This post was most recently updated on May 10th, 2024
Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior brick sealing restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior concrete coatings. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.
MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent Review
Based on performance and price, the MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent is one of our top sealers for waterproofing concrete. If you have any questions or have used the MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent product, please ask me in our Q&A area below. I am here to help!
MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent
MasonrySaver® (Also known as “Defy”) All-Purpose Heavy Duty Water Repellent is a modified siloxane-based product designed to penetrate most masonry and concrete pores deeply. Unlike acrylics, silicones, and other waterproofing sealers that remain on the surface and trap water vapors, this masonry waterproofing product allows deep penetration of its active ingredient of up to 1/4 inch or more. This proprietary blend of silanes and siloxanes creates a “SaltShield™” barrier on concrete surfaces for more excellent resistance to the deteriorating effects of road salts and de-icing chemicals. This 100% breathable concrete waterproofing product is an excellent choice for horizontal and vertical above-grade surfaces.
Concrete Sealer Ingredients: Blend of Silanes and Siloxanes
Concrete Sealer Type: Invisible Water Repellent. It does not change the appearance.
My MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent Scores (1-10)
Ease of Application: 10
Using a plastic pump sprayer, I applied the MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent to a 1000 sq. foot driveway. The sealer goes on milky white and dries clear in about 20 minutes. It took less than 30 minutes to seal the entire driveway.
Water Repellency: 8
I waited a day after the application and then did a water test. The water did bead up well and did not penetrate into the concrete.
Cost per foot: 8 (see note)
The MasonrySaver Heavy Duty is reasonably priced at $249.99 per 5-gallon pail. We used 10 gallons of the sealer for our 1000 sq. foot driveway. This came out to $.14 per foot.
Note: Mistake on Calculation. I used 7 gallons for a cost of $.35 per foot.
Durability/Spalling After 2 Years: 9
After two years, the MasonrySaver Heavy Duty sealer performed well on the beading water test. There was no pitting or spalling of the concrete.
Warranty: 8
MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent comes with a 7-year warranty that states: “All-Purpose Heavy-Duty Water Repellent will exhibit a water repellent effect for seven years from the date of application if applied according to label instructions and if minimum application requirements are met.”
Overall Score MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent: 8.7
I really like this sealer. It is easy to apply, has a durable warranty, and beads water well. The cost is more than fair as well.
It is the top choice for sealing and waterproofing any existing concrete brick surfaces.
Product Information:
Where To Buy Online: MasonrySaver (Defy) Heavy Duty Water Repellent
Types of Substrates: Concrete, Brick, Masonry, Natural Stone
Coats Required: 1 coat
Coverage Per Gallon: 75-150 sq. ft
Application Tools: Roller, Sprayer
Dry Time: 1-2 Hours
Cleanup: Soap and Water
VOC Compliant: Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: Saver Systems
My Test Stats:
Surface Type: Concrete Driveway
Exposure: Heavy Traffic, Snow, Salts, Rain
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
*All products tested and results are from my experience. I offer no guarantee of similar results. Results may differ due to different surface types, exposure to UV radiation, and traffic.
I am looking to stop water from coming inside a brick home and want a dealer to stop it at ground level will your product stop it?I have used Thomson’s but no luck.
Sealer
A sealer cannot prevent water from seeping up through a floor. Sealers are for preventing water from soaking into a surface, not out.
I have just had a new home built. I am looking for a product that I can use to seal the garage floor with that will not allow oil and grease to be absorbed into the new floor. The concrete was finished in a very smooth finish.
The Masonry Saver Heavy Duty would work well for this.
Live in Georgia near Savannah, so no snow. Want a product to protect concrete and inlayed brick every 20 feet from staining from pine straw. If it lays on the drive more than a day, I have brown marks. Once removed, the sun fades the marks or I can remove with power washer. Do I need a acrylic coating or a penetrating siloxane or a combination of both.
A sealer will not stop the straw staining. You will still have to wash it off. It will help it though from penetrating deep in and will make the cleaning easier. Try the Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
I would like a Brick edged pond with the water coming up to half the height of the Brick. Would your product be successful in stopping the water being soaked up by the Brick and the level falling as a result? Thank you.
Sorry but no, a sealer will not work in a scenario that has constant water like a fountain to 100% seal our water. It will help but not stop 100%.
Then what would you use?
I have a colored and stamped drive that I’d like to seal without changing the appearance. Sounds like this penetrating sealer would work but I saw a reply in the list that said no, is that correct?
A clear penetrating sealer does not work well for stamped concrete. That is typically a decorative sealer and that means it will enhance the appearance. https://www.concretesealerreview.com/best-stamped-concrete-sealer/
what is the concentration of silanes/siloxans in the product? Is it available in 1 gal containers? How much does it cost? Where can it be purchased in MA?
You would have to ask the manufacturer directly for help with the % of content. It does come in gallons and you can buy online.
I have a concrete patio and in-ground pool apron that is at least 30 years old. The aggregate is visible and the surface is somewhat rough. Would like to seal/protect and make it easier to clean with a long lasting product. What do you recommend?
State=Rhode Island
Exterior
Horizontal
No visible change necessary
This product would work.
I want a non darkening matte sealer for outdoor concrete pavers that gives me protection from staining – is this the best option?
Thanks
Yes, this would work very well.
Will this seal against rust stains.
It would help so the rust stain could not soak in deeply.
Can this be used over a stained garage floor?
Not over a stained floor.
I need to apply a brick sealant to the exterior brick siding of my house – from the first layer of brick that sits on the slab foundation and going up about 14 inches or so – to prevent water seepage through the brick to the sheetrock, insulation, etc from occasional hurricane flood waters that come from the tidal creek behind our house and sits against the brick siding for hours to several days until the rivers recede. Is Masonry Saver Vertical Brick Water Repellant the right product to seal and waterproof the brick siding or is there another product… Read more »
I do not believe any sealer will stop flood waters. It will stop rain, but not flood water sitting against it for numerous hours.
We have a stamped concrete driveway porch sidewalks that has been seal almost yearly Will this sealer work and help restore the color
No, this product does not enhance the appearance. You would need a wet look sealer. Post a picture of the current condition.
In researching Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent, I see the words “Chimney” or “Vertical” in the name as well. Are these actually three different formulas for different applications? We have (likely) water intrusion from vertical brick work on the side of our house. Storms that blow in from that direction seem to intrude into the attic via those bricks.
There are not different versions. The MS Brick Water Repellent is for any brick vertical surface.
I have a finished/grouted pool deck of travertine and love but it has lost its gloss. I did a sealer about a year ago and I looked nice but didn’t hold up maybe a few months. I did put it in light as I am very afraid of turning it milky over time. So I am looking for a product that won’t do that and give a sheen
Try Super Seal 25.
Can the Defy MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent be applied over a concrete pool deck that is already coated with acrylic paint and texture?
No.
Is there a difference between the Heavy Duty Masonry Saver and what looks like the same product but has the Defy label on it.
Same. They renamed if from Defy to Masonry Saver.
Can I apply this over previously sealed stamped concrete?
No.
I live in Florida…how is it on cement pavers around my salt water pool…. also any issues doing my driveway also made of cement pavers
This will seal and protect pavers with no issues and works very well as long as you are looking for a sealer that does not change or alter the appearance.
I live in Florida with lot’s of sun, rain and mold. How does your product hold up in this environment?
It is not our product but it does work very well in Florida.
Please give your opinion on Lifeguard Waterproofing Sealant for use on cultured stone.
Never heard of it or used it.
Is this sealer good for brick walls as well?
You would want the Masonry Saver Vertical Brick Water Repellent for brick walls.
Can u buy this product at lowes or home depot
No.
I live in San Francisco California. I want to seal cracks in exterior concrete wall of house and stairs to
prevent water penetration in cracks with no change in appearance. What is the best sealant to use?
A concrete water repellent will not “seal” large cracks. It will seal the concrete so it prevents the water from going through the concrete. It also will not change the appearance.
Can this product be used indoors to seal concrete floor, does is give off frumes
Yes it can. Low odor water-based formula.
We have a 18 year old driveway that has cracks and in some places is worn down to a surface of visible rock. Power washing removed a fine too layer. What do you suggest for repairing and protecting?
We live in Alabama and the driveway gets at least 6 hours of sun.
I remember that when poured this concrete a had a fiber added to the concrete and when finished it had a smooth surface.
Thanks for your help.
Hello, you cannot repair this. You can seal so it does not get worse. The Heavy Duty Water Repellent will work.
Can I use this on my paver driveway to help protect from stains from the occasional old car or motorcycle? I don’t want the “wet look” or for it to be slippery.
Yes, it works to protect from oil stains. Does not give a wet look.
How many gallons of Masonry Saver (Defy) are needed to do 600 square feet of concrete pavers around a pool deck? The product information states that one gallon will cover approximately 75-150 square feet, and two coats are required. I imagine the second coat would could more square footage. Please advise.
Heavy Duty Water Repellent or Paver Sealer from Masonry Saver?
Paver Sealer
Ok, wanted to make sure as this review is about the Heavy Duty. You will need about 6-8 gallons for the two coats of the Masonry Saver Paver Sealer.
I want to seal the concrete under a fountain. Will this product work if it is under water all the time? Does this product come in colors?
No and no. Sorry.
Does this product make the surface slippery? Is it a matte finish? Do you recommend for newly poured stampcrete that it cure for 28-30 days before applying?
This is a penetrating sealer. Does not have a gloss os is slippery. Will not work though for decorative stamped concrete.
Why would it not work on stamped concrete? I have colored stamped concrete. Is this typical for sealers in general?
Sealers for stamped concrete needs to be decorative, not penetrating.
Can this product to be shipped to California? Thank you.
I belive so.
Last year I used the Behr premium sealer, but several areas of my brick and mortar exterior walls need a sealer again. I want to use the Defy product. Do you recommend I just use the Defy on the areas that need a New application, or can I use it everyone and apply over the remains Behr sealer? Will Defy work when applying over another sealer?
Sorry but you will need to ask Defy on this one. The chemical makeup of the two may not be compatible.
We had a large, 20 foot, modern patio poured with voids for border shrubs and raised portions for gardens and a fire pit. It was acid stained a very light grey. It was beautiful. Then our contractor sealed it with, …?…, and now it is several shades darker, reflective, much hotter in sun, slightly glossy and I hate it. It completely changed the look I was going for. He clearly should have used something like this MasonrySaver. Is there anything we can do? Would it be difficult or safe to remove somehow? If so would it also remove the stain?… Read more »
It is normal for acid stain sales to enhance the color. As for removing, without knowing what brand and type of sealer that was used, it is impossible to say how to remove it. Need to find that out.
We have a 900-sq ft concrete balcony, poured over galvanized sheathing. It's exposed to Chicago weather. (1) Will this product protect from water seeping through the concrete? (2) Will this product yield a surface with good enough traction for foot traffic? One answer below said the treated surface "should not" be slippery. Sounds doubtful.
This is a penetrating sealer so it does not create a film that would cause it to be slippery. Yes it does help the protect from water seeping through.
Can you use this Sealer on a vertical exterior brick wall to stop water penetration to other side of the brick and stop the run down of the water on the "inside" side of the brick?
You would want their Masonry Saver Vertical Brick Sealer.
1. What State do you live in? Western Montana (warmer than Eastern Montana less snow). 2. Interior or Exterior concrete surface? Exterior (majority under a carport, balance is exterior exposed to weather 3. Vertical or Horizontal application? Horizontal 4. Change or enhance appearance (gloss or wet look) or no change of appearance? Wet Look 5. Type of surface: New concrete driveway (3,500 pound mix, 6″ thick slab, epoxy-doweled to existing garage floor and re-bar reinforced and brushed surface) 6. Purpose: To prevent spalling, salt, de-icer and rain damage. ***Of particular importance is that the surface is protected against staining by… Read more »
Wet look sealers will not work for regular poured concrete. They are for decorative surfaces. This product above will work for you and will protect form staining, oil, etc.
Looking for a great sealant now that i can paint or coat over 2-3 yrs in future. My conditions::: Northern Michigan, untravelled , 90 day cured concrete ,1800 sq ft recenty acid etched trowel finished floor and brushed approach slabs. Building is 1.6 miles into the woods on dirt road… Hot Tire issue probably a non issue here. Radon seal gets some high ratings. Any suggestions welcome. Thx rz
This product will work for this.
thank you, Is this product any better than the many sealers out there at about the same price? Have no desire for shine, but a color enhancer or whatever uniform grey look I could get with a surface penetrating / strengthening sealer is very desirable. Not interested in the epoxy process.
I am looking for the best stain blocking sealer for my regular poured concrete driveway. I have a lot of trees that drop leaves and tassels on my driveway and if left alone will stain the concrete black. I used a pressure washer to remove all of the black stain and now I want to seal the concrete to prevent the stain from coming back. What's the best sealer to use?
Sealers cannot stop mold or black stains from coming back. They can make it so it is easier to clean down the road. This product would help with that.
Are these guys from NY, i need help on masonry in New York.
No they reside in Indiana.
Can you paint over the sealer to enhance a look?
Carmen, the sealer will most likely hinder the paints ability to absorb. Probably a bad idea.
Is this product recommended for use on roof tiles to seal against moisture? I am trying to eliminate mold build -up on my roof. If not can you recommend another product?
No you cannot use this on roof tiles. Not sure what will work for you.
Is this good for a brick chimney or would recommend another product? The house is waterfront, if that makes a difference?
You would want their Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent for this.
In addition to oil stain protection I would like a sealer that provides enhances the look of pavers such as those that give a wet look. Will Masonry Saver do this?
No this will not enhance the color.
Is there some other product that could be used in combination with this one to enhance the look? I applied this one last night, and you can't tell that anything's been done. I wonder if it's too late to do anything else.
Too late now. Enhancing sealer would have to go on first.
hi, Enhancing sealer? Same penetrating qualities? Details please?
Details as in? This product does not change the appearance not should you use an enhancing sealer for your surface and conditions.
You mean an enhancing sealer would go on one day before the masonry saver and a 2nd day the masonry saver could go on after that? If so which enhancing saver would you suggest? Thank you
You cannot add an enhancing sealer then use the Masonry Saver over top of it. It will not soak in.
I HAVE A CONCRETE BLOCK RETAINING WALL THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEALED. IT IS NOW SHOWING SIGNS OF OLD AGE.THERE ARE APPROXMATELY 1,000 SQ FT. WHAT DO YOU RECOMEND, AND WHERE CAN I BUY IT? I LIVE IN SCRANTON PA
Frank, You could use the Masonry Saver for the block sealing. You can order this online or call manufacturer for help with this.
After the 7 years, do I just reapply the same product, or do I need to use some sort of remover first?
Sam, just clean and reapply.
Will the use of the product leave the driveway slippery?
No it should not.
I am getting ready to coat a 3600 sq. ft. garage/shop. I am looking for a product that will mainly help keep grease and oil from penetrating the concrete and causing lasting stains. Will this do the trick?
Yes this would prevent stains from penetrating deeply so they can be easily cleaned off.
I have stamped concrete and need to reseal after 8 years of not resealing. I am in tree hugging California. I am going to Arizona shortly and want to buy the best sealer and I will add the grit. It original was a laquer base. If it would be better when I go to Arizona I will buy it there. I just need to know what is a longer lasting than the garbage we can buy in California? Thanks for your help.
Mr Chance, I am not sure on the VOC laws being different in AZ from CA. I would look at the SuperSeal VOC. It can be shipped to CA.
I'm looking for a sealant to apply to brick coping around a pool. Bricks are around 11 years old, with cracking in some limited areas. So, while I understand there's no silver bullet, looking to apply something heavy duty. Would you consider MasonrySaver a good option? Thanks
Steve, yes this would be a good option for you.
I do not see any info as to whether or not this sealant will bubble up (and off) on concrete due to hot tires from cars pulling into a garage and parking. What can you tell us about 'hot tire' and this product? Thanks!
Charleen, the spec sheets to wait 4 days for vehicular traffic.
http://www.saversystems.com/index.php?option=com_…
Is it ok to use this over an existing sealant….and what do I add to make this skid proof since I am using around a pool.
Thank you
Jen
Jen, I am not sure. For this product to work it needs to be able to penetrate. It the old sealer does not allow this then it will not work correctly.
You used 10 gallons for your 1000 sq ft test. Price was $140 per 5-gallon pail. How could you conclude that cost was 14 cents per foot?? Are you sure that the cost category warrants a rating of 9 ? Please help me to understand. Thanks.
Hoytbon, looks like bad math on the sq. footage. I will check the project notes and make sure.
16 weeks ago and you still have not replied to his inquiry of the cost you stated. I find that to be a bit of a letdown in response to people who are interested in the review of products you have tested. Are you going to answer or not? How much did you use and at what cost per square foot? I would like to know because I am in the process of doing my driveway and as a consumer would like good, solid information from a site such as this.
Ken, we bought 10 gallons but only used about 7 total. So the cost would be more like 20 cents per sq. foot.