Seal interior brick: the best way to do it

Looking for a way to seal interior brick? Oppercon is our best product to waterproof your brick wall. We’ll explain what it does and how to use it. Anyone can do it!

Why should interior brick walls be sealed?

Sealing a brick wall has multiple benefits. Oppercon is designed to not only seal the bricks but also to protect against various environmental and structural threats. This includes:

  • Waterproofing for 15 years: Ensuring long-term protection against moisture.
  • Algae and moss prevention: Keeping the walls free from biological growth.
  • Protection against structural damage: Safeguarding against freeze/thaw cycles and carbonation.
  • Surface hardening and dust reduction: Enhancing durability and reducing maintenance needs.
  • Healthier indoor environment: Immobilizing harmful substances and improving indoor air quality​.

By sealing interior brick walls, homeowners and property managers can significantly enhance the longevity, appearance, and functionality of their spaces while ensuring a healthier and safer environment. Let’s delve deeper into these benefits.

Waterproofing for 15 years

Sealing interior brick walls ensures waterproofing for a very long time. This is crucial for protecting the structure from moisture-related damage. Without sealing, water can penetrate bricks, causing issues like rising damp, mold and mildew. This can affect the wall’s integrity and the occupants’ health.

Waterproofing creates an strong barrier, preventing water ingress and maintaining the wall’s structural and thermal efficiency. This reduces energy costs and creates a more comfortable indoor environment.

Algae and moss prevention

Algae and moss can pose significant problems for brick walls, especially in damp environments. These biological growths not only mar the wall’s appearance but also weaken its structure. Sealing bricks reduces the moisture needed for algae and moss to thrive, effectively preventing their growth.

This means less maintenance and cleaning, as aggressive methods to remove such growth can damage the bricks. By sealing your wall, you are ensuring the wall remains clean and inhibiting organic growth. The wall stays visually appealing, enhancing its durability.

decorated brick wall

Protection against structural damage

Bricks exposed to moisture are at risk of structural damage from freeze-thaw cycles and carbonation. Water in bricks can freeze and expand, causing cracks and deterioration. Sealing prevents water ingress, reducing the risk of freeze-thaw damage.

It also minimizes carbonation, a chemical reaction that weakens the mortar. By protecting bricks from moisture and harmful substances, sealing maintains the wall’s integrity. This ensures a stable and durable structure.

Surface hardening and dust reduction

Sealing bricks hardens their surface, making them more resistant to abrasion and wear. This is particularly beneficial in busy areas or where walls are frequently touched or bumped. A harder surface means fewer chances of damage, prolonging the wall’s life.

Additionally, sealing reduces dust release from bricks, improving indoor air quality. Less dust means a cleaner living environment and reduced cleaning efforts, contributing to a healthier home.

Healthier indoor environment

Sealing brick walls contributes to a healthier indoor environment by preventing mold and mildew growth, which can cause allergies and respiratory issues. This is crucial for homes with children, the elderly, or those with health problems.

Sealing also immobilizes harmful substances like lead or other pollutants in older bricks, preventing them from becoming airborne. This results in a safer indoor climate, enhancing the overall quality of life and reducing health risks for occupants.

How about an exterior brick wall?

Oppercon can also be used as a waterproof sealant for exterior brick walls. Just ensure the surface is touch dry before application and ensure there is no rain forecast. Also strive for a uniform application.

The drying time depends on the weather conditions. Since Oppercon is a water-based product, it may take a little longer in humid weather. As a rule, this is between 2 and 8 hours. After this period, the surface is dirt and water-repellent. In another blog you can read in detail how Oppercon can be used as waterproof sealant for exterior bricks.

Oppercon is a clear, solvent-free sealer that is highly effective in repelling water. Oppercon is not only versatile, but also durable. It can be applied to concrete surfaces, paving or brick and with a lifespan that’s very impressive: a guarantee of 15 years.

What do you need to seal your walls?

You need a couple of materials to safely seal your walls. First of all, you need Oppercon as your waterproofing solution. For the application, you can use a low pressure spray, paint roller or a brush.

If you need to clean the surface before waterproofing, you can use a mild detergent, a power washer and a stiff-bristled brush. And of course clean water for rinsing.

Steps to seal a brick wall with Oppercon

Using Oppercon as an impregnating sealer to create a water repellent brick wall is a simple process. We will go through the seven steps to ensure the surface is water repellent permanently by using our ultimate brick sealer.

Buying and storing the product

First of all, you get Oppercon. If you’re not using it directly, we advise to store it in a cool and dry place. Ensure the lid stays firmly closed until you start using it for your waterproofing project.

Cleaning the wall

Clean the brick wall thoroughly using a stiff-bristled brush or power washer to remove dirt, dust, and loose debris. For stubborn stains or grime, use a mixture of mild detergent and water, scrubbing the surface gently but thoroughly. After cleaning, rinse the wall with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Drying the wall

Allow the wall to dry completely before applying Oppercon. This drying period is crucial to ensure proper adhesion of the waterproofing solution. Depending on the environmental conditions, this may take several hours to a full day. Ensure the surface is clean, touch dry, and free from any loose or flaking material.

Applying Oppercon

For a uniform application, use a paint brush or a roller. If the wall is highly porous and old, it may be necessary to apply a second coat. Apply the second layer before the first layer has dried. This should be only minutes, because Oppercon will harden relatively quick.

Drying and curing

Let the Oppercon cure. During this curing period, ensure the wall remains dry and is not exposed to rain or moisture. The curing process is vital for the waterproofing properties to develop fully. The brick wall is water repellent within 2 to 8 hours, depending on the conditions.

Get the ultimate brick sealer for the job

Are you looking for the ultimate brick sealer to ensure the surface in question stays water repellent for at least 15 years? Make sure to get Oppercon. It protects building materials, prevents structural damages and saves renovation costs. Therefore, it is a smart way to save both time and money.