The Siloxa-Tek 8500 manufactured by Kretetek Industries is an excellent example of a concrete sealer. The Siloxa-Tek solution is a special one that promises waterproofing protection. While many sealers offer this level of protection, which is such a huge benefit for people looking to protect their concrete, the Siloxa-Tek is of a different chemical make-up; it is, therefore, much better suited to locking out water.
The Siloxa-Tek is a silane/siloxane solution, which both penetrates within the concrete as well as giving it a level of surface protection. Because of this, water is locked out in two steps: from within and from without. The water will actually bead on the surface of concrete treated properly with the Siloxa-Tek 8500, so you can see the sealer in action. The sealer is water-based and VOC free, offering such benefits as preventing efflorescence and resisting stains, as would be expected of any high-quality sealer.
The Siloxa-Tek 8500, a DOT approved, water repellent impregnating sealer changes the surface tension of mineral substrates to produce a water repellent surface to keep water and aggressive water-soluble salts, such as chlorides and sulfates, out. Also the 8500 provides excellent resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, spalling, cracking and pitting. While the Siloxa-Tek 8500 is not suitable for every single concrete sealing project (such as for decorative concrete on a pool deck, for instance), it is one of the best choices for many of them especially driveways, sidewalks, roads and bridges. Readily available at HomeDepot.com this sealer is an excellent choice for most projects.
BEHR advertises their Premium Protector and Waterproofer product as a silicone waterproofer to penetrate and keep water out while shielding against corrosion and salt damage. However one of the types of concrete sealers we suggest staying away from is silicone based sealers. Claims that this product will penetrate are false since silicone based sealers are typically topical in nature they cannot penetrate the way a silicate does. One of the worst atttributes of a silicone sealer is their short life span. Lasting maybe a few months if you are lucky at the first signs of exposure to UV rays this product will start to deteriorate. Also surfaces become extremely slippery after using this product which cause more of a hassle than anything.
Our Take: No matter what BEHR claims it will not not waterproof concrete and masonry surfaces longterm. It may appear to hold up but at the first sign of water, since it is latex based, it will start to peel and flake off. You are better off using a penetrating solution to waterproof concrete since there is no risk of peeling and bubbling.
DryLok has been around for many years with their traditional DryLok formula claiming waterproofing, yet never living up to the hype causing consumers extreme trouble. Finally after years of customer complaints and thousands of millions of dollars spent in repairs from inadequate performance, DryLok is out with a new patent pending formula. DryLok Clear Masonry Waterproofer. How does it perform and does it cause the same amount of headaches that DryLok the original latex based ‘waterproofer’ does?
Claiming to stop hydrostatic pressure and wind driven rain while leaving a high gloss finish this acrylic latex based formula is still not the solution for concrete waterproofing problems. You would have thought with all of the knowledge out there about latex and water they would have come up with a different composition for their new product.
Our Take: No matter what DryLok Clear claims it will not not waterproof concrete and masonry surfaces longterm. It may appear to hold up but at the first sign of water, since it is latex based, it will start to peel and flake off. You are better off using a penetrating solution to waterproof concrete since there is no risk of peeling and bubbling.
Cryli-Tek 5500 is a pricey acrylic sealer, but it is also the top choice of professional contractors and expert homeowners. Kretetek markets its Cryli-Tek 5500 as a one-coat sealer — which should theoretically save money by cutting the amount of sealer you need in half compared to other acrylic sealers on the market. After testing out Cryli-Tek 5500 for ourselves it does live up to its other major marketing claims: It dries in 3 hours with little odor and Cryli-Tek 5500 is a low-volatile organic compound (VOC) sealer, meaning it has low levels of the chemicals in sealers that are linked to respiratory and other health problems.
We love that it is water based and still leaves a slight matte sheen enhancing colored and stamped concrete. We also found Cryli-Tek 5500 breathable, non-yellowing, and highly scratch and peel proof. Remember when looking for a decorative sealer to look for a breathable one to avoid problems down the line. Above all, professional contractors and do-it-yourselfers love Cryli-Tek 5500’s beautiful finished matte look.
However, Cryli-Tek 5500 is pricier than other acrylic sealers in its class. But since it lasts two to three times longer than other acrylics, we found the price justifiable. Cryli-Tek 5500 is available at HomeDepot.com and independent retailers and online at concretesealersolutions.com.
The Concrete Sealer X-2 product manufactured and distributed by Stone Technologies is a high quality concrete sealer. It is a water-based sodium silicate sealer that features a low volatile organic content that is compliant with most strict state regulations (though be sure to check the requirements for your particular state before purchasing any product). The Concrete Sealer X-2 is an environmentally friendly and well reviewed product that offers a solid level of protection.
The only problem with the Concrete Sealer X-2 comes with its marketing on the website. On the site, the Concrete Sealer X-2 is purported to be an excellent concrete sealer for those looking to seal exceptionally porous materials like brick and concrete block. However, sodium silicates are penetrating sealers that do not work on extremely porous materials. Their small particles are meant to penetrate the equally small surface pores on traditional slabs of concrete. If a sodium silicate sealer were to be applied to a porous concrete, as is advised on the website, the solution would simply leak right through the concrete without chemically reacting (which is where the sodium silicate features most of its strength and protection).
The Concrete Sealer X-2 is a great concrete sealing product for any projects requiring a strong penetrating solution; however, it is not the best choice for more porous concrete.