I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior paver restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in sealing and protecting. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.
Siloxane-Based Concrete Sealers 2024
In this updated article, I discuss siloxane-based Concrete Sealers. If you have encountered any issues, have suggestions, or have questions, please comment below.
Penetrating Siloxane Concrete Sealers
Siloxane-based Sealers are Best for Poured Concrete, Brick, and all Masonry Surfaces.
Siloxane, not to be confused with Silicon, is a chemical used to formulate siloxane-based concrete and paver sealers. Siloxane-based sealers can be water or solvent-based, although the water-based blend is lower in VOCs and more compliant in certain states.
These siloxane sealers are popular among homeowners because they are user-friendly and easy to apply. They penetrate the surface and react to cause a hardened barrier within the substrate pores. Unlike other sealers, they do not stay on top of the surface.
The siloxane-based sealers penetrate up to ¼ inches deep to create a durable barrier against moisture and liquid absorption. They are best used on concrete, pavers, bricks, stone, retaining walls, and more. The clear, natural finish does not affect the surface’s appearance.
My Top Siloxane Concrete Sealers
Other types of sealers are hybrid blends of siloxane and silanes. These include SuperSeal M and Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent, also known as Defy. Because they are 100% breathable, siloxane and silane-based sealers are not prone to peeling or flaking like other moisture-trapping sealers.
Applying siloxane-based sealers is easy enough for almost any homeowner. They can be applied using a brush or roller, or a pump sprayer can be used for larger areas. They may appear milky when they are first applied but then dry clear within 20-30 minutes.
Substrates sealed with siloxane-based sealers repel water within one day, preventing moisture penetration. Locking out moisture is the key to maintaining paver and concrete surfaces. When water is allowed to be absorbed into substrates, it can cause a wide array of damage.
Salts and de-icing chemicals are extremely hard on concrete surfaces. Oil and other spills that penetrate can leave permanent staining. In colder climates, freeze/thaw damage is a huge concern. Sealing your hardscape surfaces with a siloxane-based sealer will prevent these unwanted occurrences by repelling moisture and stains and leaving your surfaces looking new.
The siloxane/silane/silox sealer types react chemically with the concrete, creating an internal seal. Most will last 5+ years. They are an excellent choice for sealing and water-repelling all exterior concrete surfaces without changing the appearance of the substrate.
Have a Question? Please Ask Below!
Saw where you recommended staying away from foundation armor sx5000 but couldn’t see the rest of comment as to why
It has been a while since we used/tested it. It did not seem to last.
What is your opinion on Prosoco saltguard wb?
Sorry but never heard of that one.
What stain would you recommend for a brushed-concrete patio if I was to seal it with a water-based siloxane based sealer?
You cannot use a concrete stain before or after using a siloxane based concrete sealer. It would not take.
Our driveway was sealed with and siloxane product and the contractor recommended to reapply in 28 day. Will a second coat penetrate the first coat
Doubt it. Why would they suggest this?
im looking for a water-resistant sealer for food prep areas
Try the SuperSeal-M.
A salesman told me that silicone applied over cement repels stains. So I had this bright idea that maybe I could apply your product on my exterior window sills (painted wood) so that spider poop can’t stain my window sills. Would your product work in this application? I can almost hear you laughing now! I am desperate to find a product that makes spider poop easy to clean off painted wood surfaces and not permanently stain them. Thank you!
No, it will not work and you cannot seal over the top of the paint. Maybe getting the house sprayed by a Pest control company to keep the spiders away might help.
Yaaa we can’t spray enough. Ok thanks
what temperature can this be applied?
Depends on the brand but typically 50 – 90 F.
I have an inside concrete floor that wicks moisture. Can I seal the concrete with a siloxane/silane sealer, and then apply a finish colored epoxy over the siloxane/silane material?
No, and adding a sealer on top of concrete will not stop moisture from wicking out. Sealers work by preventing water from soaking in.
How can I best seal water from coming up through the slab with no vapor barrier? What is the best material currently available? It doesn’t have to be water based.
It is not possible as we mentioned to top coat with a sealer and prevent water from seeping out.
We had a new house built about 3 years ago. It is a brick house with siding on the gables. Every time we have a blowing rain, it leaks in our basement. Now the builder wants to seal the brick to see if this will solve the problem. What would be the best sealant to use so we can recommend it to them?
Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent.
Is there any sealer for cultured stone that is silane or siloxane based (which is recommended) which also enhances the stone? Stonefish sealer is advertised as such but I paid $139 for a gallon and it does nothing to enhance the stone.
Silanes and siloxanes will not enhance the colors. You need acrylics to do this.
Thanks, do you know of a “breathable” sealant that seals and enhances cultured stone?
Maybe the Supreme Shield SB-600 but you cannot add an enhancing sealer over the top of a siloxane sealer and expect it to enhance. The siloxane sealer will repel it.
IS SILOXANE HARMFUL TO ANY OF OUR LANDSCAPING ITEMS? AND IS YOUR PRODUCTS WATER BASED?
We would not suggest directly spraying it on any leaves but otherwise, you should be okay. Siloxane based sealers are typically water-based.
Does this sealer prevent tire marks in the driveway?
It is not possible for a sealer to prevent tire marks.
We have a Nature Stone surface deck around our pool area and are considering applying the siloxane-based sealer. The previous Nature Stone coating was a 2 part based epoxy covering. It is time to clean the nature stone and re-apply a coating. Would this product be appropriate? Are any special steps needed around a pool area?
You cannot apply a siloxane sealer over an epoxy sealer. It probably will not soak in.
just used granite grip on my concrete pool deck. What sealer can I use
Sorry, but we are not familiar with this.
Have a new exposed aggregate driveway. Should I use a densifier in addition to a siloxane/silane sealer?
No need.
Can this product either Solvent or waterbased be applied over a previous wax based repellent? Will it absorb?
No, not if the surface is not absorbent where the old sealer is beading.
My painter came back to reseal my brick facaded house and I left out for him to use the Armour seal product which I had bought because of the solid reviews. The painter now tells me that 3 years ago he used “Thompson water seal for decks!” This shocked me but at the time I trusted his knowledge of brick watersealing (my bad). Now I am wondering if I have him spray the Armour, a much more quality and appropriate penetrating material, will it even penetrate? What should I do? I have seen areas that bead when water is sprayed,… Read more »
Not sure as we do not use either brand as they do not work that well so we do not know if they will adhere or not.
I have a patio of three Rivers stone, a very hard stone. Will Siloxa Work on this stone in the same way it would work on my patio pavers or concrete?
No. it is for concrete, not natural stone.
I have a finished basement with brick floors. It floods in sever storms. I have had it dug out,sealed, and the dirt replaced. It still floods in the center of it. It seems to be coming up from the ground. Is there anything I can do to block the water?
No. A sealer will not stop water from coming up through the foundation.
How do I stop the leak?
You would have to get a foundation expert to determine where it is coming from.
Have an existing paver driveway in MN. I am a concrete contractor. Whats your thoughts on using a siloxane sealer on pavers. Do not want slippery but just to enhance color? Thanks
Siloxane based sealers will not enhance color. No change of appearance at all. They will waterproof the pavers.
My brick basement walls were painted on the inside with a white sealant more than 50 years ago. Ground level is near the ceiling. I suspect i may have a high water table during severe storms. The sealant is intact in the dry areas, but has failed where water pressure forced it's way in and has caused serious effervescence. Upon reading the reviews, I realized that most of the situations are to prevent water from getting into the brick or concretein the first place. I have the opposite problem. I want to prevent the water from leaking through the wall… Read more »
Sealers will not help with this and cannot be applied over the coating you have. Maybe Drylok will work but we do not use it.
I am confused, I thought I read that for a veneer brick home, you should ONLY apply waterproofing and not a sealer. What really is the difference?
They are essentially the same thing.
I applied Behr Premium Protector & Waterproofer to my exposed aggregate concrete pool deck two years ago. It worked well, but I thought I was supposed to apply it every 2 years. When I reapplied it after 2 years it did not penetrate the concrete and has now discolored some of the deck, i.e, there are dark pathches on the deck where the product did not penetrate the concrete. I've tried pressure washing the dark areas , but that has not worked. Is there a product I can use to just remove the sealer on the surface of the concrete… Read more »
Sorry but no.
I have a contractor that applied the Siloxane Modified Methyl Mathacrylate sealer on my courtyard patio. The finish was uneven and looked terrible. He has now applied more of the sealer and applied a spray that adds a look of texture. It still looks terrible and uneven. I can send pictures if that will help. I am concerned that I have paid $4000 for a finish that now looks terrible. He had tried to roll the sealer on but he left roller marks and then he tried the sprayer but achieved an uneven and fake look. I am wondering if… Read more »
Not sure on this issue. I would contact the manufacturer of the sealer you used for advice. Painting would be a last resort.
which is better for a brick home, wqter base or solvent base
Both are fine. We normal use a water based version.
How about Armor SX5000 ? Is this a better product?
SX5000 has 40% active materials, and it is approved by the Department of Transportation. There are a lot of great products on the market, which one you go with depends on your application, preference, and budget.
I would highly recommend staying away from Foundation Armor SX5000. Take a look at my negative experience, complete with photos, from my review of my (verified) purchase on Amazon, here: http://goo.gl/rKHBrR – I hope that it helps someone else.
I have a steel troweled garage floor and am trying to decide on what type of sealer to use. I have narrowed it down to a penetrating sealer but amd not sure if I should use a silane or siloxane sealer to provide me with the best protection from salt, oil and gasoline. Can you give me any advice? Thanks
Use one that contains not siloxane and silane. Super Seal M Water Repellent.
We mistakenly applied a siloxane polymer concrete sealer over another sealer that was on our concrete. The concrete is acid etched and is inside. Needless to say the sealer just sat on top of the old sealer and now we are trying to remove the siloxane polymer without much success. Any ideas for us please. Thank you in advance
We have never tried to remove a siloxane sealer but have heard of a stripper made by Prosoco that might work. Give them a call for help.
3 Questions 1. I have a paver driveway (Heritage paving stone) (slate blend) in Pennsylvania, we use polymeric sand – what would be a good sealer to use to keep the natural look? The paver company recommends Alliance Gator Seal Natural Look. 2. I have an outdoor fireplace on a concrete deck (which the deck is rubber membrane) and the hearth stone (only part that does not have membrane) is Indiana limestone, and water is being absorbed in the stone and leaking below the deck. Can you recommend a sealer that would stop the water? 3. People I have asked… Read more »
A silane/siloxane sealer would work for all of these. V-seal is way too expensive. They just repackage under their name and do not manufacturer at all. Look ay these two:
SuperSeal M Water Repellent and Masonry Saver Heavy Duty.