Masonry Sealing & Waterproofing
Keep liquid water out while letting the wall breathe — sequence and product matter.
Overview
Masonry sealing protects a sound wall from water absorption — but only when it's done in the right order with the right product. A breathable, penetrating water repellent keeps driving rain out of the brick while still letting water vapor escape. A film-forming coating does the opposite: it traps moisture inside the wall, where it freezes and causes spalling behind a sealed surface.
We seal masonry the right way: repair and repoint first so there are no open water paths, clean the surface, then apply a breathable penetrating repellent to dry masonry in the right conditions. Sealer is protection for good masonry — not a fix for a wall that's still letting water in.
Scope of Work
- Breathable penetrating sealer application
- Pre-seal masonry repair and repointing
- Surface cleaning before sealing
- Parapet, sill, and horizontal-surface sealing
- Below-grade and at-grade waterproofing
- Commercial facade water-repellent application
Quick Answer
Emerald Masonry LLC seals and waterproofs masonry across Chicagoland with breathable penetrating repellents — applied after repairs so water stays out while the wall still breathes. Family-owned, licensed and insured, 40+ years. Call (708) 288-1696.
Warning Signs
When to Call Us
01
High Water Absorption
Brick that stays dark and wet long after rain is absorbing more water than it should. A penetrating repellent on sound masonry sharply reduces that absorption.
02
Recurring Efflorescence
White salt deposits that return after cleaning mean water keeps moving through the wall. Sealing helps only after the entry points are repaired — sequence is everything.
03
Exposed, Weather-Beaten Elevations
South- and west-facing walls and parapets take the most driving rain and benefit most from a breathable repellent once they're sound.
04
A Previously Coated, Spalling Wall
Walls sealed with a film-forming coating often spall behind it because trapped moisture can't escape. These need the wrong product addressed, not more of it.
Materials We Use
- Silane/siloxane breathable penetrating water repellents
- Masonry-safe cleaners for surface prep
- Flexible sealant for control joints
- Replacement weep vents for cavity drainage
What Affects the Price
- Square footage and number of coats
- Extent of repair needed before sealing
- Product grade selected
- Access and surface height
Every building is different. We provide free on-site estimates so you get a real number for your property — call (708) 288-1696.
Making the Right Call
Penetrating sealer vs. film coating
A penetrating repellent keeps liquid water out while letting vapor escape — correct for brick. A film coating traps moisture and causes spalling. The product choice, and sealing only after repairs, determine whether waterproofing helps or harms.
Past Work
Project Gallery
Masonry waterproofing — commercial property
Surface treatment after repair
Sealed and protected facade
FAQ
Common Questions
A breathable penetrating sealer greatly reduces water absorption into sound masonry, but it's not a substitute for proper joints and brick. Sealer applied over failed mortar or active leaks doesn't work — and can make things worse by trapping water. Repair first, then seal.
Film-forming coatings trap moisture inside the wall. Water already in the masonry can't escape, freezes, and causes spalling behind the sealed face. Masonry has to breathe, so the correct product is a penetrating, breathable repellent.
Quality penetrating sealers typically last 5–10 years depending on the product, the porosity of the masonry, and weather exposure. Parapets, horizontal surfaces, and the most exposed walls need reapplication sooner.
Penetrating sealers absorb into the masonry and are invisible once cured — they don't change the appearance. We confirm the product and its finish with you before applying.
Get Started
Request a Free Masonry Sealing & Waterproofing Estimate
Free on-site estimates for commercial and large-scale residential projects across Chicagoland. Upload diagnostic photos and we'll get back to you the same day.
Phone
(708) 288-1696Other Services
Service
Tuckpointing & Repointing
Stop water intrusion at the source — before it reaches the structure.
Service
Brick Repair & Replacement
Individual bricks fail. We replace them before the damage spreads.
Service
Chimney Repair & Rebuilds
The chimney is the most exposed masonry on the building. It shows first.
Service
Masonry Restoration
Large-scale deterioration requires a systematic approach — not a patch.
Service
Efflorescence Removal & Waterproofing
White stains are a symptom. Water in the wall is the problem.
Service
Commercial & Industrial Masonry
Commercial masonry requires a contractor who shows up, communicates, and delivers.
Service
Brick Replacement
When a brick can't be saved, the right replacement disappears into the wall.
Service
Lintel Repair & Replacement
Rusting steel lifts the brick above it. Caught early, it's a contained repair.
Service
Parapet Wall Repair
Exposed on three sides with no roof above it, the parapet fails first.
Service
Foundation Masonry Repair
Where the building meets the ground, water and movement do the most damage.
Service
Limestone & Sill Repair
Stone sills shed water for the whole wall — until they crack and start holding it.
Service
Masonry Caulking & Joint Sealant
The right joint moves with the building. Mortar there just cracks.
Service
Masonry Power Washing
Brick should be cleaned, not blasted. The wrong pressure does permanent damage.
Service
Commercial Masonry Restoration
Large footprints, occupied buildings, and boards that need documentation.
Service
Residential Masonry Restoration
When a home needs more than one repair, a coordinated plan beats years of patching.
Service
Historic Masonry Restoration
Old buildings need soft mortar and a light hand — modern materials damage them.