do have a few product recommendations. In fact, we only sell three different kinds — each with a distinct purpose. The fourth bullet-point for each product tells its composition. You can read more about water repellents’ composition here.

Speccoseal SJS.

• Use on paved surfaces.
• Prevents weed growth and sand erosion.
• Stabilizes sand joints.
• Water-based acrylic and silicone.

Brick & Block Seal.

• Use in masonry applications.
• Darkens and gives slight sheen to the facade.
• Highly liquid water-repellent.
• Water-based acrylic and silicane.

Waterstopper S-5.

• Use on vertical surfaces.
• Repels water and rain.
• Ideal for porous masonry work.
• Primarily silicone rubber.

Contact us or a contractor if you ever need help deciding what to use — or what not to use — for your next project.