Water repellents are designed to penetrate into the concrete and react below the surface. They form a hydrophobic barrier deep within the pores that causes water and other liquids to bead off the surface. Water repellent sealers won’t change the look or color of the concrete, nor do they leave behind a film or coating.
The best type of water repellent sealer is a Silane-Siloxane hybrid. With a combination you get the best features of each type of sealer without any of the weaknesses. Silane-Siloxane water repellent sealers will reduce deterioration caused by water absorption, reduce cracking and spalling, and reduce the growth of mold and mildew.
Featured Water Repellent: Armor SX5000
Not all Silane-Siloxane sealers perform the same. The “bead” goes away on all water repellents somewhere within the first year, but the sealer will continue to work for up to 10 years. What sets one manufacturer apart from the other will be the resins used, the active materials, and the formula. For example, the Armor SX5000 is a 40% solids Department of Transportation approved water repellent sealer but the Eagle sealer is only 2-8% solids and is not DOT approved. The Eagle sealer will do a great job for the first few years but where you will notice a difference is during heavy rain storms, harsh winters, and problematic surfaces (mold and mildew prone). The SX5000 will outperform and outlast less superior formulas when forced to perform.
Water repellent sealers:
