As mentioned in our Water Repellent Comparison article, Siloxane sealers are chemically reactive water repellent sealers. They have a large molecule size and offer aggressive surface protection. The problem with Siloxane sealers is that their large molecule size prevents them from penetrating deep into the substrate and by remaining exposed in the surface pores, they break down quickly from surface abrasion. They will still provide years of protection, but with each passing year they become less effective.

There are many benefits to using a Siloxane sealer which is why Silane-Siloxane hybrid sealers are more popular than using just a Siloxane sealer alone. Silane sealers are known to work better below the surface and Siloxane sealers are known to work better on the surface. Silane-Siloxane sealers take the benefits of both silane sealers and siloxane sealers, without any of the weaknesses. Silane-Siloxane sealers provide equal protection above and below the surface and when properly applied, will last for up to 7-10 years. You will find when searching for a Siloxane sealer that most Siloxane sealers already contain a Silane-Siloxane hybrid sealer. It won’t always be evident in the title, but will be listed as a hybrid sealer in the SDS sheet, TDS sheet, or product description.

How a Silane Siloxane Sealer Works

When properly applied, Silane Siloxane sealers penetrate into the surface where they chemically react to form a water repellent barrier within the pores. This barrier can’t be seen or felt from the surface, and it won’t change the look or color of the substrate it is being applied to. It caused water and other liquids to bead off the surface, and also reduces absorption through the substrate.

Benefits:

• Surfaces sealed with a silane siloxane sealer are more resistant to damage and deterioration caused by water absorption such as cracking, spalling, and pitting.
• Surfaces sealed with a silane siloxane sealer are more resistant to the growth of mold and mildew, and the formation of efflorescence.
• Surfaces sealed with a silane siloxane sealer are more resistant to staining caused by water absorption.
• Silane Siloxane sealers last for up to 7-10 years before the need to reseal.

Silane Sioxane Sealer Uses

Silane siloxane sealers are used to seal a variety of masonry surfaces including concrete, brick, flagstone, granite, natural stone, stucco, pavers, and aggregate. Common applications include:

• Concrete and paver driveways
• Brick walkways and patios
• Warehouse and shop floors
• Garage floors
• Paver patios and pool decks
• Flagstone walkways
• Stucco  homes

Silane Siloxane Sealer Application

Silane siloxane sealers are very easy to apply. They can be applied with a roller or sprayer, but a sprayer will provide more constant coverage, and the material with stretch further.

1. Clean the surface to make sure it is clean and free of anything that could prevent proper penetration.
2. If a cleaner was used, make sure it didn’t leave behind a surface residue or alter the PH of the surface (acid based cleaners).
3. If a pressure washer was used, allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours.
4. Apply two coats of the silane siloxane sealer and let dry for at least 24 hours before letting it come into contact with water. If applying to an exterior surfaces, apply the sealer in the late afternoon or early evening when no dew is present, and when the surface has had a chance to cool down from exposure to the sun.

Best Silane Siloxane Sealers

The two best Silane Siloxane sealers are the Armor SX5000 and the Armor SX5000 WB. The SX5000 is a solvent based Silane Siloxane water repellent sealer and the SX5000 WB is a water based silane siloxane water repellent sealer. Both sealers are approved by the Department of Transportation in several states as water repellent sealers. They contain up to 5 times more active materials than other products in the industry, and they are available direct to both homeowners and contractors.

There are many ways in which one silane siloxane sealer differs from the next. While many of them offer similar benefits, how well they perform and how long they last vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next. Most of the differences step from two major differences, silane-siloxane ratio, and customer support.

Silane Siloxane sealers also vary greatly in the sealer make-up. The percentage of the sealer that is a Silane and the percentage of the sealer that is a Siloxane vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next. This information will never be posted by the manufacturer because it is considered properietary information – it is what sets one manufacturer apart from the next. The only way to find out if you chose a good product, is to try it unfortunately. This is why it is important to not only look into the product, but the company as well. The company is who provides support throughout the life of the product, so you want to make sure they are someone you feel confident in having a relationship with. Do they know their stuff? Do you they return phone calls? Are they just trying to sell you a product, or are they genuinely concerned that you are using the right product for your application? These are all things to think about.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is better, solvent or water based? Both types of silane siloxane sealers will offer the same benefits. Solvent based sealers are said to penetrate easier into dense concrete, but both types of sealers will work on all surfaces.
2. Can coatings be applied over surface sealed with a silane siloxane sealer? Solvent based acrylic sealers can be applied to surfaces sealed with a water repellent sealer. Some other types of oil based coatings and paint can be used as well but you should always check with the manufacturer of the coating to verify compatibility, as well as run your own test on a small area.
3. Can Silane Siloxane sealers be applied over surfaces previously sealed? Yes, but there are a few things to consider. If a silicate sealer was applied, then a silane siloxane sealer can be applied without issue. If a water repellent sealer was used, you want to make sure the old water repellent sealer has been worn down or removed. If it has been at least 5 years you are usually ok, but you can still run a quick test. Take a cup of water and splash it onto the surface. If the water is instantly absorbed in, you are typically ok. If the water beads off the surface or takes a very long time to absorb, there may still be sealer left. If this happens, you should contact the manufacturer of the product you are looking to purchase so that they can run you through a few extra steps. If an acrylic sealer was applied, the acrylic sealer would need to be removed before a silane siloxane sealer can be applied. Silane siloxane sealers are penetrating sealers and they need to penetrate directly through the surface.