The easiest, and luckiest solution, would be that the rain is simply blowing in to the exposed block, between the ground and where the siding on the house begins. It can run down to the basement through the center of the block and seep in. You can try waterproofing these blocks with All-Purpose Heavy Duty Water Repellent first and maybe you’ll get lucky. If that doesn’t work, definitely call a contractor.

It is called efflorescence, which is made of minerals and salts that occur naturally in masonry that are being brought to the surface of the brick by water evaporation. The fix is fairly easy, simply wire brush it off and treat the surface with Water Repellent for Brick.

Just as there are a lot of different types of substrates like brick, block, split-face block, etc. There are also several different types of water repellents available to treat them and each has their own benefits.

Find the right products for your project by using our interactive Project Planner.

Water repellents are available in two basic categories, film-formers and penetrants. If you stay with penetrants, or products that do not form a film on the surface, the result is little, if any, change to the appearance of the building. All-Purpose Heavy Duty Water Repellent is an excellent choice.

What you’re seeing is deterioration in the concrete that is caused by the road salts that are used during winter. To prevent further damage, clean the surface off with Safer Masonry Cleaner and treat it with All-Purpose Water Repellent. The water repellent will prevent future damage from the salts by not allowing them to penetrate into the concrete.

First do a water test by dribbling a few drops of water on the surface of the concrete. If it is easily absorbed, whatever was applied is gone and you can use All-Purpose Heavy Duty Water Repellent. If the water doesn’t absorb quite so easily use Solvent Base Water Repellent.

The paint folks are correct…it is essential that you etch the floor prior to painting to ensure good adhesion of the paint. Skip the muriatic acid though, there’s a product called Safer Masonry Cleaner that will do everything that muriatic acid does without the harmful fumes and it won’t burn your skin. Another great option is No-Rinse Concrete Etch. It will etch the floor in as little as 15 seconds, and there’s no need to rinse it. Just wait 30-60 minutes and it’s ready to go.

Yes. We offer a product called Paver Sealer that will harden or “stabilize” the sand, making it nearly impossible to wash out. By doing this, it also helps to reduce the growth of weeds between the pavers as well as ants colonizing through the sand.

There are three steps to the process. First, clean the patio with Safer Masonry Cleaner. Second, re-sand the joints to replace the sand that has been washed out. Third, apply two coats of Paver Sealer. The result will be a patio that looks like new and has a beautiful, rich “wet look”.