We had a major problem with the concrete and brick on the exterior of our home. So, naturally I purchased the proper paint for maintenance. But now I wanted to enhance this product with waterproofing and maybe a fortifier to extend the exterior life of the house. I needed a sealer that dries to a clear finish that adds a luster and life to all my hard work of painting. Yet still would protect against sun damage and other natural weather elements. Also a sealer that would "form a tough, flexible, breathable film". Everything I was reading seemed too good to be true and I might add a little easier than I had anticipated for a clean and shiny surface that would be stain resistant.
I began my search for the right product for the right job on the Home Depot website. They offered buying guide tips, information and video help to make this project manageable. There were a number of waterproofing, repellents and preservatives that would be a solution to all my problems. As I'm trying to narrow my choices I realized the range of prices, container sizes, brands and area coverage all needed to be considered. And since I had already done most of the hard and labor intensive work - this should be a piece of cake.
First, I began to collect my cleaning supplies of thinners, removers, brushes, rollers, ladders and the patching and repair kits I had purchased earlier. Everything was at hand and now to decide on a product that was durable, easy to apply as well as easy clean-up, protect from mildew and dries quickly as I'm sure to use more than one coat. I narrowed my choices to two products that seemed the most reliable and stable for my purposes. The first one was a premium weatherproofer and fortifier by DRIVEHARD for concrete and masonary surfaces. This seemed like the ideal choice for my plan. This quote "Nano-silicone/silicate-based formula fortifies and densifies concrete and masonry surfaces to help reduce cracking, spalling, rust corrosion, white powder dusting and dirt pickup" seemed to spell everything out for me. What could be better? But I also wanted to check out the Seal-Krete Original Waterproofing Sealer which also had many great remedies for restoration and repair.
I'm still in the process of deciphering these products so that my home and all of its architectural elements are preserved against the weather and natural forces of nature. I have no doubt any of these products will be a easy and quick solution. So now you know how I'll be spending my vacation! DRIVEHARD 2.5-Gal. Premium Concrete & Masonry Weatherproofer & Fortifier
Protect your concrete and masonry from damage with the DriveHard 2.5-Gal. Premium Concrete Weatherproofer and Fortifier. DriveHard penetrates into the surface; it creates a chemical bond that permanently increases the lifespan of concrete by preventing damage from many common problems, including extreme weather conditions (e.g. repeated freeze-thaw cycles). The patent-pending, water-based nano-silicone/silicate based formula creates a breathable, yet stronger water-repellant surface that is more resistant to abrasion and water dissolved salts (alkali). DriveHard also helps create a strong, natural-looking surface that resists UV and mildew damage to promote lasting performance. For your convenience, DriveHard can be quickly and easily applied with a brush.
* Nano-silicone/silicate-based formula fortifies and densifies concrete and masonry surfaces to help reduce cracking, spalling, rust corrosion, white powder dusting and dirt pickup
* 1 gallon covers up to 200 sq. ft.
* Creates a clear, natural-looking finish
* UV resistant formula helps guard against fading
* Mildew-resistant formula helps provide long-lasting durability
* Dries to the touch in as little as 1 hour for quick protection
* Requires only 1 coat for efficient masonry protection
* Ready-to-use formula can be easily applied with a brush
 Seal-Krete Original Waterproofing Sealer 1-Gal.
The Seal-Krete 1-Gallon Waterproofing Sealer protects vertical concrete and masonry against the damaging effects of moisture penetration. It penetrates deeply into the pores of concrete, binding sand and cement particles to form a tough, flexible, breathable film. Excellent for binding chalky surfaces to improve paint adhesion on all painted and unpainted substrates including concrete, block, stucco, aluminum siding, drywall and plaster.
* Seals and protects concrete and masonry from damaging effects of water penetration
* Rejuvenates old brick and plaster to "like-new" condition
* Binds and waterproofs old mortar and brick
* Reduces efflorescence
* Extends paint life when added to latex paint
* 1-gallon container waterproofs up to 350 sq. ft.
* Dries to a clear finish
* Protects against UV rays
* Protects against mildew
* Dries to the touch within an hour
* Number of coats recommended is 2
* Time before recoating is about 2 hours
* May be tinted with universal colorants 
the concrete waterproofing & sealer are found at homedepot.com
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