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We offer masonry waterproofing in Jonesboro, AR to protect brick, stone, and block walls from water intrusion. Our services include sealers, breathable coatings, crack repairs, and flashing improvements tailored to each building. Extend the life of your masonry and reduce maintenance costs with a professional waterproofing plan.
Superior Masonry Jonesboro provides professional masonry waterproofing throughout Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call (870) 451-5749 or request your free quote.
Protecting Brick and Block in Jonesboro’s Climate
In Northeast Arkansas, masonry takes a beating. We get heavy spring storms, long humid summers, and freeze-thaw cycles in winter. All of that moisture works its way into brick, block, stone, and mortar. Over time, water in the pores can cause spalling (surface flaking), crumbling mortar joints, and white salt stains called efflorescence. Superior Masonry Jonesboro focuses on masonry waterproofing that is matched to our local weather and soil conditions so your walls and chimneys last longer and require fewer repairs.
Masonry waterproofing is not about trapping water inside with a thick paint. In most cases we use breathable systems that repel new water from rain and sprinklers but still let trapped moisture escape. That is especially important for older homes near downtown Jonesboro and around Arkansas State University, where original brick and soft mortar need to dry out slowly. Done correctly, waterproofing can cut down on interior leaks, mold risk, and energy loss without changing the character of the building.
We work on residential and light commercial projects around Jonesboro, including crawlspace foundation walls, basement walkouts, chimney stacks, brick veneer on homes, and CMU block walls around shops, metal buildings, and churches. Before we recommend any coating or sealant, we look closely at the structure, water source, and age of the masonry so you are not paying for the wrong product or a short term fix.
How Our Masonry Waterproofing Process Works
Every job with Superior Masonry Jonesboro starts with a moisture inspection. We check where water is entering and where it is trying to escape. That means looking at grading and downspouts, hairline cracks in brick or block, open mortar joints, and any previous paint or sealer. On basements and retaining walls, we note any damp spots, peeling interior paint, or musty odors, because those are signs that water is already moving through the wall.
Next, we clean the masonry so the waterproofing can bond properly. On most exterior walls we use a low pressure wash with masonry-safe cleaners to remove dirt, mildew, and efflorescence. We avoid high pressure that can chew up mortar joints, which is a common mistake. For chimneys and older brick around Jonesboro’s historic neighborhoods, we often hand scrub and rinse to protect delicate surfaces.
After cleaning, we repair the masonry. There is no point in sealing over failed joints or structural cracks. We tuckpoint loose or missing mortar with a compatible mix, not just any bagged mortar from the store. On CMU block and poured walls we seal structural cracks with appropriate repair mortars or epoxy where needed. These repairs are allowed to cure fully before any waterproofing goes on.
Only then do we apply the chosen waterproofing system. For most above grade brick and stone we prefer penetrating silane-siloxane sealers that soak into the pores and repel water without forming a surface film. For below grade or high pressure conditions, we may install elastomeric coatings or full waterproofing membranes. Application is done by low pressure sprayer, roller, or brush, depending on the product and location. We work section by section, checking coverage and watching for fast absorption that might call for a second coat.
Types of Coatings and Sealers We Use
Not every wall in Jonesboro needs the same waterproofing. At Superior Masonry Jonesboro we match the product to the brick, stone, or block, as well as its exposure to weather and soil.
Penetrating sealers (usually silane, siloxane, or a blend) are our go to for most exterior brick veneer, chimneys, and stone. These clear treatments soak into the surface, repel liquid water, and still let water vapor out. They are ideal for homes in neighborhoods like Valley View, Brookland, and Hilltop where you want protection without a shiny or painted look. Most of these products last 5 to 10 years in our climate before a recoat is needed.
For stucco or masonry surfaces with existing hairline cracking, we often use breathable elastomeric coatings. These are thicker than regular paint and can bridge small movement cracks. They can be tinted to a light color, and are useful on block commercial buildings along Red Wolf Boulevard or Church Street where appearance and durability both matter. Unlike cheap exterior paint, quality elastomeric products are designed to stretch and handle UV exposure.
Below grade walls, such as basement walls or retaining walls that hold back soil, sometimes call for full waterproofing membranes and drainage materials. On new work or major repairs, we may install a fluid-applied membrane on the outside face of the wall, followed by protection board and a perforated drain system at the footing. On existing interiors, we may apply cementitious waterproof coatings that bond to the masonry and resist hydrostatic pressure. These systems are more involved but are often the right call where standing water or high water tables are present.
We also deal with specialty situations, like sealing older soft brick that has been painted in the past, or matching products to previous sealers that might still be on the wall. Using the wrong coating can trap moisture and accelerate damage, which is why we always test and verify compatibility first.
Local Conditions, Costs, and What Affects Pricing
Jonesboro has clay-heavy soils and low spots that stay wet after storms. Many of our calls come from homeowners in areas like Nettleton and neighborhoods off Southwest Drive who see damp basement walls, moldy baseboards, or flaking brick near the ground. Sometimes the main fix is improving drainage, and sometimes it is a combination of drainage and waterproofing. We always look at gutters, downspout discharge, concrete slopes, and landscaping before we quote a coating system. Stopping the water at the source saves money and makes any waterproofing work better.
Costs for masonry waterproofing vary with access, height, and condition of the masonry. A single story brick home with sound mortar and easy yard access is much less expensive than a tall chimney that needs staging or a basement wall that requires excavation. The type of product matters too. Penetrating sealers are usually the most economical, while full membrane systems with drains and protection board are the most involved and costly.
Another cost factor is prep work. If we need to grind out and tuckpoint a lot of failing mortar, or remove flaking paint from an older wall, more labor is required. On the other hand, skipping that prep just to save money often leads to peeling coatings or continued leaks. At Superior Masonry Jonesboro we spell out exactly what prep is included in our estimate, and we explain which steps are optional and which are not if you want a lasting result.
Most residential exterior sealing projects in the Jonesboro area can be completed in one to three days, depending on weather. Membrane systems and below grade work can take several days more because of excavation, curing times, and backfill. We watch the forecast closely, because almost all sealers and coatings need dry surfaces and a certain temperature range to cure correctly. Trying to rush a job before a storm is a shortcut we simply do not take.
What Jonesboro Homeowners Should Ask Before Hiring
Masonry waterproofing is easy to get wrong, and the mistakes sometimes do not show for a couple of seasons. Before you hire anyone in Jonesboro, ask what specific products they plan to use and why. They should be able to explain whether the system is breathable, how long it typically lasts in our climate, and how it will handle freeze-thaw cycles. If the answer is simply "waterproof paint," you may want a second opinion.
Ask about surface preparation in detail. Any reputable contractor should talk about cleaning methods, repairing mortar joints, and dealing with cracks before coating. They should also explain how they will protect your windows, landscaping, and concrete surfaces from overspray or spills. Superior Masonry Jonesboro uses tested methods and always masks or shields adjacent surfaces so you are not left with sealer stains on your driveway or siding.
It is also smart to ask how the contractor will check for hidden moisture. On some jobs we use moisture meters on interior walls, and we look at attic and crawlspace conditions for hidden leaks or condensation. Waterproofing the outside is important, but if you have plumbing leaks, condensation on cold walls, or missing flashing at rooflines, those must be addressed too. We are clear when a water problem is outside our trade and we coordinate with roofers or plumbers if needed.
Finally, for properties in subdivisions with homeowners associations, review any rules about changing exterior colors or finishes. Most of the waterproofing we install is clear and invisible, which typically satisfies HOA guidelines, but colored elastomeric coatings may need prior approval. We are glad to provide product data sheets and sample color cards you can submit along with your HOA request so the process goes smoother.
If you are seeing efflorescence, damp spots, or flaking brick anywhere on your property in or around Jonesboro, Superior Masonry Jonesboro can inspect the issue and walk you through practical, locally appropriate waterproofing and coating options that fit your budget and your building.
