Protect Your Building from Water Damage

Masonry waterproofing applies protective treatments that prevent water from penetrating brick, block, and stone while still allowing moisture vapor to escape. It's preventive maintenance that extends masonry life, prevents costly damage, and protects your entire building from water infiltration.

Water is masonry's biggest enemy. Proper waterproofing stops it before damage starts.

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Why Masonry Needs Waterproofing

Water Causes Most Masonry Problems

Freeze-Thaw Damage:

• Water enters masonry
• Freezes in winter
• Expands and cracks material
• Spalls brick faces
• Destroys mortar

Efflorescence:

• Water carries dissolved salts through masonry
• Salts crystallize on surface as white deposits
• Indicates ongoing water movement
• Can damage brick faces

Lintel Corrosion:

• Water reaches steel lintels
• Causes rust and expansion
• Cracks surrounding masonry
• Requires expensive replacement

Interior Damage:

• Leaks through walls
• Ruins interior finishes
• Causes mold growth
• Damages insulation and framing

Structural Deterioration:

• Weakens mortar bonds
• Deteriorates brick and stone
• Compromises stability
• Shortens building life

Why Masonry Absorbs Water

Masonry is porous:

• Brick absorbs water like a sponge
• Mortar joints allow water penetration
• Cracks and gaps provide entry points
• Natural stone varies in porosity

Without protection, water constantly enters masonry during rain, snow, and humid conditions.

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How Waterproofing Works

Breathable Water Repellents

Professional waterproofing uses products that:

Repel liquid water:

• Create water-beading effect
• Prevent water absorption
• Stop rain penetration
• Block weather-driven moisture

Allow vapor transmission:

• Let moisture vapor escape
• Don't trap moisture inside
• Masonry needs to breathe
• Prevents internal deterioration

This is critical. Coatings that seal masonry completely (like paint) trap moisture and cause worse problems.

Penetrating vs. Film-Forming

Penetrating Sealers (What We Use):

• Absorb into masonry pores
• Chemically bond with material
• Don't change appearance significantly
• Allow proper vapor movement
• Last 5-15 years

Film-Forming Coatings (Avoid):

• Sit on surface
• Create visible film
• Often trap moisture
• Peel and fail
• Cause more damage

Silane/Siloxane Technology

Modern waterproofing uses:

• Silane (smaller molecule, deeper penetration)
• Siloxane (larger molecule, surface protection)
• Combined for best performance
• Chemically bonds to masonry
• Excellent longevity

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What We Waterproof

Building Walls

All exterior masonry walls benefit:

• Brick facades
• Stone walls
• Block walls
• Panel brick systems

Especially important for:

• Weather-exposed walls
• North-facing walls (stay wet longer)
• Walls with past water problems

Chimneys

Chimneys need waterproofing because:

• Exposed from all sides
• Take maximum weather abuse
• Water entry causes rapid deterioration
• Small surface area makes treatment affordable

Waterproofing extends chimney life significantly.

Foundations

Below-grade masonry waterproofing:

• Prevents basement moisture
• Stops foundation deterioration
• Reduces hydrostatic pressure
• Different products than above-grade work

Parapets and Caps

Horizontal surfaces absorb more water:

• Parapet walls
• Masonry caps
• Window sills
• Any horizontal masonry

New Construction

Waterproofing new masonry:

• Protects from day one
• Prevents future problems
• Easier than fixing damage later
• Smart preventive investment

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Our Waterproofing Process

1. Surface Preparation

Waterproofing only works on properly prepared surfaces:

Cleaning:

• Remove dirt, pollution, biological growth
• Power wash when needed
• Clean with appropriate methods
• Allow to dry completely

Repairs:

• Complete tuckpointing first
• Fix cracks and damage
• Replace failed lintels
• Seal expansion joints with caulk

Waterproofing doesn't fix underlying problems. Repair first, then protect.

2. Material Selection

We choose products based on:

• Masonry type (brick, stone, block)
• Exposure conditions
• Existing coatings or treatments
• Aesthetic requirements
• Performance expectations

Not all waterproofing is the same. We use the right product for your situation.

3. Professional Application

Proper technique matters:

• Apply to refusal (flood surface until it won't absorb more)
• Cover all surfaces completely
• Proper coverage rate
• Appropriate weather conditions
• Multiple coats when specified

Weather Requirements:

• Dry masonry (no rain for 24-48 hours before)
• Temperatures 40-90°F
• No rain in forecast for 24-48 hours after
• Appropriate humidity

4. Quality Verification

After application:

• Verify proper coverage
• Check water-beading effect
• Ensure even application
• Document work completed

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Benefits of Waterproofing

Prevents Water Damage

The primary benefit:

• Stops water penetration
• Prevents freeze-thaw damage
• Eliminates efflorescence
• Protects lintels
• Keeps interiors dry

Extends Masonry Life

Protected masonry lasts:

• 2-3 times longer between tuckpointing
• Decades longer overall
• Less frequent repairs needed
• Lower long-term costs

Maintains Appearance

Waterproofed buildings:

• Stay cleaner (water carries dirt)
• Less efflorescence staining
• Reduced biological growth
• Better curb appeal

Energy Efficiency

Dry walls provide:

• Better insulation performance
• Lower heating/cooling costs
• Improved comfort
• Reduced HVAC strain

Signs Waterproofing Needs Renewal:

• Water stops beading on surface
• Efflorescence reappears
• Masonry darkens after rain
• Water absorption increases

Test by spraying water. If it soaks in instead of beading, it's time for reapplication.

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What Waterproofing Doesn't Do

Doesn't Fix Existing Problems

Waterproofing isn't a repair:

• Won't fix deteriorated mortar (need tuckpointing)
• Won't repair cracked bricks
• Won't stop active leaks from bad flashing
• Won't fix structural issues

Fix problems first, then waterproof.

Doesn't Change Appearance Much

Professional waterproofing:

• Minimal appearance change
• Slight darkening immediately after (fades)
• Not a cosmetic treatment
• Won't cover stains or discoloration

If you want color change, that's different coating (which we don't recommend).

Isn't Permanent

All waterproofing requires:

• Periodic reapplication
• Ongoing maintenance
• Part of building care plan

Budget for reapplication every 7-15 years.

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Waterproofing vs. Paint

Don't paint masonry:

Paint causes problems:

• Traps moisture inside
• Accelerates deterioration
• Peels and looks terrible
• Requires ongoing maintenance
• Expensive to remove

Waterproofing is different:

• Penetrates, doesn't film
• Allows breathing
• Minimal appearance change
• Protects without sealing

If someone suggests painting your brick, say no.

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Related Services

Waterproofing works with:

• Tuckpointing - Repair mortar, then protect
• Masonry Restoration - Complete restoration with waterproofing
• Chimney Repair - Fix then waterproof chimneys
• Brick Repair - Replace bricks, then protect
• Caulking - Seal joints before waterproofing
• Power Washing - Clean before waterproofing

We coordinate waterproofing with all masonry services.

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Common Questions

Will waterproofing change how my building looks? Minimal change. Slight darkening for a few weeks that fades to nearly invisible. Won't dramatically alter appearance.

Can I waterproof over painted brick? Not effectively. Paint prevents penetration. We'd need to remove paint first (expensive and not recommended).

Is waterproofing the same as sealing? Depends on the product. We use breathable penetrating sealers. Avoid non-breathable sealants.

Do I need to waterproof new brick? Yes. New masonry absorbs water. Waterproofing from the start prevents problems.

Can I DIY waterproofing? Product is available, but proper application, surface prep, and material selection require expertise. DIY often wastes money on improper application.

Does waterproofing void brick warranty? No, proper breathable waterproofing doesn't void brick warranties. Paint does.

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Why Choose Arrow Masonry

50+ Years of Experience

We know which products work and how to apply them correctly.

Professional-Grade Materials

We use commercial products that last 2-3 times longer than consumer options.

Proper Preparation

We don't waterproof over problems. We fix issues first, then protect.

Complete Service

We handle repairs, cleaning, and waterproofing as one coordinated project.

See our work and read reviews.

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Get Your Free Waterproofing Estimate

We'll assess your masonry, recommend appropriate waterproofing, and provide a detailed quote.

Call: (847) 776-6400

Serving Chicagoland with professional waterproofing services.

Learn more about Arrow Masonry.

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Professional waterproofing since 1972. Protecting your masonry investment.