Masonry Sealing, RTS Construction Chemicals, Queenstown

Masonry Sealing · Queenstown & Wanaka

Brick, block and masonry, cleaned and sealed for the long haul.

Clay brick. Concrete block. Boundary walls. Retaining walls. Architectural masonry. We clean off weathering, lichen and efflorescence, then seal with breathable, NZ-formulated chemistry that protects the surface for years, without changing how it looks.

What you get

The case for masonry sealing.

  • Breathable, long-lasting protection

    Penetrating sealers that block moisture without trapping it inside the brick or block, essential in Central Otago's freeze-thaw climate.

  • Works on clay brick and concrete block

    Different substrates need different chemistry. We adjust the method to suit clay brick, concrete block, paver brick or architectural masonry.

  • Stops efflorescence returning

    Sealing properly reduces moisture movement through the masonry, the root cause of recurring white salt staining.

  • Built for the alpine climate

    Tested against the frost cycles, alpine UV and salt that destroy imported sealers within two seasons.

Brick and block walls take a beating in Central Otago, frost, alpine UV, salt and rain cycle through them every year. Without sealing, you get efflorescence, lichen, weathering and eventual surface erosion. With the right sealer, applied to a properly cleaned surface, the same wall lasts decades looking the way it did when it was new. We specialise in both, the cleaning to prepare it, and the sealing to protect it.

How we work

Our process.

  1. 01

    On-site assessment, identify the substrate (clay, concrete, paver brick, block) and current condition

  2. 02

    Surface preparation, cleaning, lichen removal, efflorescence treatment if needed

  3. 03

    Targeted sealer applied at the right coverage rate for the substrate

  4. 04

    Curing period and final inspection to confirm even penetration and finish

  5. 05

    Optional touch-ups for high-exposure areas (top courses, capping, west-facing walls)

Common questions

The things people ask.

Do you do brick cleaning as well as sealing?

Yes, most jobs are both. We clean off lichen, moss, efflorescence and weathering first, then seal once the surface is properly prepared. Trying to seal over dirty or contaminated brick locks the problem in.

What's the difference between clay brick and concrete block sealing?

Clay brick is denser and less absorbent, it takes a different coverage rate and product than concrete block, which is more porous. We adjust the application accordingly. Get the wrong sealer on the wrong substrate and you either waste product or create a film that traps moisture.

How long does a brick or block seal last?

3–7 years depending on exposure. South-facing walls in sheltered positions last longer; west-facing walls with full sun and frost exposure need refreshing sooner. We can advise on a maintenance schedule based on the specific wall.

Will the sealer change the colour of my brick or block?

Standard Water Repel is invisible, the brick looks identical, just stops absorbing water. If you want to bring out the depth of the colour we can use Colour Enhancer instead, which gives a subtle wet-look without going glossy.

Can you seal a new brick or block wall, or do we need to wait?

New brick and block masonry should ideally cure for at least 28 days before sealing, that lets the cement chemistry settle and any initial efflorescence work its way out. Sealing too early traps moisture and can cause issues down the track. We'll advise on the right timing.

Do you work in Wanaka as well as Queenstown?

Yes, we travel to Wanaka, Hāwea, Albert Town, Cromwell and across Central Otago weekly. Travel is built into the quote, no surprise fees.

Ready to start?

Protect your brick or block wall properly

Free, no-obligation on-site quotes across Queenstown, Wanaka and Central Otago.

Brick & Block Cleaning and Sealing Queenstown & Wanaka | Masonry Specialists | RTS Construction Chemicals