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We provide masonry waterproofing in Orlando, FL to protect brick, block, and stone walls from moisture intrusion and staining. Our services include water repellent treatments, elastomeric coatings, and targeted repairs to cracks and joints. Preserve your building envelope and reduce future maintenance with the right coating system.
Legendary Masonry Orlando provides professional masonry waterproofing throughout Orlando, FL, Florida and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call 689-264-5946 or request your free quote.
Practical Masonry Waterproofing for Orlando Homes and Buildings
Masonry in Orlando takes a beating from sun, sudden downpours, and our long humid season. Brick, block, stone, and stucco are all porous, so they soak in moisture if they are not protected. Over time that leads to hairline cracks, efflorescence (white powdery stains), musty smells inside, and even loose bricks or spalling stucco. Masonry waterproofing is about stopping that water movement while still letting the wall breathe so trapped moisture can escape.
Legendary Masonry Orlando focuses on breathable systems that match our climate. We look at how your masonry actually gets wet. For a single story block home in Conway, it might be wind driven rain on one wall. For a multi story condo near downtown, it might be water intrusion through control joints and balcony edges. Instead of just spraying a sealer everywhere, we track the moisture path, fix the weak spots, then apply coatings that protect without peeling.
Some buildings in Orlando already have paint or old sealer on them. That changes what can and cannot be applied. Our crew checks for peeling paint, chalking, previous elastomeric coatings, and incompatible sealers before we recommend a product. If your walls are unpainted brick or block, you may be a good candidate for a clear penetrating water repellent. If they are already coated or you want a color change, a high build masonry coating may be better. Our goal is straightforward; keep bulk water out, allow vapor to escape, and keep the finish looking good in the Florida sun.
How Our Masonry Waterproofing Process Works
Every project with Legendary Masonry Orlando starts with a walk around. We look for typical Orlando issues like hairline cracks from slab movement, stucco separation near window corners, and dark damp areas that stay wet long after rain. We often use moisture meters on interior and exterior wall surfaces to see where water is actually getting through. On taller buildings, we may use lifts or rope access to check higher elevations, parapet caps, and roof transitions.
Preparation is most of the job. We begin by cleaning the masonry with the right method for the surface. For painted or coated walls, that usually means low pressure washing with mild detergent to remove dirt, mildew, and loose material. For unpainted brick or block, we may use specialized masonry cleaners that remove efflorescence without burning the surface. We avoid harsh acids on soft brick or decorative stone because they can damage the face.
Next we address defects. Cracks are routed or widened slightly and then filled with masonry repair mortar or flexible urethane sealant, depending on whether the crack is live (still moving) or not. Failed or missing mortar joints are tuckpointed, which means grinding out the loose joint carefully and packing in new mortar that matches in color and hardness. Around windows, doors, control joints, and balconies, we cut out failed caulk and replace it with high quality, paintable sealants that can handle Orlando's thermal expansion.
Once the repairs are cured, we apply the waterproofing system. For bare masonry that you want to keep natural looking, we often use a silane or siloxane based penetrating sealer. These soak into the pores and repel liquid water but allow vapor to move out. For painted or previously coated surfaces, or when you want a new color, we use masonry specific coatings, usually acrylic or elastomeric, that bridge small hairline cracks and shed water. Coatings are applied by roller and brush in tight areas and by sprayer on open walls, typically in two coats to reach the manufacturer’s required thickness.
When we are done, we check coverage, thickness, and detailing at vulnerable spots like sills, parapet tops, and wall to roof transitions. If you choose, we can schedule follow up inspections every few years, which is especially useful for commercial buildings that must stay dry to protect interior finishes and tenant spaces.
Material Options and Choosing the Right System
Masonry waterproofing is not one size fits all. The right product depends on the material you have, whether it is already painted, and how much movement your structure sees. Legendary Masonry Orlando spends time up front so we match the system to the building instead of forcing the building to match the product.
For natural brick or decorative block that you want to keep visible, we typically recommend penetrating water repellents. These are clear, leave little to no sheen, and work from inside the pores of the masonry. They are ideal for older homes in College Park or Thornton Park where the look of the original masonry matters. They will not stop active leaks through large cracks or gaps, so we always combine them with proper joint repairs and sealants.
For stucco over block, especially on newer homes and commercial buildings, an elastic or high build acrylic coating is usually better. These coatings add a protective film that sheds water and can stretch slightly over hairline cracks caused by Orlando's temperature swings. They also add some thickness that helps even out minor surface defects. Color can be matched to existing paint, HOA requirements, or a new scheme if you are refreshing the exterior.
Special conditions call for special materials. For parapet caps, wall tops, and high splash areas near grade, we may specify thicker elastomeric bands, sheet membrane details, or cementitious waterproof coatings that can handle constant wetting. For planters built into walls, stairwells that sit below grade, or elevator pits with block walls, we often recommend negative side waterproofing from the interior combined with exterior grading corrections to keep water away from the wall.
When we propose a system, we explain why a certain product is being used and what its limitations are. No coating will fix structural settlement or badly designed drainage. We are honest about that so you can budget for any related drainage or structural work if needed.
What Affects Cost and Timeline in Orlando
Homeowners and property managers often ask why masonry waterproofing quotes can vary so much. Most of the cost comes down to access, prep work, and the type of system chosen. Legendary Masonry Orlando lays it out plainly so you can see where the money goes.
Access around the building is a big factor. A one story home with clear ground all around is faster and cheaper to waterproof than a three story building over parking or landscaping that needs protection. If we need scaffolding, lifts, or swing stages, we factor in rental and setup time. In tight downtown Orlando locations, coordinating with neighbors or city rules can also add time.
The existing condition of the masonry is just as important. A wall with minimal cracking and solid stucco or brick only needs cleaning and coating. A wall with extensive cracking, hollow sounding stucco, or failing mortar joints needs more labor for repairs. We point out these conditions during our inspection and usually price repairs separately so you can see the breakdown.
The product choice also affects cost. Penetrating sealers are typically less expensive per square foot than multi coat elastomeric systems, but they may need to be reapplied sooner depending on exposure. High build or specialty coatings rated for ponding, coastal influence, or industrial environments cost more but provide stronger protection in tough conditions. We can show you a range of options with approximate lifespans so you can balance upfront cost and long term performance.
Weather and timing matter in Orlando. Summer afternoons often bring fast storms and high humidity, which means we usually schedule washing and coating for mornings and plan for drying time. Most products require the surface to be dry and for rain to hold off for a certain window after application. We monitor the forecast and never rush application just to finish a day earlier, because that is when failures and peeling happen later.
Before we start, you will receive a written scope that explains each task, the areas included, the products specified, and a realistic timeline with weather flexibility built in. That way you know what to expect and can plan around noise, equipment, and access.
Why Orlando Properties Need Masonry Waterproofing and How to Get Started
Between hurricane season, daily summer showers, and long stretches of humidity, Orlando is hard on masonry. Water finds tiny openings in stucco, block, or brick, then the heat drives it inward. Over years, this can lead to musty drywall, swollen baseboards, rusting rebar inside block, or cracked and flaking stucco. Waterproofing is not just cosmetic, it is a way to slow down that cycle and extend the life of the structure.
Legendary Masonry Orlando has seen buildings in our area go from minor staining to major repair needs simply because moisture issues were ignored. On the other hand, we have clients whose buildings stay solid and clean looking because they scheduled waterproofing before problems became serious. Exterior coatings and sealers are much cheaper than rebuilding damaged walls or dealing with interior mold remediation.
Before you hire any contractor, ask about the specific products they plan to use, how they will prepare the surface, and what kind of moisture testing they perform. A simple “we will pressure wash and seal it” is usually not enough detail for a building you rely on. You should also confirm that they understand Central Florida’s weather, know how to schedule around pop up storms, and have experience with your type of masonry.
If you contact Legendary Masonry Orlando for masonry waterproofing, we start with a site visit and written evaluation. We identify moisture entry points, describe recommended repairs, and propose a coating or sealer system that fits your building, budget, and maintenance plans. We can also coordinate with your roofer or general contractor if your project is part of a larger renovation.
Once the work is complete, we give you basic maintenance tips, such as how often to inspect caulk joints, what kind of cleaning is safe for your new coating, and when to consider reinspection or reapplication. Our goal is for you to understand exactly what was done and how to keep it performing in Orlando’s climate for as long as possible.
