Home & Garden Architecture

Wood & Brick Waterproofing Products

By Home & Garden Last updated Thursday, July/04/2024

Seal-Krete

Seal-Krete is designed to be painted onto vertical surfaces made of brick or wood, as well as other materials, such as metal and drywall. The product creates a waterproof but breathable seal over the material and, in addition to preventing water intrusion, it also prepares the surface for painting. It can be applied with a sprayer, brush or roller. Seal-Krete is tintable with latex paint, and can also be used on floors when properly applied.

This type of repellent is formulated to soak into any brick and bond with the material both on the surface and deep into the interior. Because of its chemical bonds with the brick, it keeps the material from absorbing water but does not change the appearance of the brick. This substance allows any moisture that does get into the brick to evaporate. This product must be sprayed on and can be applied to horizontal and vertical surfaces.

In a test performed by the University of Tennessee Extension, Olympic WaterGuard provided the best water repellent coating for wood. This product penetrates the wood with linseed oil and solvents. The wood may be discolored when it is treated; it should not be applied to recently painted or stained wood. However, it can be used on pressure-treated wood, already-weathered wood and wood that has been stained in the past. When it is applied, this product should be brushed on, but if it is applied with a sprayer or roller, it should be back-brushed for best penetration.

Thompson's WaterSeal Multi-Surface works on both wood and brick, as well as concrete, tile, slate and stucco. It is designed to penetrate the material to which it is applied and also provides UV protection for that surface. However, it will not protect wood from turning gray over several years. This product should be reapplied every three years for the best water-repellent performance. Note that if it is applied too thick, applied over a wet surface, or if the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit within 48 hours of applying it, this product will develop an oily or sticky texture.