Does your beautiful brick home look a little tired? Maybe you’ve noticed some patches that seem to soak up water, or perhaps the color isn’t as vibrant as it once was. It’s a common problem, and that’s where exterior brick sealer comes in. But walk into any home improvement store, and you’re faced with a wall of choices. Which one is right for your home? It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what will protect your brick without changing its look.
Choosing the wrong sealer can lead to more problems than it solves, from unwanted shine to ineffective protection against the elements. This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down what you need to know, from understanding different types of sealers to spotting the best ones for your specific needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a sealer that keeps your brick looking great and lasting longer.
Top Exterior Brick Sealer Recommendations
- A CHIMNEY SEALANT WITH ENDURING PERFORMANCE: This brick protector creates a permanent bond with your chimney’s masonry for durable protection. It allows trapped moisture to escape, preventing freeze/thaw damage and ensuring lasting effectiveness
- SILOXANE BRICK SEALER PREVENTS LEAKS: Chimney waterproofing is important because cracks in your chimney can let water seep into the home; this water repellent effectively seals & waterproofs your chimney, protecting your home from water intrusion
- BREATHABLE BRICK SEALER EXTERIOR PROTECTION: This non-film forming sealant spray offers breathable, superior protection without altering surface color for residential chimneys, brick walls, and vertical masonry surfaces like stone, stucco, and more
- EASY APPLICATION WATER-BASED CHIMNEY WATERPROOFING SEALANT: Apply 2 coats of chimney sealer with a pump-up sprayer while using drop cloths to prevent overspray, but product is water based & VOC compliant, so it’s easy to clean up
- COVERAGE & DRY TIME: Our siloxane brick sealer covers 80-150 sq. ft. per gallon (2 coats). Dries to touch in 2-6 hours after you spray sealer. Waterproof in 4-6 hours, with continued strengthening over several weeks
- INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PROTECTION: Shields both interior and exterior brick walls with a water-resistant barrier. Helps prevent moisture, cracking, and flaking for long-lasting durability.
- CLEAR SATIN FINISH: This clear brick sealer enhances the natural color of masonry with a subtle satin sheen. Multiple coats increase shine and highlight the beauty of your brick surfaces.
- EASY-TO-CLEAN SURFACE: Forms a washable layer that repels dirt and grime. Simplifies cleaning for both indoor and outdoor brick walls, keeping surfaces looking fresh and well-maintained.
- REDUCES INTERIOR BRICK DUST: Acts as an interior brick dust sealer to minimize dust settling on floors. Low odor, water-based formula keeps your indoor spaces cleaner and more comfortable.
- VERSATILE APPLICATION AND COVERAGE: Apply with brush, roller, or airless sprayer. Covers 80-150 sq. ft. per 1 gal. Ideal for use as a masonry sealer for fireplaces, walls, and more.
- [ PREMIUM ] High-Strength Wall Waterproofing for Brick, Stone, Mortar, Cement, Sandstone and Granite. Not applicable on limestone or painted surfaces.
- [ 25 YEAR PROTECTION ] Stormdry’s cream-based formulation allows it to Penetrate Deeply forming an invisible Water Repellent barrier in a Single Coat Application
- [ BREATHABLE ] Allows masonry to breathe and dry naturally. Easy to Apply Penetrating Damp Treatment that maintains thermal properties of cavity wall insulation
- [ CLEAR] brick sealer exterior. Fully cured Stormdry brick damp seal will maintain natural appearance of the wall
- [ INDEPENDENTLY APPROVED, TESTED & VERIFIED: ] ✔️ BBA Approved (Certificate Number: 15/5198); ✔️ Verified by the Energy Savings Trust as an energy saving method; ✔️ Tested by University of Portsmouth
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE SILANE SILOXANE SEALER: The Armor SX5000 WB is a professional-grade water-based silane siloxane sealer designed for use on unsealed concrete, brick, paver, bluestone, flagstone, slate, natural stone, and masonry.
- REDUCES WATER ABSROPTION BY UP TO 95%: The Armor SX5000 WB chemically reacts to form a water-repellent barrier below the surface that will reduce the absorption of water and other liquids by up to 95%.
- WON’T CHANGE THE LOOK OR COLOR: Formulated with high-quality US-manufactured resins, the Armor SX5000 WB is designed to protect concrete, brick, pavers, stone, and masonry without changing the look, color, or feel. The substrate will look and feel exactly as it did before it was sealed!
- LONG LASTING PROTECTION: The Armor SX5000 WB Silane-Siloxane concrete sealer chemically reacts to form a water-repellent barrier below the surface that can last for up to 7-10 years. By reducing the absorption of water through the surface, damage caused by water absorption is also reduced. Sealed surfaces are more resistant to cracking, spalling, ice damage, salt damage, organic surface growth, and staining.
- READY TO USE: The Armor SX5000 WB is ready-to-use and can be applied to a properly cleaned and prepped unsealed surface with pump sprayer. One gallon covers up to 175-225 square feet per gallon. Foundation Armor cleaners and sprayers are available separately.
- Ready-to-use masonry protection: Pre-diluted, water-based silane/siloxane water repellent for concrete, most masonry, stucco, and manufactured stone; use according to current product directions.
- Breathable penetrating treatment: Penetrates deeply for long-lasting water repellency without impairing the natural breathing characteristics of treated surfaces.
- Helps resist water-intrusion damage: Helps masonry resist cracking, spalling, staining, and other damage related to moisture penetration; not a substitute for repairing defective masonry or waterproofing below-grade structures.
- Vertical and horizontal applications: Suitable for compatible walls and horizontal surfaces; vertical applications use wet-on-wet saturation, while horizontal surfaces use a single saturating application.
- Plan drying and protection time: Dry to touch in approximately one hour; protect from rainfall for six hours and traffic until visibly dry. Water-repellency properties develop in 72 hours.
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Purpose Waterproof Stain. Proven to waterproof concrete, brick, exterior wood and other exterior surfaces.
- CLEAR STAIN – This outdoor wood stain and sealer provides a clear finish. It will hide the grain, but still allow the texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding enhancing the natural color.
- FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
- EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new patio, this concrete, brick, wood sealer is easy to apply. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
- THOMPSON’S – Protecting & maintaining all your exterior surfaces, can easily be simplified if you know where to start. Thompson’s WaterSeal is here to take the edge off, thanks to our one-coat products, informative how-to guides & decades of expertise.
- Concrete patch filler seals cracks and holes in exterior or interior concrete and masonry surfaces
- Concrete sealer is ready to use – needs no mixing or additives making projects easy
- Flexible adhesive is low in odor, cleans up easy with water and provides a 24 hour return to service time
- Provides a durable, long-lasting concrete crack repair that resists gasoline, salt, grease or oil when cured
- Versatile concrete patch and repair may be painted with latex or oil-based paints
- CLEAR WATERPROOF PROTECTION: Water based acrylic sealer dries clear with a low gloss finish, enhancing and protecting surfaces from fading. VOC-compliant and prevents color loss without yellowing.
- JOINT SEALING AND SAND LOCK: Seals joints by hardening and stabilizing joint sand, helping to prevent weed growth and ant colonization. Ideal for use as a paver sealer outdoor solution.
- VERSATILE SURFACE APPLICATION: Perfect for use as a patio sealer for pavers, brick paver sealer, and stone paver sealant. Suitable for clay brick, paver stones, and most horizontal concrete.
- EASY APPLICATION AND COVERAGE: Covers 75-150 sq ft per gal. No mixing required. Use a pump-up sprayer and back brush for even application. Allow to dry one to two hours before applying a second coat.
- LOW ODOR AND EASY CLEANUP: Delivers a subtle, low gloss finish with low odor. Cleanup is simple with soap and water, making this water based paver sealer convenient for any project.
Your Guide to the Best Exterior Brick Sealer
Protecting your home’s brick is a smart move. A good brick sealer keeps your walls looking great and prevents damage. This guide will help you pick the right one.
Why Seal Your Brick?
Brick looks good, but it can soak up water. This water can freeze and crack your bricks. It can also lead to mold and stains. A sealer creates a shield. It stops water from getting in but lets air out. This keeps your brick strong and clean.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for brick sealer, check for these things:
Water Repellency
The main job of a sealer is to keep water out. Look for products that clearly say they are water-repellent. This stops rain and snow from soaking into the brick.
Breathability
Your brick needs to “breathe.” This means trapped moisture can escape. A good sealer lets water vapor out. It doesn’t trap moisture inside the wall. This prevents damage from the inside.
Durability and Longevity
You don’t want to seal your brick every year. Look for sealers that last a long time. Some can protect your brick for 5, 10, or even more years. This saves you time and money.
UV Resistance
Sunlight can break down some sealers. A sealer with UV resistance stays strong even in bright sun. This means it keeps working and looking good for longer.
Ease of Application
Most sealers go on with a sprayer or a roller. Some are easier to use than others. If you’re doing it yourself, pick a sealer that’s simple to apply.
Important Materials
Brick sealers are made from different things. The most common are:
Silane and Siloxane Sealers
These are very popular. They soak into the brick. They create a barrier that repels water. They are also very breathable. This makes them a great choice for most homes.
Acrylic Sealers
Acrylic sealers form a thin film on top of the brick. They can add a bit of sheen. Some acrylic sealers can make the brick look darker. They are good at blocking water but can sometimes trap moisture.
Silicone Sealers
These are also good at repelling water. They tend to be very durable. However, some silicone sealers may not be as breathable as silane/siloxane options.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a brick sealer great or not so great?
Improving Quality
- Good Ingredients: Sealers with high-quality silane or siloxane are usually better. They offer excellent protection and breathability.
- Proper Formulation: A well-made sealer will last longer and work better. It will be easy to apply and dry clear.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Brands that have been around a while often make reliable products.
Reducing Quality
- Cheap Ingredients: Some cheaper sealers might not last as long. They may not protect your brick as well.
- Poor Formulation: A badly made sealer can be hard to apply. It might leave streaks or change the brick’s color.
- Trapping Moisture: If a sealer isn’t breathable, it can cause problems. Trapped moisture can lead to efflorescence (white powdery stains) and spalling (flaking brick).
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use brick sealers?
DIYers Love Them
Many homeowners use brick sealers themselves. They spray or roll it onto their house. It’s a way to save money on professional services. The process is usually straightforward.
Protecting New and Old Brick
You can seal brand new brick when your house is built. This gives it protection from the start. You can also seal older brick. This helps to stop further damage and refresh its look.
Preventing Stains and Mold
Sealers make it harder for dirt, oil, and mold to stick to the brick. This keeps your walls cleaner. It reduces the need for frequent power washing.
Enhancing Curb Appeal
Clean, protected brick looks beautiful. A sealer can make your home look newer and more inviting. It adds to your home’s overall charm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Brick Sealer
Q: How often do I need to seal my brick?
A: You usually need to seal brick every 5 to 10 years. It depends on the sealer you use and the weather in your area.
Q: Will brick sealer change the color of my brick?
A: Most good quality sealers dry clear. Some might add a slight sheen or make the brick look a little darker when wet. Always test on a small, hidden area first.
Q: Can I apply brick sealer myself?
A: Yes, most brick sealers are designed for DIY application. You can use a garden sprayer or a roller.
Q: What’s the best time of year to apply brick sealer?
A: The best time is when the weather is mild and dry. Avoid very hot or very cold days. Make sure the brick is dry before you start.
Q: How do I prepare my brick before sealing?
A: Clean the brick thoroughly. Remove any dirt, mold, or old sealer. Make sure it’s completely dry before applying the new sealer.
Q: Can I seal painted brick?
A: No, you generally cannot seal painted brick. Sealers are meant to soak into porous brick. Paint creates a surface that prevents this.
Q: What’s the difference between a sealer and a waterproofer?
A: They are often the same thing. The term “waterproofer” is sometimes used for sealers that are very good at repelling water.
Q: Will sealer stop efflorescence?
A: A good breathable sealer can help reduce efflorescence. It allows moisture to escape, which is key to preventing it.
Q: How do I know if my brick needs sealing?
A: Sprinkle some water on the brick. If the water soaks in quickly, it might need sealing. If the water beads up, it’s probably already protected.
Q: Can brick sealer be removed?
A: Some sealers can be removed, but it can be difficult. It’s best to choose a sealer that you are happy with long-term.