Cracks form in bricks over time, and those cracks need to be addressed before they become too difficult to repair. The easiest solution to this problem is to patch them up with a powerful sealant. However, there are many types of sealant for brick exteriors and it can be difficult to find the right product for each project. To help you out, we’ve created a quick and easy guide to the many types of exterior brick sealants.

Expanding Foam Sealant

Expanding foam sealant is, as the name suggests, a sealant that is initially applied as a liquid. As the liquid sealant dries, it will expand, eventually becoming a durable foam. It works well for filling in cracks, as the foam can enter the cracks and more effectively seal them as it dries. Many contractors favor it for its simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of use.

However, expanding foam sealant isn’t without its weaknesses. Most notably, it can settle and shrink over time. If this happens, it will expose the cracks again, increasing the likelihood and severity of damage to the home.

Latex Sealant

Latex sealant is another solid sealant option, but it has some distinct uses from expanding foam. While expanding foam generally fills large cracks, latex sealant works best for smaller cracks and gaps in brick masonry surface. It works well for its price and will last for around 10 years. However, it has two distinct disadvantages when compared to silicone sealant.

First, it’s not as effective when exposed to extreme weather conditions, especially conditions that cause temperature fluctuations. Second, it’s not quite as flexible as silicone sealant. This lack of flexibility is fine in some cases, but it’s best to invest in a more flexible sealant if you want to use it for multiple project.

Rubber Sealant

Rubber sealant’s greatest advantage is its affordability. Rubber sealants are one of the cheapest sealant options available by a decent margin, and works decently well for a variety of use cases, making it popular with DIY home renovators. However, as a construction professional, you want the best products for the best results.

Rubber sealant can wear out quickly compared to other options, so no matter how good of a job you do initially, it’s likely to start looking shoddy after a few years of weather exposure. We’d encourage you to spend the extra money for a sealant more suited to your use case.

Our Pick: Silicone Sealant

For quality, durability, and function, silicone sealant is one of the best products on the market for brick exteriors. Many sealants can patch up cracks temporarily, but the majority of them do little to stop those cracks from progressing. Silicone sealant, on the other hand, works extremely well to repair cracks and keep them in great condition. This long-term durability makes silicone sealant a relatively eco-friendly option for most projects.

When applied, silicone sealant quickly seeps into the cracks and solidifies, binding them together and mitigating or even preventing any further damage. It also prevents water from breaking through and even comes in mold and mildew resistant forms. Naturally, many construction professionals consider it the industry standard for home construction and repair. Your clients want a solution that lasts, and silicone sealant offers exactly that.

Best Sealant Accessories

If you work in contracting or construction, it’s important to ensure that all of your jobs are done once, and done right. The best way to do this is by investing in the right tools and accessories for the job, sealant application is no different.

First, invest in a high-quality caulking gun, and use it to apply your silicone sealant of choice. Caulking guns allow you to apply more even and precise pressure to the sealant tube, ensuring that you fill all cracks evenly and avoid air bubbles or gaps in the sealing.

You may also find it’s worth investing in a putty knife or caulk spatula. As a construction professional, you’re less likely than the average DIY renovator to make mistakes when applying sealant, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Accidents happen, and when they do, it pays to be prepared.

If you accidentally apply too much sealant or apply it unevenly, you can fix it with your putty knife or caulk spatula. Use your tool of choice to carefully smooth out the sealant and remove any excess, and you’ll have a perfectly clean sealant application that your clients will be thrilled with.

If you’re a contractor or construction professional looking for a place to find high-quality silicone sealant products, Silicone Depot has you covered. We’re dedicated to providing you with nothing but the best of the best for your brick sealant exterior project. If you have any questions, call us today at 812-824-8000.