Star Tuckpointing Inc
Get a Quote

// Technical guide

Commercial Masonry Waterproofing Products & Sealants Comparison

Choosing the right waterproofing treatment depends on the porosity of the substrate, including whether you are treating brick and block, and on the project budget. This educational guide compares commercial sealants, manufacturer-estimated lifespans, and the technical tradeoffs that can shape a long-term maintenance plan.

Important disclaimer

The lifespans and performance metrics listed below are estimates provided by the respective manufacturers under testing conditions. Actual real-world performance will vary based on application methods, the porosity of your specific brick or block, structural settling, and the severity of local freeze-thaw cycles. This guide is for educational purposes and does not constitute a warranty or guarantee of performance by Star Tuckpointing Inc.

Product breakdown

Five approaches to masonry moisture control

Product names, formulations, estimated lifespans, reported advantages, and considerations below are compiled from the manufacturer Technical Data Sheets and the supplied comparison material.

01

Chem-Trete PB 100

Evonik / Protectosil

Manufacturer Estimated Lifespan: Up to 10–15 Years*

Composition: 100% Active Solids Silane (Alcohol Carrier)

Chem-Trete PB 100 is designed for maximum penetration. Because it uses an alcohol carrier and is formulated with 100% active silane solids, it is engineered to penetrate deeply into the substrate and chemically bond with the silica in the masonry. The comparison table describes exceptional durability against freeze/thaw and chlorides.

Reported Advantages

  • Provides the deepest penetration according to manufacturer specifications.
  • Highest concentration of active waterproofing ingredients.
  • Does not alter the natural appearance or breathability of the masonry.
  • Highly resistant to chloride ion intrusion.

Considerations

  • Higher initial material cost.
  • Contains higher Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and produces a strong odor during application.
  • Application requires temperature monitoring.
02

Enviroseal PBT / MasterProtect H 185

BASF / Master Builders Solutions

Manufacturer Estimated Lifespan: 3–5 Years*

Composition: 7% Silane/Siloxane Blend (Water-Based)

This water-based emulsion is designed for standard moisture protection. The inclusion of siloxane creates a noticeable water-beading effect on the surface of the masonry. The comparison table describes moderate durability, with surface protection wearing away as it weathers.

Reported Advantages

  • Low VOCs and virtually odorless during application.
  • Cost-effective material pricing.
  • Provides immediate visual evidence of water repellency.

Considerations

  • Lower concentration of active waterproofing solids (7%).
  • The larger siloxane molecules limit how deeply the product can penetrate the substrate.
  • Requires more frequent reapplication as weather degrades the surface.
03

Hydrozo Double 7 / MasterProtect H 177

BASF / Master Builders Solutions

Manufacturer Estimated Lifespan: 5–8 Years*

Composition: 14% Silane/Siloxane Blend (Water-Based)

Formulated as a more robust version of standard water-based sealers, this product doubles the active ingredients to 14%. It is frequently specified by the manufacturer for denser materials like hard-burnt brick. The comparison table describes good durability and better weathering resistance than 7% blends.

Reported Advantages

  • Offers a longer manufacturer-estimated lifespan than 7% blends.
  • Provides a strong balance of internal penetration and surface water-beading.
  • The comparison table reports excellent performance on porous brick.

Considerations

  • Higher material cost than standard 7% blends.
  • While durable, it generally does not reach the penetration depths of 100% solvent-based silanes.
04

Professional PSW-15

Professional Products of Texas

Manufacturer Estimated Lifespan: 3–5 Years*

Composition: 15% RTV Silicone Rubber (Solvent Carrier)

Unlike penetrating silanes, this product utilizes Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber to create a flexible, water-repellent matrix. The comparison table describes moderate durability with susceptibility to UV degradation.

Reported Advantages

  • Designed to bridge microscopic hairline cracks in highly porous surfaces.
  • Provides aggressive surface water repellency.

Considerations

  • Silicone-based products can be more susceptible to UV degradation over time.
  • Film-forming characteristics may reduce the natural breathability of the masonry.
  • Surfaces can sometimes attract dirt or slightly darken with prolonged exposure.
05

Blok-Guard & Graffiti Control II / WB 6

PROSOCO

Manufacturer Estimated Lifespan: 3–5 Years* (requires reapplication after graffiti removal)

Composition: 6–7% Solids Silicone Emulsion (Water-Based)

This is a specialized, dual-purpose sacrificial coating. Its primary function is to prevent spray paint and markers from permanently penetrating porous masonry. The comparison table notes that durability drops to zero in areas where graffiti is washed off.

Reported Advantages

  • Serves as a barrier that allows for easier graffiti removal using manufacturer-specific cleaning agents.
  • Helps prevent spray paint and markers from permanently staining the substrate.
  • Low VOCs and easy cleanup.

Considerations

  • Contains lower active solids for general waterproofing compared to dedicated sealers.
  • Designed as a sacrificial layer, with a primary focus on graffiti control rather than deep moisture protection.
  • The manufacturer specifies that the product must be reapplied to any area power-washed during graffiti removal.

Site-specific guidance

Request a Site Evaluation

Ready to protect your masonry? Contact our team to determine which sealant is right for your building's specific conditions.

Contact our team

Reference Index

The data provided above is sourced directly from the following manufacturer technical documents:

  1. Evonik Corporation: Protectosil® CHEM-TRETE® PB 100 Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
  2. Master Builders Solutions: MasterProtect® H 185 (Enviroseal PBT) Product Data Sheet
  3. Master Builders Solutions: MasterProtect® H 177 (Hydrozo Double 7) Product Data Sheet
  4. Professional Products of Texas: Professional PSW-15 Technical Specifications
  5. PROSOCO, Inc.: Sure Klean® Weather Seal Blok-Guard® & Graffiti Control Product Data Sheet