Water Repellents - A Buying Guide

Water repellents are a quick and easy way to help damp proof your home. But with so many products to choose from, how do you know which is right for you or your project? We’re breaking down our water repellent range, detailing the differences and benefits of each product, so you can find the right repellent for the job.

Jump to a specific section:

• What are water repellents?
• Types of water repellents
• Our water repellent products
• The extras
• Key considerations
• Further reading
• FAQs
• Why Permagard?

What are water repellents?

Water repellents protect against penetrating damp, water damage and frost thaw by creating a breathable, waterproof barrier on the exterior of your home. Bricks are porous, and the UK has some wet and windy weather. This means that properties are often exposed to the elements and prone to damp, as rainwater seeps through the walls and into your home. Masonry water repellents prevent this from occurring.

Types of water repellents

Our water repellents are all water-based surface treatments, applied to unpainted masonry rather than incorporated into the structure during construction. Water-based formulations are low-odour, easier to apply and more environmentally-friendly than solvent-based alternatives.

They’re typically made using silicon-based compounds, including silane and siloxane. These don’t form a surface film; instead, they penetrate the masonry and line the pores, allowing it to breathe while maintaining a durable, water-repellent barrier.

Our water repellent products: which type do you need?

	Liquid water repellents		Cream water repellents
	PermaSEAL Brick Sealer	MicroShield PRO Water Repellent	PermaSEAL Facade Cream	MicroShield ULTRA Waterproofing Cream
Application	Exterior brickwork, masonry and concrete Two coats (wet on wet) Brush, roller or sprayer	Same as PermaSEAL Brick Sealer, plus: One-coat application	Exterior brick, stone and unpainted render One coat Brush, roller or pneumatic sprayer	Same as PermaSEAL Facade Cream
Use for	Smaller homes or surface areas Cost-effective option	Smaller homes or surface areas Cost-effective option	Larger homes Long-lasting protection Non-drip application (ideal for overhead work)	Same as PermaSEAL Facade Cream, plus: Larger homes and commercial areas Exceptionally long-lasting protection
Suitable for masonry & bricks	✓	✓	✓	✓
Ready to use	✓	✓	✓	✓
Benefits	Cost-effective Breathable (lines the pores) Protects against dirt and algae Odourless and dries clear Protects against freeze/thaw cycle	Same as PermaSEAL Brick Sealer, plus: One-coat application Fast application for large areas	Cost-effective One coat Great for DIYers Breathable (lines the pores) Protects against dirt and algae Odourless and dries clear Good thermal performance (reduces heat loss) Non-drip application Excellent protection against freeze/thaw cycle	Same as PermaSEAL Facade Cream, plus: The professionals’ choice Exceptionally long-lasting protection
Coverage	5 L covers 10–12.5 m²; 15 L covers 30–37.5 m².	4–5 m² per litre. 5 L covers 20–25 m²; 15 L covers 60–75 m².	Approx. 5 m² per litre (substrate dependent). 5 L up to 25 m².	5 L covers 20–25 m²; 20 L covers 80–100 m² (substrate dependent).
Longevity	up to 10 years	10+ years	20 years	25+ years

The extras

Accessory	Masonry Painting Kit	Edge Paintbrush Set	5L Pressure Sprayer	Safety Goggles
Description	Complete masonry painting and application kit. Ideal for applying waterproofing creams to brickwork and render, with tools for both broad coverage and detail work.	Budget-friendly set of three brushes (1", 1.5", 2"). Great for edging, small areas, and detail work when applying water repellents or primers.	5L pressure sprayer for water-based treatments. Perfect for applying liquid water repellents to larger areas, lofts, or confined spaces; includes cone spray tip.	Comfortable PVC-body goggles with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. Protects against splashes when applying creams, liquids, or sprays.

Key considerations

• Breathability - all of our products provide a breathable solution for external walls. Each repellent lines the pores of the brickwork, rather than blocking them, allowing water vapour to escape.
• Sprayability - water repellents can be applied with a sprayer for easy application. You can also paint them onto the surface using a brush or roller.
• Longevity - we’ve made sure that our products will protect properties for many years. PermaSEAL Brick Sealer and MicroShield PRO Water Repellent last for a minimum of 10 years, whereas our PermaSEAL Facade Cream and MicroShield ULTRA Waterproofing Cream both last for at least 20+ years.

Further reading about related subjects

• Top 5 Water Repellents for Treating Penetrating Damp
• Exterior Building Maintenance Guide
• How to Protect an Outside Wall from Damp

FAQs

Can you apply water repellents to a painted surface?
No, water repellents cannot be applied to painted walls. The paint will form a barrier that the repellent is unable to penetrate, meaning the treatment is ineffective. You can paint over treated walls once fully cured.

Can they be used on internal walls?
Water repellents are for external use only, suitable for brickwork, stone and rendered walls. You can find our internal damp proofing products here.

Why Permagard?

Permagard are market leaders in damp proofing, making it easy for you to find the right products for the job. Unlike other water repellents on the market, our products allow your walls to ‘breathe’ without changing their appearance. All you're left with is a clear, impermeable barrier that will protect your home against penetrating damp and water damage for years to come. Shop our water repellents or get in touch today.