Brick is one of the most trusted building materials in the UK. It is strong, durable, traditional and widely used for homes, garden walls, extensions, garages, boundary walls and commercial buildings. A well built brick wall can last for generations, but brickwork is not immune to moisture, frost, pollution and biological growth.
Rainwater can penetrate porous bricks and mortar joints, especially on older or exposed exterior walls. Over time, this may lead to penetrating damp, green algae, frost damage, staining, crumbling mortar and a tired looking facade. The solution is not to trap the wall behind a thick plastic coating, but to protect it with a breathable water repellent treatment.
At Nanocoating.co.uk, we sell a specialist cleaning and protection system for brick, masonry, stone, concrete and tile surfaces:
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NC Nano Stone Cleaner for cleaning brickwork and masonry before treatment
- NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile for making suitable brick walls water repellent, dirt repellent and easier to maintain
Together, these products help protect exterior brick walls from rain, dirt, algae, moss, frost related damage and long term weathering without changing the natural look of the brickwork.
Quick overview and answer
If you are asking What is the best way to waterproof a brick wall?, the best practical method is to clean the brickwork with NC Nano Stone Cleaner, allow it to dry fully and then apply NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile. This creates a breathable, water repellent treatment that helps rainwater bead and roll away rather than soaking into the wall.
If you are asking How do I stop water from seeping through my brick wall?, first check for cracks, failed pointing, damaged bricks, leaking gutters or structural faults. Repair these issues before applying a coating. Once the wall is sound, clean it and protect it with NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile.
If you are asking Is waterproofing bricks a good idea?, yes, provided you use a breathable treatment and the wall is suitable. Waterproofing brickwork helps reduce penetrating damp, algae growth, frost damage and dirt absorption.
If you are asking Can you seal brick walls?, yes. Brick walls can be sealed with a breathable penetrating sealer such as NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile, after cleaning with NC Nano Stone Cleaner.
This article covers Waterproofing brickwork, Waterproof brick Sealer, How to seal brick, Waterproofing outside walls, How to waterproof exterior brick wall and How to damp proof a brick wall.
Why brick walls need waterproof protection
Brick walls are strong, but both bricks and mortar joints can absorb water. This is especially true on older masonry, porous brick, damaged mortar, exposed facades and walls facing prevailing rain. In the UK, wind driven rain and freeze thaw cycles can gradually damage unprotected brickwork.
When water enters a wall, it can cause several problems:
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Penetrating damp on internal walls
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Dark patches on exterior brickwork
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Green algae and moss growth
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Frost damage when absorbed water freezes
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Crumbling or weakened mortar joints
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Efflorescence and salt deposits
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Increased heat loss through damp walls
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Staining from pollution and dirt
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Musty smells indoors
- Long term deterioration of masonry
A dry wall performs better than a damp wall. By reducing water absorption, you help preserve both the appearance and durability of the building. Want to learn more? Read our in-depth guide about waterproofing concrete and stone.
What Nanocoating.co.uk sells
Nanocoating.co.uk supplies specialist nano coating and cleaning products for mineral surfaces such as brick, concrete, stone and tile. For masonry and brick wall protection, the recommended system is NC Nano Stone Cleaner followed by NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile.
- NC Nano Stone Cleaner is used before coating. It helps remove dirt, algae, moss, pollution residue, surface grime and other contamination from suitable brick and masonry surfaces. This matters because a protective treatment works best on a clean and dry wall.
- NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile is applied after cleaning and drying. It penetrates suitable porous surfaces and helps make them water and dirt repellent while allowing the wall to remain breathable.
This system helps with:
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Brick wall waterproofing
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Masonry water repellency
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Exterior wall protection
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Facade maintenance
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Damp prevention support
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Algae and moss reduction
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Easier cleaning
- Long term building protection
Who is this solution for?
Brick waterproofing is suitable for both domestic and commercial properties.
It is ideal for:
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Homeowners with exposed exterior brick walls
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Owners of older properties with porous masonry
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Landlords and property managers
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Housing associations
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Businesses with brick facades
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Garden wall and boundary wall owners
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Builders, decorators and maintenance contractors
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Facilities managers
- Anyone looking for a breathable waterproof brick sealer
The system is suitable for new and existing walls, provided the brickwork is clean, dry and in good condition before treatment.
Which brick and masonry surfaces can be treated?
NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile can be used on many suitable porous mineral surfaces. Always test first on a small hidden area, especially on coloured, delicate, painted, previously treated or heritage masonry.
Suitable surfaces may include:
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Clay brick
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Facing brick
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Concrete blockwork
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Natural stone walls
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Cement based render
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Mortar joints
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Garden walls
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Exterior brick facades
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Chimneys, subject to suitability
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Brick steps and plinths
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Masonry boundary walls
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Garage walls
- Commercial brickwork
Painted, glazed, sealed or non absorbent brickwork may not accept a penetrating treatment. In those cases, testing is essential.
What is the best way to waterproof a brick wall?
The best way to waterproof a brick wall is to use a breathable, penetrating water repellent treatment. Thick non breathable coatings can trap moisture inside the wall, which may create further problems. Brickwork needs to repel rain from the outside while allowing internal moisture vapour to escape.
The recommended process is:
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Inspect the wall for cracks, missing mortar and damaged bricks
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Repair defective pointing and broken masonry first
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Clean the wall with NC Nano Stone Cleaner
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Remove dirt, algae, moss and surface contamination
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Allow the wall to dry completely
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Test NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile on a small area
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Apply evenly from top to bottom
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Allow the product to penetrate the brick and mortar
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Protect the wall from rain during curing
- Test water repellency once fully dry
After treatment, rainwater should bead or run off rather than soaking into the wall.
How do I stop water from seeping through my brick wall?
To stop water from seeping through a brick wall, you need to identify the cause first. A water repellent coating can help with porous brickwork and wind driven rain, but it will not repair structural defects.
Check for:
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Cracked bricks
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Damaged or missing pointing
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Blocked gutters
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Leaking downpipes
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Failed flashing
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Poor roof details
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Rising damp
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Ground levels too high against the wall
- Internal condensation mistaken for penetrating damp
Once the wall is sound, clean it with NC Nano Stone Cleaner and apply NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile. This helps reduce rainwater absorption and supports long term protection.
Is waterproofing bricks a good idea?
Yes, waterproofing bricks is a good idea when the wall is porous, exposed to rain or showing signs of moisture absorption. The key is to choose a breathable treatment rather than a sealed surface film.
Waterproofing brickwork helps:
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Reduce penetrating rain
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Keep walls drier
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Reduce algae and moss growth
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Help prevent frost damage
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Reduce dirt absorption
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Improve maintenance
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Preserve the natural appearance
- Support better thermal performance by keeping walls dry
It is especially useful for exposed elevations, older brickwork, garden walls, chimneys and walls affected by wind driven rain.
Can you seal brick walls?
Yes, you can seal brick walls. The best method is to use a penetrating and breathable sealer that works inside the pores rather than creating a visible layer on top.
NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile works as a breathable water repellent treatment for suitable brickwork. It is designed to protect without creating a glossy or painted appearance.
Benefits include:
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Invisible protection
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Water repellency
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Dirt resistance
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Breathable performance
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Suitable for many exterior walls
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Reduced maintenance
- Natural brick appearance maintained
Always clean with NC Nano Stone Cleaner first and allow the wall to dry fully.
Waterproofing brickwork versus painting brick
Waterproofing brickwork and painting brick are not the same. Paint covers the brick with a visible layer. Some masonry paints can be breathable, but others may trap moisture if used incorrectly.
A penetrating nano treatment works differently. It enters suitable porous masonry and makes the surface water repellent while keeping the original brick appearance.
Waterproofing brickwork with nano coating is useful when you want:
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Natural brick colour to remain visible
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No gloss or painted effect
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A breathable wall
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Protection against rain and dirt
- Lower maintenance without changing the facade
For many properties, this is preferable to painting.
Waterproof brick Sealer: what to look for
A good Waterproof brick Sealer should not simply block the surface. It should protect against rain while allowing the wall to breathe.
Look for:
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Breathable performance
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Deep penetration into porous brick
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Water and dirt repellency
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UV resistance
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No visible surface film
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Suitability for exterior use
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Compatibility with brick and mortar
- Easy maintenance
NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile is a strong option because it protects suitable brickwork without changing its natural appearance.
How to seal brick step by step
If you are searching for How to seal brick, use this practical method.
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Step 1: Inspect the wall
Check the condition of bricks, joints, flashings and surrounding details. -
Step 2: Repair damage
Repoint loose mortar and replace damaged bricks before sealing. -
Step 3: Clean the surface
Use NC Nano Stone Cleaner to remove dirt, algae, moss and surface contamination. -
Step 4: Let the wall dry
The wall must be fully dry before applying the coating. -
Step 5: Test first
Apply NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile to a small hidden section. -
Step 6: Apply evenly
Use a suitable brush, roller or low pressure sprayer. Work from top to bottom. -
Step 7: Avoid pooling
Allow the product to soak in, but do not leave heavy runs or puddles. -
Step 8: Let it cure
Keep the wall dry during the initial curing period. -
Step 9: Test water beading
Water should bead or run off once protection is active.
Waterproofing outside walls in the UK
Waterproofing outside walls is particularly relevant in the UK because many buildings face frequent rain and damp conditions. Exposed west and south west facing walls can suffer from wind driven rain, while shaded walls can develop algae and moss.
Exterior wall protection is useful for:
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Brick facades
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Garden walls
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Gable ends
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Chimneys
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Boundary walls
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Garage walls
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Basement exterior walls above ground
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Commercial brickwork
- Stone and brick mixed walls
Good detailing still matters. Coating should be combined with working gutters, sound pointing and correct drainage.
How to waterproof exterior brick wall
To answer How to waterproof exterior brick wall, the process is cleaning, repairing, drying and coating.
The wall should be:
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Structurally sound
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Free from active leaks
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Properly pointed
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Free from loose material
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Clean and dry
- Absorbent enough for treatment
Then apply NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile to create a breathable, water repellent surface. This helps keep the wall drier and cleaner without sealing moisture inside.
How to damp proof a brick wall
The phrase How to damp proof a brick wall can refer to several different damp problems. It is important to identify the type of damp before choosing a solution.
Types include:
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Penetrating damp from rain through walls
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Rising damp from moisture moving up from the ground
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Condensation from indoor humidity
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Leaks from roofs, gutters or plumbing
- Bridged damp proof courses
NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile is useful for reducing penetrating rain through suitable porous exterior masonry. It is not a replacement for a damp proof course, structural repair or fixing leaks.
For penetrating damp caused by porous brickwork, the system is:
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Repair the wall
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Clean with NC Nano Stone Cleaner
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Dry fully
- Apply NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile
Why cleaning before coating matters
A brick wall must be clean before coating. Dirt, moss, algae and pollution can block the pores and prevent even absorption.
NC Nano Stone Cleaner prepares the surface by removing contamination before protection.
Cleaning first helps:
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Improve coating penetration
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Remove organic growth
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Reduce dirt staining
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Prevent sealing in contamination
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Create a more even final result
- Improve long term performance
Do not coat a wet or dirty wall.
Common mistakes when waterproofing brick
Avoid these mistakes:
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Coating over damp brickwork
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Ignoring cracked mortar joints
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Using non breathable sealers
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Applying too little product
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Treating painted or non absorbent surfaces without testing
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Failing to clean first
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Applying before rain or frost
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Expecting coating to repair structural defects
- Using aggressive acid cleaners on sensitive masonry
Correct preparation is the difference between short term improvement and long term protection.
Maintenance after waterproofing brickwork
A treated wall needs less maintenance, but periodic checks are still important.
Maintenance tips:
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Inspect walls annually
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Keep gutters and downpipes clear
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Remove moss and algae early
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Clean gently when needed
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Avoid harsh chemical cleaning
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Check whether water still beads
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Reapply coating when water starts soaking in
- Repair mortar damage promptly
This helps the protection last longer and keeps brickwork in better condition.
Problems prevented by waterproofing brickwork
Using NC Nano Stone Cleaner and NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile helps prevent or reduce:
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Rainwater absorption
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Penetrating damp risk
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Frost damage
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Algae and moss growth
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Dirt and pollution staining
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Damp looking walls
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Efflorescence linked to moisture movement
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Crumbling caused by long term wetting
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High maintenance costs
- Premature masonry ageing
The cleaner prepares the wall. The coating protects it.
Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
What is the best way to waterproof a brick wall?
Clean with NC Nano Stone Cleaner, repair damage, allow the wall to dry fully and apply NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile. This creates breathable water repellent protection.
How do I stop water from seeping through my brick wall?
Repair cracks, failed pointing and leaks first. Then clean and protect the wall with NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile to reduce rainwater absorption.
Is waterproofing bricks a good idea?
Yes, if the wall is suitable. Waterproofing brickwork helps reduce rain penetration, algae, frost damage and dirt absorption.
Can you seal brick walls?
Yes. Use a breathable waterproof brick sealer such as NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile on clean, dry and porous brickwork.
How to seal brick?
Clean, dry, test and apply the coating evenly. Make sure the brickwork is sound before treatment.
How to waterproof exterior brick wall?
Use NC Nano Stone Cleaner first, then apply NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile once the wall is dry.
How to damp proof a brick wall?
For penetrating damp caused by porous brickwork, repair defects, clean the wall and apply a breathable water repellent treatment. Rising damp or leaks need separate repair.
Protect brickwork with Nanocoating.co.uk
Brickwork is durable, but moisture can still damage it over time. Rain, frost, algae and pollution can make walls look tired and cause long term deterioration.
NC Nano Stone Cleaner prepares the wall by removing dirt, moss and surface contamination. NC Nano Coating for Stone, Concrete & Tile then protects suitable brickwork with a breathable, water and dirt repellent nano treatment.
Whether you need Waterproofing brickwork, a Waterproof brick Sealer, advice on How to seal brick, help with Waterproofing outside walls, guidance on How to waterproof exterior brick wall, or support with How to damp proof a brick wall, Nanocoating.co.uk offers a practical system for cleaner, drier and longer lasting masonry.
About Nanocoating.co.uk
At Nanocoating.co.uk, our specialists develop high-quality nano coatings and nano cleaners for a wide range of surfaces, helping you protect materials for longer and spend less time cleaning.
Our products are manufactured in the Netherlands and developed with performance, safety and sustainability in mind. They are formulated without intentionally added PFAS and developed in accordance with applicable chemical safety and regulatory requirements, including UK REACH requirements for the Great Britain market.
Whether you want to protect glass, wood, stone, metal, textiles, sanitary surfaces or outdoor materials, Nanocoating.co.uk offers professional-grade nano coating solutions for everyday use at home, in the garden and in commercial environments.
Why customers choose Nanocoating.co.uk
✅ Money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied
✅ Free UK delivery on orders over £40
✅ Order before 23:30 on working days for same-day dispatch
✅ Secure purchase protection through Trusted Shops
✅ Safe and reliable payment options, including Klarna and credit card
✅ High-quality nano coatings and nano cleaners manufactured in the Netherlands
✅ Formulated without intentionally added PFAS
✅ Developed with performance, safety and environmental responsibility in mind
✅ Specialist nano coating and nano cleaning solutions for cleaner, easier-to-maintain surfaces
At Nanocoating.co.uk, we believe surface protection should be effective, easy to apply and safe to use. That is why our nano coatings and cleaners are developed to deliver long-lasting performance while avoiding unnecessary substances and supporting responsible product formulation.