Masonry sealer offers one way to protect your brick and mortar for years to come. Just read some of our Seal Smart reviews to see what some of our satisfied customers have to say about us.
In today’s blog, we answer some frequently asked questions about penetrating masonry sealing.
What is masonry sealing?
Masonry sealing penetrates your masonry structures to prevent the intrusion of moisture into these items.
Do I need to seal masonry?
Yes, because sealing your masonry with a penetrating sealant can prevent damage due to moisture over time.
Should I clean masonry before having it sealed?
Yes, because it will make the masonry look better after sealing.
What do we use masonry sealing on?
We use masonry sealing on building structures made from single units held together with mortar.
For our purposes, masonry includes:
- Brick
- Stone (natural or artificial)
- Concrete blocks
- Masonry veneers that adhere to an inner wall
You should be able to see lines of mortar in between pieces of masonry.
You may find masonry in:
- Walls
- Chimneys
- Walkways
- Stairs
- Hardscaping
- Retaining walls
- Brick ovens
- Decorative masonry in yards and parks
Our team can apply masonry sealant on outdoor, above-ground structures with either a vertical or horizontal configuration.
What does a masonry sealer do?
The overall goal of our penetrating masonry sealer is to protect your masonry structures from moisture, such as rain, water, ice, and snow. It works by filling in microscopic pores found naturally in brick, concrete blocks, and stonework.
How do we seal outdoor masonry?
Our process is three-fold.
- We cover up any surfaces that do not receive our penetrating masonry sealant. This includes windows, doors, wooden fixtures, outdoor furniture, plants, home siding, and anything else near the masonry we’re going to protect.
- We clean the masonry to make sure the penetrating sealant can seep into the substrate properly. Cleaning also makes the masonry look better ahead of sealing your brick, concrete blocks, or stonework. We clean using an industrial scrubbing machine.
- We apply our proprietary masonry sealant using an industrial washer, similar to a pressure washer. The sealant penetrates the substrate.
How does masonry sealant work?
It works by penetrating the bricks, concrete blocks, or stonework to fill in the microscopic pores found naturally in these substances.
What are the advantages of masonry sealing?
The main advantage of masonry sealing is that it repels moisture in the bricks and the mortar.
Other advantages include:
May prevent cracking. Hairline cracks are microscopic, but they can expand over time as more moisture creeps in. In the winter, these could turn into visible cracks. Our penetrating masonry sealant is designed to repel moisture by filling the tiny spaces between microscopic pores naturally found in bricks, stonework, and concrete blocks.
Longer life. Repelling moisture can prevent hairline cracking in the mortar as well as in the bricks, concrete blocks, or stonework. Hairline cracks can expand into larger cracks over time. The reason is that if water gets into the microscopic pores of masonry and then freezes, ice expands rather than contracts. When ice expands, it can cause hairline cracks at first, which are very hard to see. Over time, as more water gets in those cracks, they could expand into larger cracks. The longer the water stays as ice, the more your masonry can crack.
Might save you money. You could save money over the life of your masonry. When hairline cracks due to moisture become obvious, it could reduce the structural integrity of the masonry. Depending on if your masonry forms a load-bearing structure, you could save money on replacement costs and actual structural damage to your home. Your individual results may vary, and there are no guarantees against damage to your masonry because cracks could form for reasons other than moisture.
Better aesthetics. Fewer visible cracks in your masonry make it look nicer, more uniform, and cohesive.
Is masonry sealing worth it?
Absolutely. Masonry sealing can prevent ice and moisture from cracking bricks and mortar within the structure of your wall, chimney, steps, or walkway.
What time of year is best to seal my masonry?
Every season except for winter is the best time of year to apply masonry sealant. Colder winter months aren’t ideal, but professional teams can apply driveway sealants so long as the temperatures stay warm enough. The Seal Smart team will consult with you about what to expect.
How soon after building a masonry structure should I have it sealed?
As soon as the mortar cures completely. Mortar typically cures to more than half of its compressive strength within 24 to 36 hours. It reaches full cure after a month. To fully protect your investment, apply a professional-grade masonry seal a month after installing your new structure.
What type of masonry sealant does Seal Smart use?
We use a penetrating masonry sealant on your brick, concrete blocks, or stonework. Our proprietary solvent fills in the pores found naturally in these substances to protect them from water damage.
Why should I use a professional masonry sealing company versus DIY options?
- High-grade results. You receive better results compared to DIY products you can purchase on the shelf. Plus, companies like Seal Smart have the equipment needed to complete each job properly.
- Saves you time. Rather than spend hours out of your day or week applying DIY options that may not deliver the results you want, Seal Smart does all of the hard work for you.
- Enjoy rather than work. At Seal Smart, masonry sealing is part of our DNA. You get to sit back and relax while our team takes care of your masonry in an afternoon.
How soon can Seal Smart seal your masonry?
Seal Smart’s team can complete professional masonry sealing in one day, depending on the size of the job. Do you have more questions? Reach out or give us a call at 1-877-288-6716, and we will be happy to answer any inquiries you have! We look forward to hearing from you.
