Home › Masonry Waterproofing and Coatings
We provide masonry waterproofing in New Orleans, LA to protect brick, block, and stone from water intrusion and staining. Using sealers, breathable coatings, and detailed parapet work, we help extend the life of your walls and reduce maintenance issues inside the building.
Superior Masonry New Orleans provides professional masonry waterproofing throughout New Orleans, LA, Louisiana and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call (504) 321-4818 or request your free quote.
Targeted Masonry Waterproofing for New Orleans Conditions
In New Orleans, masonry does not fail only from age. It fails from constant moisture, high humidity, and sudden storms that push water deep into brick and block. Superior Masonry New Orleans focuses our masonry waterproofing work on those specific conditions, not on generic coatings that might work better in a dry climate.
When we evaluate a wall, chimney, parapet, or foundation, we look first at how water is actually getting in. On historic brick in the French Quarter, the problem is often hairline mortar cracks and soft, saturated brick. On newer CMU block in Gentilly or Lakeview, the issue is usually unsealed block faces and poorly detailed control joints. Along the river and in low-lying neighborhoods, wind-driven rain and periodic flooding add another layer of stress.
Our goal is to keep liquid water out while still letting the masonry “breathe” so trapped moisture can escape. That means we select breathable water repellents or specialty coatings instead of generic paint that peels in a year. Every product we use is chosen for coastal Gulf climate, UV exposure, and resistance to airborne salts that come with our proximity to the Gulf and the river.
We also pay attention to surrounding details that affect waterproofing performance, such as metal flashing that has lifted, coping caps that are cracked, or stucco interfaces that were never properly sealed. Masonry waterproofing is not just a spray-on step. It is a system approach that includes repairs, drainage, and long-term maintenance planning for New Orleans weather.
Our Waterproofing Process, Step by Step
Superior Masonry New Orleans follows a predictable process so you know what is happening at each stage.
1. Inspection and moisture mapping: We visually inspect all exposed masonry, then use moisture meters to compare wet and dry zones. In basements and crawlspace walls, we may drill small test holes to check internal moisture. On multi-story buildings we use ladders or lifts to inspect parapets and upper walls, which are common leak points during tropical storms.
2. Cleaning and surface prep: Coatings and penetrating sealers only perform if the surface is clean. We remove biological growth like mildew and algae with appropriate cleaners, then low-pressure wash so we do not erode mortar. Old flaking paint or failed sealers are stripped by mechanical means or chemical strippers, depending on the material. In the Vieux Carré and other historic districts, we choose gentler cleaning methods to avoid damaging historic brick and comply with VCC expectations.
3. Masonry and mortar repair: Before any waterproofing goes on, we fix the substrate. That includes tuckpointing open joints, replacing crumbling bricks or CMU, filling shrinkage cracks, and patching spalled areas. On stucco over masonry, we cut out loose stucco and re-apply with compatible materials rather than skimming over hollow areas.
4. Joint and penetration sealing: We seal around windows, doors, vents, utility penetrations, meter boxes, and hose bibs with high-grade elastomeric sealants. We also address control joints, expansion joints, and coping interfaces. In many New Orleans homes, leaks show up around retrofitted AC lines or cable penetrations, which we see and correct during this step.
5. Application of waterproofing system: Based on your masonry type and conditions, we apply either a clear penetrating water repellent, a breathable elastomeric wall coating, or a combination system. We apply by low-pressure spray, roller, or brush so we achieve even coverage and proper thickness. All work is timed for appropriate temperature and humidity, since our climate can affect cure times.
6. Final check and documentation: Once the system cures, we re-check typical problem areas with moisture meters and visual inspection. We then provide you with product data sheets, coverage rates, and guidance on when the system should be re-inspected or renewed.
Types of Masonry Waterproofing and Coatings We Use
Different masonry and different New Orleans properties call for different waterproofing methods. Superior Masonry New Orleans does not use a one-size-fits-all product.
Clear penetrating sealers: These are usually silane, siloxane, or silane/siloxane blends. They soak into brick or block and chemically bond inside the pores, reducing water absorption without changing the appearance. They are ideal for exposed brick facades in the Marigny, Bywater, and Uptown where owners want to maintain a natural look. They resist wind-driven rain and help reduce efflorescence and freeze-thaw damage during rare cold snaps.
Breathable elastomeric coatings: For porous CMU walls, older stucco, or heavily cracked masonry, we may specify an elastomeric wall coating. This is a thick, flexible coating that bridges small cracks and sheds water from the surface. It is commonly used on commercial buildings along major corridors like Claiborne or Chef Menteur Highway where walls take direct weather and sun all day. These coatings can be tinted, but we select formulations with high vapor permeability to avoid trapping moisture.
Cementitious waterproofing: For interior basement walls, elevator pits, and below-grade masonry, we sometimes use cementitious waterproof coatings that integrate with the wall surface. These are brushed or troweled on and are especially useful in older raised homes with partially enclosed ground floors that get periodic seepage.
Specialty systems: Coastal exposure and frequent rain events can require additional measures such as breathable anti-graffiti sealers in high-traffic areas, or multi-coat systems that combine a primer, crack-bridging base coat, and UV-stable finish coat. On historic properties, we coordinate with architect or preservation guidelines to select products that do not create a hard, non-breathing shell that could harm older brick.
What Affects Cost for Masonry Waterproofing in New Orleans
Home and building owners often want a quick price over the phone, but realistic masonry waterproofing costs require a site visit. Superior Masonry New Orleans explains the cost factors up front so there are no surprises.
Access and height: Single-story walls with easy ground access cost less than three-story rear walls that require lifts, scaffolding, or careful setup over adjacent roofs. Many New Orleans properties have tight side yards and limited access, which adds labor time to move materials and equipment.
Condition of the masonry: If your brick or block is relatively sound and only needs cleaning plus a sealer, your cost is lower. If there is widespread mortar failure, spalling brick, loose stucco, or previous coating failure, we must repair those issues first so the new system will last. Repair work can represent a significant part of the budget on older homes.
Type of product and system complexity: Clear penetrating water repellents are usually less expensive than multi-coat elastomeric systems that include primers and reinforcement fabrics. However, the cheaper option is not always appropriate. For example, a heavily cracked CMU wall near the lakefront may need a reinforced elastomeric system to handle movement and storm exposure.
Square footage and detailing: Large, uninterrupted wall areas are more efficient to treat than walls broken up by balconies, decorative elements, and many penetrations. New Orleans architecture often has arched openings, columns, and ornate details that require hand-application, which increases labor.
Timing and weather: Waterproofing must be scheduled around rain and extreme humidity so materials cure correctly. Rushed work between storms increases risk. We plan installations around forecasted weather patterns as much as possible, but during peak storm seasons this can affect scheduling and occasionally staging costs.
After reviewing your property, we provide a written proposal that breaks out repairs, prep, and waterproofing system installation so you can see where your money is going.
Local Considerations, Codes, and Common Problems
Working in New Orleans means working around specific local realities. Superior Masonry New Orleans coordinates our masonry waterproofing services with them so you avoid headaches.
Historic and Vieux Carré properties: In the French Quarter and certain historic districts, visible changes to masonry sometimes fall under review. Clear penetrating sealers are typically allowed because they do not alter appearance, but thick coatings and color changes may require approval. We help you understand when to check with the Vieux Carré Commission or HDLC before proceeding so you do not end up having to remove a non-compliant coating.
Wind-driven rain and storm events: The combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall pushes water horizontally into walls. Common issues include leaks at parapet walls, around window lintels, and along flat roof terminations. We pay particular attention to these areas, ensuring that masonry coatings tie into roof flashings and metal copings where practical. We also recommend maintenance checks before and after major storm seasons.
Salt and moisture-laden air: While New Orleans is not directly oceanfront, airborne salts and constant humidity accelerate deterioration. We often see efflorescence, surface staining, and accelerated coating chalking. Our product choices account for that, and we typically avoid purely acrylic “paint-only” systems on high exposure walls.
HOA and condo associations: For multi-unit buildings, we frequently coordinate with associations that need phased work or limited disruption. We can sequence waterproofing by elevation so residents maintain access. We also provide documentation that associations can keep on file for future reference, including product warranties and maintenance guidance.
Common owner mistakes: We regularly correct problems caused by non-breathing paint applied directly over damp masonry, or by DIY sealers that trap water behind the surface. Another mistake is addressing only interior symptoms, such as repainting inside walls, instead of fixing the exterior masonry where the water actually enters. Our approach addresses the source of moisture before discussing any interior repairs.
Why Work With Superior Masonry New Orleans for Waterproofing
Masonry waterproofing is not something you want to repeat every year. The wrong product or rushed prep often fails quickly in our climate. Superior Masonry New Orleans focuses on durable results, clear communication, and realistic expectations.
We start by listening to what you are experiencing, whether that is peeling interior paint, damp smells, visible staining on brick, or water intrusion after specific types of storms. Then we verify those symptoms from the exterior so we are not guessing. Our crews are masonry-focused, so they understand how brick, block, stucco, and mortar behave over decades in New Orleans conditions.
We use manufacturer-tested systems and follow coverage and thickness requirements rather than thinning or stretching materials to cut corners. You receive documentation on what was installed, where, and when. This becomes important if you ever need to show buyers, appraisers, or insurers that the building envelope has been professionally treated.
Before we leave, we go over simple maintenance steps with you, such as how often to inspect caulked joints, what cleaning methods are safe for your new coating, and signs that a reapplication may be needed years down the road. If you want a phased plan, for example starting with the most exposed elevations or addressing active leaks first, we design that with you.
If you are in New Orleans and are seeing moisture-related issues in your brick, block, or stucco, Superior Masonry New Orleans can inspect your property and give you a straight assessment and a detailed plan for long-term masonry waterproofing and coatings that make sense for your building and our climate.
