Sodium silicate is used in a water-based mixture to seal the basement walls and floors. The sodium silicate penetrates up to 4” into the substrate. After penetrating the sodium silicate reacts with the free lime content of the concrete or masonry.

Silicates are known densifiers; however if the sealer is a silicate/siliconate blend you are in luck since the smaller silicate molecule will densify and the larger siliconate molecule will chemically react and waterproof your basement. Silane/Siloxane sealers are excellent choices for basement concrete block and/or cinderblock walls.

The cement will expand inside the fissures and create a water-tight seal. Then, apply a coat of waterproof masonry cement to your basement walls. This will seal the pores of the concrete and stop moisture from seeping through.