Waterproofing for the Fall Nor’easters

In the north-east United States every fall, we are a custom to some nasty, windy, and rainy storms that dump tons of water.  Especially in the New Jersey shore areas, including major beach cities like Ocean City, Brigantine, Atlantic City, Margate, Ventnor, Wildwood, Long Beach Island, and Stone Harbor.  These areas are hit so hard by wind driven rain that extra steps need to be taken to properly protect them from the elements.  Condominium buildings often have open balconies which act as small ponds allowing water to be held in place by the constant wind as the rain plows against the building. These areas need to be caulked tight and coated to insure a 100% seal so the water stays out. Other buildings, like large office buildings and hotels, have big glass windows between concrete panels.  These panels need to be sealed to stop weeping. The control joints need a good flexible caulk to stop the onslaught of wind drive rain as well.

There are many sealers that could do the job, but one beats them all!

These concrete panels can be either coated with a high solids paint like SW loxon XP, an elastomeric coating like SW shur-lastic, or a good hydro phobic paint like STO lotusan. Another option is the Floor Skinz Clear Hydro phobic sealer, which is a good hydro phobic clear sealer if the wall needs to remain natural looking.  There are many masonry sealers on the market, but some leave a sheen on the surface and some are completely invisible when they are dry.  Most of the sealers just slightly reduce the penetration, but the better sealer, which will stop penetration, have a sheen. This means that it will make the surface somewhat shiny.  At DJ’s Painting, we use Floor Skinz Clear Hydrophobic sealer, which is the best clear hydrophobic sealer on the market.  It makes any surface 100% completely hydrophobic, meaning the water literally jumps off the surface. Therefore, it never allows the masonry area, where it was applied, to get wet.

Make sure your contractor provides a detailed and firm quote. Be sure he is also licensed, insured, and has the equipment to reach the high hard to get at spots.