Silane-siloxane sealers are perhaps the most popular type of sealer that can be applied to brick. Due to the porosity of brick, there are only so many types of sealers that can be applied. Most people choose between a silane siloxane brick sealer, a Wet Look Brick Sealer, or paint.
Silane-siloxane sealers penetrate into the brick where they chemically react to form a hydrophobic barrier within the pores. This barrier, which can’t be seen or touched, works to reduce the absorption of water and other liquids on the surface. Brick sealed with a silane siloxane brick sealer will look exactly as it did before being sealed.
Silane siloxane sealers are used to seal a variety of brick surfaces including brick chimneys, brick stairs, brick walkways, brick driveways, brick patios, brick walls, and other brick applications.
Applying a silane siloxane sealer to brick is very easy:
- Ensure the brick is clean, dry, and free of any other sealers and coatings
- Using a pump sprayer, apply a single coat, ensuring the brick is evenly saturated
- Once the first coat is completed, wait about 15 minutes and apply with a second coat
Now, some manufacturers may change up their application instructions so it is important to follow the directions on the product you are using. But, as you can see, applying a silane siloxane sealer is a fairly simple process.
Benefits Of Using a Silane-Siloxane Brick Sealer
There are many benefits to sealing brick with a silane siloxane sealer. By reducing the absorption of water on the surface, damage and deterioration caused by water absorption is also reduced. Some of the many benefits include:
- Sealed brick is more resistant to cracking caused by freeze-thaw cycles
- Sealed brick is more resistant to the growth of mold and mildew on the surface
- Sealed brick is more resistant to staining and deterioration caused by water aborption
- Sealed brick is more resistant to exposure to the elements
What Are The Best Silane-Siloxane Sealers For Brick
Silane-siloxane brick sealers are available in water and solvent based formulations. Water-based silane siloxane sealers are typically more popular simply because they are easy to apply and can be cleaned up with soap and water. They are also less aggressive in the event you accidentally over-spray the material onto something that wasn’t intended to be sealed. Another benefit to using a water based silane siloxane sealer is that water based silane siloxane sealers don’t have an odor. If you are sensitive to odor while the sealer is drying, it is best to avoid a solvent based sealer. The life and performance benefits between a water based and a solvent based are the same, so you should choose the material you are most comfortable working with.
For a list of the best water based silane siloxane sealers, view our Best Silane-Siloxane Sealer Article.