Home › Masonry Waterproofing and Coatings
Legendary Masonry Tallahassee provides masonry waterproofing and coating services for commercial structures in Tallahassee, FL. We apply breathable sealers, elastomeric coatings, and detailed flashing solutions to help keep water out of brick, stone, and block walls.
Legendary Masonry Tallahassee provides professional masonry waterproofing throughout Tallahassee, FL, Florida and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call 850-520-9286 or request your free quote.
Practical masonry waterproofing for Tallahassee properties
Masonry in Tallahassee deals with two constant problems: heavy rain and high humidity. Brick, block, and stucco walls absorb water, then our heat drives that moisture deeper into the structure. Legendary Masonry Tallahassee focuses on masonry waterproofing that is matched to these conditions, not just a quick clear spray and a promise.
We start by looking at how water is actually getting into your masonry. On older brick homes in Midtown and near Myers Park, the issue is often hairline mortar cracks and porous brick faces. On newer block construction in Killearn and Southwood, the problem is usually unsealed block, poorly detailed stucco, or unprotected parapet caps. Commercial buildings along major corridors may have masonry veneers that were never properly sealed after installation.
Masonry waterproofing is not paint slapped on a damp wall. It is an intentional system of surface preparation, crack repair, joint sealing, and the right breathable coating or penetrating sealer. Our goal is simple: keep rainwater out while still allowing trapped moisture inside the wall to escape so the masonry does not blister, flake, or peel later.
Inspection and prep: solving the real water path first
Any masonry waterproofing project in Tallahassee should start with a thorough inspection. Legendary Masonry Tallahassee walks the entire structure, looking at roof-to-wall transitions, window and door perimeters, control joints, chimney crowns, and grade levels. If water is getting behind the masonry from a roof leak or bad flashing, no coating will fix the problem until that route is addressed.
We perform moisture checks, looking for efflorescence (white salt deposits), spalling brick faces, dampness on the interior side of exterior walls, rusting lintels above windows, and soft or powdery mortar. These are signs that water is moving through the wall, not just sitting on the surface.
Preparation is where many cheap waterproofing jobs cut corners. We clean the masonry using appropriate methods for the material. That can be low-pressure washing, masonry-safe cleaners to remove mildew and biological growth, or spot chemical treatments where efflorescence is heavy. We avoid cleaning methods that drive water deeper into the wall or damage historic brick.
Once the surface is clean and dry, we repair cracks and joints. Mortar joints are repointed where needed using a compatible mortar mix. Larger cracks in block or stucco are routed, backer rod is installed if needed, and a proper sealant is applied, usually a high-performance polyurethane or silyl-terminated polyether (STPE) that stays flexible in heat and humidity. Only after the wall is sound and stable do we move to sealers or coatings.
Choosing the right waterproofing system for your masonry
Not every material on the shelf at a big box store is suitable for Tallahassee masonry. Legendary Masonry Tallahassee selects products based on wall type, age, and exposure.
For traditional clay brick and many natural stone surfaces, we typically use penetrating water repellents, such as silane or siloxane based treatments. These soak into the masonry, line the pores, and repel liquid water while allowing water vapor to escape. This is important in our climate, where trapping moisture inside a brick wall can cause long-term damage. Penetrating sealers leave the wall looking natural and are common on older homes, campus buildings, and historic-style facades.
For concrete block and stucco that will be painted or has had moisture problems, we may recommend an elastomeric or high-build acrylic coating system. These coatings bridge hairline cracks, provide a continuous waterproof layer, and can be tinted to match or change the building color. Before elastomerics, we often install a block filler or parge coat on rough CMU to level surfaces and reduce pinholes that cause leaks.
On retaining walls, exposed foundations, and planter boxes, we sometimes use more robust cementitious waterproofing membranes or bituminous coatings on the soil-facing side, paired with proper drainage. These are not visible when the job is done, but they protect the structure from soil moisture and lateral water pressure. The key is selecting a system that matches how the wall is built and where the water is coming from, rather than using one product everywhere.
What affects cost for masonry waterproofing in Tallahassee
Homeowners and property managers want to know what drives the price before they call. With Legendary Masonry Tallahassee, masonry waterproofing cost is based on conditions on site, not a one-size quote.
Major cost factors include:
• Surface condition: Dirty, mold-covered, or heavily effloresced walls require more cleaning time and materials. Failing paint or coating must be removed before new systems are installed. This prep can be a significant part of the job.
• Repair quantity: If the masonry has widespread cracking, missing mortar joints, or loose brick or block, there will be more labor to repair and repoint before waterproofing. A wall in good repair is quicker and less expensive to treat than one that has been leaking for years.
• System type: Penetrating sealers are generally more economical per square foot than full elastomeric coating systems. However, heavily exposed walls on multi-story buildings along Apalachee Parkway or Monroe Street may require multi-coat systems with primers and detail work, which increases material and labor cost.
• Access and height: Single-story ranch homes in older Tallahassee neighborhoods are relatively simple. Three-story townhomes, sloped lots, or commercial buildings with limited access require lift equipment, staging, and more safety planning.
We provide written estimates that break out cleaning, repairs, and waterproofing so you can see exactly where your money is going and make informed decisions about scope.
Common masonry moisture problems we see locally
Legendary Masonry Tallahassee has worked on a wide range of local masonry issues caused by water. Knowing the patterns we see in this region helps guide the correct fix.
On brick chimneys and fireplaces, especially those that were built in the 1970s and 1980s, the typical problems are cracked crowns, open mortar joints near the top, and unsealed brick. Water enters from above, runs down the interior, then shows up as staining near the ceiling or along the firebox. Our approach is to repair the crown, tuckpoint failing mortar, install a proper cap if needed, and apply a chimney-appropriate masonry water repellent that can handle high temperature cycles.
On coastal-influenced and exposed sites, such as properties east toward the St. Marks area or open land around the city, wind-driven rain is a major issue. Water can penetrate small gaps around windows, expansion joints, and transitions between brick or stucco and other materials. We focus on resealing all transitions with high-grade sealants and detailing the coating system into those areas so the waterproofing is continuous.
Interior basement-style or below-grade walls, although less common in this part of Florida, sometimes show up as damp masonry in split-level or sloped-lot homes. In those cases, simply coating the inside is usually not enough. We often recommend exterior drainage improvements, grading corrections, and, where accessible, exterior-side waterproofing paired with interior vapor-permeable coatings.
We also address issues caused by previous poor waterproofing, such as non-breathable paints on brick that have blistered and peeled. In those cases, we strip failing layers, allow the masonry to dry, and replace with a vapor-permeable system that works with the wall instead of against it.
What to expect when you hire Legendary Masonry Tallahassee
When you bring in Legendary Masonry Tallahassee for masonry waterproofing, the process is organized so you know what is happening at each step.
First, we schedule an on-site visit, not a drive-by estimate. We measure, photograph critical areas, and discuss any interior symptoms you have seen, such as damp spots, staining, or musty smells. We review options with you on site, including the type of system recommended, color choices if coatings are involved, and expected lifespan under local conditions.
Before work begins, you receive a written scope that explains preparation, repairs, materials, and application steps. We set clear expectations about drying times, areas that will be temporarily inaccessible, and how we will protect landscaping, walkways, and adjacent finishes.
During the work, surfaces are cleaned and allowed to dry properly. Cracks, joints, and defects are repaired. Then the waterproofing system is applied in the number of coats and at the coverage rates specified by the manufacturer, using brushes, rollers, or sprayers suitable for the product and the wall profile. On multi-coat systems, we monitor film thickness so the coating actually performs as rated.
After completion, we inspect the work with you and point out all treated areas. We explain maintenance expectations, such as how often penetrating sealers may need to be refreshed (typically every several years depending on exposure) and what to watch for in the future, like new cracks or movement joints opening. Our goal is that you understand exactly what was done, why it was done that way, and how it will protect your Tallahassee property going forward.
