Brick, concrete, stone and other masonry products are porous; therefore, water can be a menace to its longevity. These surfaces are at some risk of cracking and spalling (breaking into smaller pieces) due to freeze/thaw cycles. Waterproofing the porous surface with a dependable waterproofer can extend the life of the surface and help keep it looking great, longer. Testing the brick, concrete or masonry surface to see if it needs protection is essential before starting your project. Be sure to check all steps and patios.

Take a knife and scrape along the edge of a brick wall, concrete patio, or walkway. If the surface flakes and crumbles, it's already been weakened by water damage and needs immediate attention.

You can also perform the splash test by splashing water against the surface. If the area becomes dramatically darker or immediately absorbs water, it’s time to waterproof.

A white powdery residue - called efflorescence - often results when water soaks into a brick (or concrete) surface and dissolves the alkaline salts. When the water evaporates, the salt deposits remain on the surface. Waterproofing will help avoid this condition. Before beginning any project on a hard surface like brick, concrete or masonry, you have to be sure there are no cracks or pits, as these may be part of a bigger problem - spalling. If there are any large cracks or damage, you will need to patch the spots before waterproofing. 

Cleaning is a crucial step to long-lasting protection for any type of surface. Having a clean surface prior to applying a concrete, brick, or masonry sealer will allow for the best waterproofing performance and improve durability of the coating. The surface should be clean of all contaminants. 

When applying a coating, be sure to read all label instructions carefully. For best results, do not mix with other waterproofing products. Prior to covering the entire surface, a test patch should be done in an inconspicuous area. Thompson's® WaterSeal® Clear Masonry Protector Waterproofer should only be used with adequate ventilation.

Be sure to apply the waterproofer in a shaded area

It's important to protect brick, concrete, or masonry surfaces that are in direct sunlight as well as shaded areas. By using Thompson's® WaterSeal® Waterproofers, you will provide a mildew resistant coating with the most powerful protection against water damage.

TIP: DO NOT apply a surface coating product like a varnish or polyurethane to exterior brick, concrete, stone or other masonry surfaces. Most varnishes and polyurethanes cause discoloring and make these areas slippery when wet.