Water Repellents

Use this CSI 3 part SimpleSpecs™ master specification to specify clear water repellants for use on concrete and masonry surfaces.

Water repellents are intended to reduce water absorption, deicing salt damage, and freeze/thaw damage on concrete and masonry surfaces. They are penetrating and are available clear and colored and in multiple strengths to suit project conditions.

In general water repellents are short-term solutions. They weather quickly when exposed to ultraviolet and must be reapplied on a regular basis. Since most of them have little or no effect on the appearance of the concrete or masonry, building owners tend to not know when to reapply them.

Water repellents must be highly breathable to prevent trapping moisture in the substrate. Entrapped moisture can freeze, thereby causing spalling. It can also cause a phenomenon known as subflorescence, in which salts brought towards the surface by water in the concrete or masonry get trapped under non-breathing coatings, exerting internal pressures that can result in severe spalling.

Recommended Manufacturers: 

Related SimpleSpecs™ master specification:

• 07 91 00 – Performed Joint Seals 
• 07 92 00 – Join Sealers
• 09 61 16 – Floor Sealer
• 09 96 23 – Graffiti-Resistant Coatings