Why Seal Brickwork and Concrete?
Damp and moisture problems in concrete or brick structures are more common than you might think — and fixing them can get expensive fast. That’s why it’s so important to get the facts right from the start.
Many homeowners find it hard to get clear, reliable information about moisture issues. It doesn’t help that the language used around damp and concrete can be confusing — even experienced tradespeople sometimes mix up terms like cement and concrete, or use tools that aren’t suited to masonry surfaces.
For example, moisture meters made for timber don’t give accurate readings in concrete, and it’s easy to confuse surface condensation with deeper water ingress. White powdery stains (known as efflorescence) are also often mistaken for mould, when they’re actually harmless mineral salts brought to the surface by moisture movement.
By understanding the root causes of these issues, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right long-term solution — one that deals with moisture properly, from the inside out.
Our goal is to give you a clearer picture of what’s really going on inside your walls, floors, or foundations — so you can make informed choices about how to stop damp at the source, and protect your home for the long term.
WHAT IS CONCRETE?
Concrete might seem solid, but it’s actually full of tiny holes.
It’s made from sand, gravel, cement, water, and air — and once it cures (dries and hardens), it’s left with a network of microscopic pores and capillaries inside. These tiny channels act like a sponge, letting water move through the structure over time.
This water can carry in salt, pollutants, and other damaging substances — gradually weakening the concrete, staining surfaces, or even allowing mould and damp to take hold. If you’ve ever seen white powdery patches on your floor or walls, or musty smells in a basement, this is often where it starts.
Innerseal works by penetrating deep into the concrete and sealing these capillaries from the inside. It reacts with minerals in the concrete to form crystals that block moisture movement — without changing the look, texture, or colour of the surface. No glossy film, no peeling membrane — just clean, dry protection that works invisibly.
Standard composition of concrete
WHAT IS CONTROLL® INNERSEAL?
Controll® Innerseal is a high-performance concrete sealer originally developed for industrial use — in places where failure isn’t an option. It was designed to withstand heavy wear, moisture, and chemical exposure over the long term.
Unlike many surface-level sealers and damp-proofing treatments that wear off or trap moisture, Innerseal penetrates deep into the concrete itself. Inside, it reacts with the natural minerals already present to form a dense network of waterproof crystals. This seals the pores and capillaries from within — permanently.
Thanks to our unique formula and advanced filtration process, Innerseal reaches further into the structure than typical DIY sealers. It works at the microscopic level, sealing even fine cracks and tiny voids that most products can’t touch.
The result? Long-term protection that doesn’t peel, flake, or fade — and won’t need to be reapplied every couple of years. No surface film, no gloss, no nonsense. Just dry, healthy concrete that stays that way.
Breathable Protection — Why It Matters
One of the unique advantages of Innerseal is that it allows your concrete to breathe.
While it blocks water and other liquids from entering, it still lets moisture inside the structure escape as vapour. This is important because water in its vapour form is made up of much smaller molecules, which can pass through Innerseal’s crystal layer without affecting its seal.
This natural breathability helps prevent issues like trapped moisture, condensation, or musty odours — all while maintaining a dry, protected surface. It’s a smart balance: strong defence against water from the outside, and healthy airflow from within.
WHAT IS CRYSTALLINE WATERPROOFING?
Crystalline waterproofing is an advanced method for sealing concrete and other cement-based materials from within the structure itself.
When a specially formulated silicate-based liquid is applied to concrete, it reacts chemically with naturally occurring minerals such as lime and salts. This reaction forms insoluble crystals deep inside the concrete’s pore network — filling microcracks, capillaries, and voids to create a dense, internal barrier against water ingress.
Unlike surface coatings, which can degrade or peel over time, crystalline waterproofing becomes a permanent part of the concrete matrix. It provides long-lasting protection against moisture, even under pressure, making it suitable for structures such as basements, foundations, retaining walls, and exposed surfaces.
Crystalline technology is also environmentally sound. It contains no harmful solvents or microplastics, and it allows the concrete to remain vapour-permeable — enabling moisture in vapour form to escape, while preventing the absorption of water, salts, oils, and other contaminants.
Water Ingress & moisture problems
Water ingress is one of the leading causes of long-term damage in concrete and masonry structures.
When moisture penetrates the surface, it travels through the concrete’s internal network of pores and capillaries. This allows harmful substances like salts, acids, and pollutants to enter — triggering chemical breakdown, frost cracking, and corrosion of steel reinforcement (rebar). At the same time, water can leach out essential minerals like lime, gradually weakening the structure from within.
Controll® Innerseal stops this process by sealing the internal pore system. Once applied, it forms a dense, crystalline barrier that blocks water ingress — protecting the concrete without changing its appearance or breathability. The result is a dry, durable surface and a long-term solution to moisture problems in any masonry or concrete structure.
FROST DAMAGE
Frost damage in concrete is caused by water entering small pores and pockets in the surface — and then freezing.
As water freezes, it expands by about 9%. That might not sound like much, but it creates enough internal pressure to crack or weaken even solid concrete. With repeated freeze–thaw cycles, the damage worsens — leading to surface flaking, crumbling, or deep structural cracks over time.
In cold conditions where de-icing salts are used, the effect is intensified. When salt mixes with water and freezes again, it requires more space, accelerating the breakdown of the concrete surface.
Controll® Innerseal prevents this by sealing the pores and capillaries within the concrete. By blocking moisture ingress at the source, it helps protect against frost damage before it starts — keeping your concrete intact, even through harsh winter conditions.
Drying Time, Handling & Environmental Safety
Innerseal is designed to work quickly — and safely — with minimal disruption.
Because it penetrates into the concrete rather than forming a surface layer, most treated areas can be walked on or driven over within 12 hours of application. There’s no film to damage, no special ventilation required, and no long waiting period. The surface remains fully usable during and after treatment.
The internal sealing process continues over time, even if the concrete is exposed to water, road salt, or light chemicals soon after. For older or lime-deficient surfaces, full crystallisation may take several weeks — but after the first 12 hours, the protection is already in place and bonded within the structure.
Controll® Innerseal is also safe to use around people, pets, and the environment. It contains no harmful solvents, no microplastics, and is classified as low-VOC. There’s no strong smell, no sticky residue, and no need for protective equipment during normal use — making it ideal for indoor spaces like basements or garages, as well as outdoor use.
REBAR CORROSION
Steel reinforcement (rebar) is what gives concrete its strength — but when moisture gets in, it can lead to serious, hidden damage over time.
For concrete to protect embedded steel, it needs to maintain a high pH level — ideally between 11 and 13. Prolonged water exposure lowers the pH below safe levels (especially below 9), creating the ideal conditions for corrosion to begin.
As rebar rusts, it expands — sometimes up to 9 times its original volume. This generates intense internal pressure, leading to surface cracks, rust stains, and — eventually — a loss of structural strength.
Controll® Innerseal helps prevent this process by sealing the concrete’s internal pore system and reducing ongoing moisture ingress. With a stable pH of 11.3, it helps preserve the alkaline environment needed to protect the steel. Once applied, it isolates the rebar from water contact — helping maintain the long-term durability of load-bearing structures.
And like the rest of the Innerseal system, it does this without harmful chemicals or solvents — just a clean, mineral-based formula that protects from the inside out.
ACID RAIN AND CARBONATION
Air pollution is a major contributor to concrete deterioration — especially in urban and coastal environments.
When pollutants like sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are absorbed by rainwater, they form weak acids. As this acidic rainwater penetrates the concrete, it reacts with calcium compounds inside, forming calcium sulphate. Over time, this leads to surface flaking, crumbling, and accelerated rebar corrosion beneath the surface.
This process, known as carbonation, gradually lowers the pH of the concrete — reducing its natural protection against rust and weakening the structure.
Controll® Innerseal helps stop this process by sealing the concrete from within, making it far more resistant to moisture and pollutant absorption. By stabilising the internal chemistry and maintaining a high pH level, Innerseal offers long-term protection against acid rain, carbonation, and the damaging effects of airborne pollution.
CONDENSATION
Condensation occurs when warm, humid air meets a cooler surface. As the air cools, it can no longer hold as much moisture — so water is released and settles onto walls, ceilings, or floors. This is a common issue in basements, where warm summer air contacts colder concrete surfaces.
Over time, persistent condensation can damage insulation, rot timber, and create musty odours. It also creates ideal conditions for mould and mildew, which may contribute to respiratory issues and allergies.
Dehumidifiers can help reduce condensation temporarily — but they don’t address the underlying cause. In fact, when used continuously on structures affected by groundwater seepage, they may draw more moisture through the concrete, accelerating leaching and long-term damage.
For lasting results, the source of moisture must be addressed. This includes improving ventilation and sealing the concrete structure to prevent moisture accumulation.
Controll® Innerseal supports this by blocking the pathways moisture would otherwise use to travel through floors and walls. By sealing the internal pore system of the concrete, it helps reduce the surface conditions that allow condensation to take hold — contributing to a drier, healthier indoor environment.
Don’t Wait for Damage to Appear
Garage floors, driveways, and other concrete surfaces are exposed daily to wear and tear — from heavy vehicles, changing temperatures, road salt, oil, and chemicals like brake fluid or antifreeze.
While concrete looks strong, it’s still porous and vulnerable. Over time, moisture and pollutants can work their way inside, leading to cracking, flaking, corrosion, and expensive repairs — especially when damage goes unnoticed beneath thick surface coatings.
Most waterproofing products rely on an external layer. These can work — but only as long as they remain intact. Once they wear down or fail, the concrete beneath begins to absorb water again. And because these coatings often hide the surface, problems may not be visible until it’s too late.
Controll® Innerseal takes a different approach.
It penetrates deep into the concrete and seals it from the inside, forming a permanent crystalline barrier that blocks water and prevents further deterioration. Used as a standalone treatment or beneath other finishes, it protects the concrete itself — not just the surface.
Sealing early with Innerseal means fewer repairs, less maintenance, and longer-lasting concrete. It’s trusted in both homes and commercial buildings, and because it’s water-based and solvent-free, it’s safe for people, pets, and the environment.
If you’re planning a new project or looking to extend the life of existing concrete, now is the time to act — before problems start.