Masonry adds a beautiful touch to any home. If you want that masonry to last for years and to look like it did the day it was installed, it’s important to make sure you stay up to date on maintenance throughout the year, and properly waterproof and seal it, especially in high-moisture environments.
Whether you’re talking about brick paver porches, paver walkways, patios or any other type of masonry, ensuring that the material is taken care of properly is essential for its long-term health and performance.
Below are some of the top waterproofing and sealing techniques for masonry in high-moisture environments.
Preparing the Surface (Sweeping, Washing, and Scrubbing)
Before doing any waterproofing or sealing, there are a few steps you’ll need to take. The first step is to prepare the surface you’re working on.
Sweep or dust the masonry surface thoroughly to remove any loose particles and grit. This will allow you to then wash and scrub the surface so that it’s clean. You can just use a big sponge and some soapy water to do this.
Next, wipe away any excess moisture with towels so that the material isn’t soaked with water. Then, allow the surface to dry overnight. Since most masonry is porous, this is necessary to ensure it’s completely dried out.
With all this done, the masonry surface will be clean and dry for sealing.
Sealant Selection and Application
Sealing a masonry installation is a great idea, no matter what type of hardscape you have. As mentioned above, the material itself is porous, which means water can and will get soaked into the material.
In cold climates such as Michigan, this can result in significant damage to the masonry. As the water that’s inside of the masonry freezes and thaws, it will slowly but surely eat away at the material. This process becomes even more problematic if you use salt-based de-icing products.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Sealant (Moisture, Durability, Aesthetics)
There are a lot of different sealant products on the market. Choice is a great thing, of course, but it can also get confusing.
Some things you want to consider when you’re choosing a sealant is the level of moisture exposure to your masonry installation, the durability of the product itself as well as what aesthetics you desire. For instance, some sealants will give a glossy look to the surface, while others will be a matte finish and won’t change the original look of the material at all.
While there are many different types of sealants, those that provide the greatest benefit in protecting masonry materials are silane/siloxane sealers. These water-repellent sealer cover and protect many different types of surfaces.
Techniques for Effective Sealant Application
Regardless of what type of sealer you’re applying, it’s important to follow the instructions on the product. Applying a sealant may seem like an arduous task, but it’s actually rather easy if you follow these simple instructions.
Make sure that you are only spraying a sealer when the air and surface temperatures are at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While you can apply the products in much hotter temperatures, you need to make sure that the temperature isn’t going to dip too low, otherwise it might not be effective.
When you’re applying the product, hold the spray at an angle that will prevent splashing. If you’re applying the product to a vertical masonry structure — such as a chimney or a retaining wall — start at the top and work your way down. This will be the same as if you’re painting a wall.
Tips for Achieving a Long-Lasting Seal
Since most masonry materials are porous, it’s important to apply a sealer to prevent damage that moisture can cause. Doing so will also help to maintain the surface of the brick, which acts as the “skin” to the rest of the material.
You always want to use a high-quality sealant that is suitable for the specific masonry material that you have and the environment in which you live. By using the proper product, you’ll ensure that you get the best protection and the best results over the long term.
Waterproofing and Insulation for Cavity Walls
When you’re considering waterproofing and sealing, it’s important not to forget your cavity walls. This type of structure is often used in colder climates such as Michigan because of the benefits that they provide, including moisture prevention, heat and sound insulation, durability and more.
Cavity Walls: Definition, Construction, and Advantages
A cavity wall is a type of wall construction that has a gap or cavity between two parallel walls. These are typically made of block, stone or brick. The two separate walls are called leaves — the inner wall is the internal leaf, while the outer wall is the external leaf.
One of the reasons why cavity walls are installed is that they can provide better insulation and thermal performance compared to a solid wall. As mentioned, they offer improved resistance to moisture and dampness, which therefore reduces the risk of the inner leaf sustaining damage.
Importance of Cavity Wall Insulation
Just like any outer structure, it’s important to properly insulate all cavity walls. Doing so will help to reduce heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer.
In addition, proper insulation will prevent moisture from accumulating, and provide a space for drainage and ventilation — all of which reduces the risk of dampness and condensation forming.
Techniques for Waterproofing Cavity Walls
There are a few different ways to waterproof cavity walls. The best way, though, is to fill in the cavity with lean concrete.
Make sure to provide some slope at the top of the structure, up to a few centimeters above ground level. At the bottom of the outer leaf, ensure you put in weeping holes at an interval of approximately one millimeter. This will allow moisture to escape the cavity wall instead of accumulating.
Outer Wall Construction and Waterproofing
Just like cavity walls, outer walls serve as an essential support for your entire masonry structure. They can hold back earth or serve as the “bones” for other masonry structures. As such, it’s important that outer walls are constructed and waterproofed properly.
Benefits and Challenges of Outer Wall Construction
In order for outer walls to work properly, they must be constructed properly by a professional. These structures help to protect buildings from moisture-related issues, after all, so you need to ensure that they can perform “up to snuff” over the long term.
Properly waterproofing these structures, as a result, is very important. The same goes for cavity walls, which have to be able to not only drain quickly but dry quickly so that moisture doesn’t accumulate. In turn, this protects the entire assembly of the wall itself.
Waterproofing Techniques for Outer Walls
To waterproof outer walls, you can follow the same techniques as you do when you waterproof other masonry materials. Make sure to use a waterproof brick sealer so that the outer wall doesn’t suffer moisture damage.
Before you even seal the material, though, ensure that the construction and design of the exterior walls are done properly, as that alone can prevent major issues such as moisture damage.
Common Issues and Solutions in High Moisture Environments
There are many common issues that you might face in high-moisture environments. This includes some of the below.
Efflorescence, Color Fading, Crumbling, Molding, and Mildew
Masonry surfaces that are not sealed at all, or not sealed properly, are especially vulnerable to moisture. This can lead to issues such as efflorescence, color fading, crumbling, molding and mildew.
These issues can become even more prominent, and more troublesome, in colder climates that experience a lot of freezing and thawing cycles. By applying a waterproof sealant, you can not only prevent against this damage, but also eliminate the gritty feel of interior brick floors and outdoor paved surfaces.
Strategies for Preventing and Addressing these Issues
When you apply a waterproof brick sealer, you will be preventing moisture from getting into the porous surface. This will stop the problem before it can even start to form, which will help maintain the integrity of the brick’s surface.
Even if you have applied a sealer already, it’s important to inspect and maintain all masonry surfaces regularly. This will help you identify any potential issues before they can become big problems.
Best Practices for Masonry Care and Maintenance
No matter what type of masonry material you have, it’s best to do some preventative maintenance to keep it not only looking good but performing at its optimal level.
While you can do a lot of the regular inspections — and even sealants — yourself, it’s also a good idea to work with a professional company to achieve optimal results in masonry care and repair solutions.
As always, ensure that the professionals you hire to do the job have expertise in waterproofing protection, as well as coming up with solutions for masonry care and repair.
