How much does it cost to seal a cinder block wall?

Author: Madison Hayes  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Sealing concrete sealing or “seal coating” costs between $1.20 – $1.75 per square foot. Factors that determine cost include project fees, quality of concrete, stamped vs regular, or if you opt to do it yourself.

Do cinder block walls need to be sealed?

Applying a Concrete Sealer Is Important

If you avoid sealing foundation cinder blocks before water issues start, they can and may become unsealable in the future. Efflorescence will loosen and leach from within the matrix of the cinder block, being the first sign that water is present inside the hollow cores.

How much does it cost to seal masonry?

Cost to Seal Concrete per Square Foot

The cost of sealing concrete ranges from $0.10 to $0.75 per square foot for materials alone. With the cost of labor added, it's $1.35 to $2.50 per square foot on average. The final price depends on the type of material, dimensions, and location that needs sealing, plus the labor.

What is the best sealer for cinder blocks?

Siloxa-Tek 8500

Best used to preventatively seal concrete blocks and cinderblocks that have not had any moisture issues. This waterproofing sealer will help to prevent water from seeping through concrete blocks and cinderblocks.

How do you waterproof a cinder block wall?

Waterproof your concrete block walls from the outside. Addressing the exterior waterproofing of your concrete block walls with hydrophobic layers, vapor barrier, and dimple board will avoid water getting where it shouldn't in the first place and take the pressure off any other methods you may apply on the interior.

How to Waterproof Concrete Block, Best Waterproofing for Concrete Block

What is the lifespan of concrete sealer?

Moreover, general wear and tear, damage, and environmental factors can all shorten the lifespan of concrete sealers. Acrylic concrete sealers have the shortest lifespans; they typically last somewhere between 1-3 years. Epoxy and polyurethane concrete sealers generally last around 5-10 years.

How much does concrete sealing cost?

Sealer Cost: Everything You Need to Know. Sealing concrete sealing or “seal coating” costs between $1.20 – $1.75 per square foot. Factors that determine cost include project fees, quality of concrete, stamped vs regular, or if you opt to do it yourself.

What is the difference between wall sealer and primer?

A sealer is a special type of primer designed to be used with, or in place of, a primer. A sealer prevents the topcoat from soaking into the substrate, and to a degree, can create a water-resistant layer between the substrate and topcoat.

How much do masonry contractors charge?

Most projects use the per-square-foot method, and the price ranges from $10 to $30, depending on the job's complexity and brick type. For minor issues, masons may charge per brick, typically $1 to $5 per brick, including labor.

What is the cheapest way to seal concrete?

Acrylic – Acrylic-based sealers are a cost-effective solution for adding a protective barrier to your concrete surfaces. Acrylic sealers are easy to apply, making them a great choice for DIYers, and their quicker dry time is perfect for projects on a tight timeline.

How long does masonry sealer last?

You should seal concrete every one to five years depending on the external conditions and level of wear and tear. A masonry contractor can advise on how often your surface will need resealing.

Can water seep through cinder block walls?

They are constructed in a similar fashion as brick foundations. These types of foundations are especially prone to leakage for the following main reasons: The concrete blocks used to build the foundations are hollow. These spaces permit water to seep through and collect within the walls.

How long do cinder block walls last?

A cinder block retaining wall can last a very long time, typically between 50 to 100 years, depending on the quality of materials used and the conditions it's exposed to. Proper construction and maintenance are crucial for longevity.

Do cinder block walls need to breathe?

Whether it be brick, stone, or another type of masonry unit, masonry is not meant to be a rigid impermeable surface, and historically we understood that it needed to breathe as well as expand and contract with changes in temperature/moisture levels.

Do you have to paint over primer and sealer?

Any surface that doesn't have sound, clean, existing paint needs some sort of primer or sealer before the tops coats go on. Without the right primer or sealer the top coat will start to peel. Unfortunately cheap/bad painters often skip the priming stage because, hey its unseen! and the top coat just doesn't last.

Is kilz a primer and sealer?

New Look, Same Trusted Formula, KILZ 2 ALL PURPOSE 1 Gal. (Previously KILZ 2 Latex) is a fast drying, water-base, multi-surface primer, sealer and stain blocker with excellent adhesion, sealing properties and very mild odor.

How many coats of sealer on walls?

Sealers typically require one coat, but multiple coats may be needed for very porous surfaces. It is not always necessary to sand primer before sealing, but it may improve adhesion and durability.

How much sealer do I need for 1000 sq ft?

For 1000 square feet, you would need: At 80 square feet per gallon: 1000 / 80 = 12.5 gallons.

Can you seal concrete yourself?

Sealing concrete is an excellent DIY project if you have the time available. Once you learn how to seal one type of concrete surface, you'll be confident tackling more areas around your home. You can roughly cut the project's cost in half by tackling it yourself instead of hiring a professional.

Is concrete sealing worth it?

Concrete is incredibly durable, but if it isn't sealed properly, it can chip or show wear in certain situations. A quality, professionally installed sealant reduces wear and tear, thereby extending the life of your concrete driveway.

What time of year is best to seal concrete?

After discussing the factors you need to look for and the regional location of the project, in broad terms, Spring is in fact the best time of year to seal concrete. With its moderate temperatures and humidity levels, it tends to provide ideal conditions for the application and curing of sealers.

What happens if it rains on concrete sealer?

The main takeaways are: Allow 24-72 hours of dry time before rain exposure depending on the sealer type. Early water exposure can cause issues like flaking, blistering, whitening, and poor curing.

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