Saltguard VOC Penetrating Water & Salt Barrier

PROSOCO Saltguard VOC — Deeply Penetrating Water & Salt Barrier for Concrete and Masonry

Technical Specifications

PROSOCO Saltguard VOC is a general-purpose silane/siloxane water repellent and chloride screen formulated for concrete, masonry, concrete block, and clay and concrete brick surfaces. It protects both horizontal and vertical surfaces from moisture intrusion and the chemical attack of chloride salts, reducing the risk of rebar corrosion and surface spalling over time. Designed for contractors working in cooler climates and coastal environments, Saltguard VOC is suitable for sidewalks, tile and brick pavers, retaining walls, bridge pilings, and other exposed masonry structures.

Unlike film-forming sealers, Saltguard VOC penetrates deeply into the substrate without creating a surface film, so treated surfaces remain breathable and non-slippery. It is compliant with EPA AIM VOC regulations and suitable for sale in most states and districts with more restrictive AIM VOC requirements — making it a practical choice for a broad range of job sites outside of California.

Key Features & Benefits

Deep Penetrating Protection

Saltguard VOC uses a silane/siloxane chemistry that penetrates deep into the masonry substrate rather than sitting on the surface. This ensures durable protection against moisture intrusion even in heavily trafficked or weathered areas.

Effective Chloride Ion Screen

The product acts as a barrier against chloride salts and salt air, significantly reducing chloride penetration into concrete and masonry. This is critical for structures exposed to de-icing salts, coastal environments, or marine conditions where rebar corrosion and surface spalling are ongoing concerns.

Non Film-Forming — Will Not Create a Slippery Surface

Because Saltguard VOC does not form a surface film, it will not cause the slippery conditions associated with many topical sealers. This is especially important for horizontal applications like sidewalks and pavers where slip resistance is a safety requirement.

Breathable — Treated Surfaces Remain Vapor-Permeable

Treated surfaces retain their natural ability to allow moisture vapor to escape, preventing the trapped moisture issues that can cause delamination or spalling beneath film-forming products. This makes Saltguard VOC appropriate for surfaces where moisture may migrate from within.

Alkaline Stable — Suitable for New "Green" Concrete

Saltguard VOC is alkaline stable, meaning it can be applied to new concrete as early as 14–28 days after placement without risk of product breakdown. Contractors do not need to wait for full concrete maturity before applying protection.

Resists Water Penetration Over Existing Shrinkage Cracks

When applied over existing shrinkage cracks of 0.02 inches or less, Saltguard VOC maintains its water-repellent performance. This reduces the need for extensive crack repair on lightly cracked surfaces before treatment.

VOC Compliant for Most States and Districts

With a VOC content of less than 100 g/L, Saltguard VOC meets EPA AIM VOC regulations and is suitable for sale in most states and districts with more restrictive AIM VOC rules. Note: not available for sale in California (CARB and SCAQMD restricted areas).

Common Applications

Sidewalks and Flatwork

Saltguard VOC is suitable for horizontal concrete surfaces such as sidewalks, protecting against water infiltration, freeze-thaw damage, and de-icing salt attack.

Tile and Brick Pavers

The product may be applied to tile and brick paver surfaces to provide water repellency and chloride resistance without altering surface appearance or slip resistance.

Retaining Walls

Vertical masonry surfaces such as retaining walls benefit from Saltguard VOC's moisture and chloride protection, extending the service life of the structure.

Bridge Pilings and Infrastructure

Saltguard VOC provides excellent protection for bridge pilings and other vertical concrete or masonry infrastructure elements exposed to chloride environments and moisture.

Coastal Structures

In coastal areas, Saltguard VOC reduces chloride penetration from salt air, protecting reinforced concrete and masonry structures from accelerated corrosion and spalling.

Concrete Block and Masonry Walls

Concrete block, clay brick, and concrete brick walls can be treated to resist moisture intrusion and prevent deep-seated staining from mud splashes and waterborne contaminants.

Compatible Materials

• Concrete
• Masonry
• Concrete block
• Clay brick
• Concrete brick
• Tile pavers
• Brick pavers

Limitations

• Not appropriate for use on limestone, marble, travertine, or other calcareous stones. Always test other natural stone to ensure desired results.
• Not suitable for application to synthetic resin paints, gypsum, plaster, or other non-masonry surfaces.
• May not be suitable for surfaces receiving paints or coatings — always test first.
• May cause slight darkening on some surfaces.
• May adhere to glass — contact PROSOCO for removal recommendations.
• Not suitable for protecting surfaces subject to constant water spray.
• Will not compensate for structural or material defects.
• Not recommended for below-grade application.
• Not available for use in California due to VOC restrictions (CARB and SCAQMD).

Product Documents

• Product Data Sheet
• Product Data Sheet (Canadian French)
• Safety Data Sheet
• Safety Data Sheet (Spanish)
• SDS Canadian French
• VOC Compliance

Application Instructions

Surface Preparation

1. Protect people, vehicles, nearby property, metal and anodized aluminum, glass, plants, and all non-masonry surfaces from product, fumes, spray, and wind drift.
2. Divert and/or protect auto and pedestrian traffic during application.
3. Ensure fresh air entry and cross ventilation during application and drying. Extinguish all flames, pilot lights, and other potential sources of ignition during use and until all vapors have dissipated.
4. When applying to exteriors of occupied buildings, cover all windows, exterior intakes, and air conditioning vents, and shut down air handling equipment during application and until vapors have dissipated.
5. Install all caulking, patching, and joint sealants before application if possible.
6. For maximum penetration, clean surfaces thoroughly with the appropriate PROSOCO cleaner to remove all surface dirt, oil, grease, and other contaminants.
7. Ensure new concrete is thoroughly cured before application. Do not apply where condensation is present.
8. Allow masonry to thaw completely before application if freezing conditions have been present.

Temperature Requirements

1. Best air and surface temperatures for application are between 40–90°F (4–32°C).
2. On warm days, apply early in the day and to shaded areas to minimize evaporation.

Application Equipment

1. Recommended application method is high volume, low-pressure spray (less than 50 psi). Sprayers must be fitted with solvent-resistant hoses and gaskets.
2. Use fan spray tips to avoid atomization of the material.
3. For small-scale application or where spray application is not appropriate, the product may be applied using a brush or roller.

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• Highly flammable liquid and vapor (Flammable Liquids Category 2)
• May cause mild skin irritation
• May be harmful in contact with skin
• Odor: petroleum
• UN Number: UN1866

Personal Protective Equipment

• Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection
• Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating, and lighting equipment
• Use only non-sparking tools
• Take precautionary measures against static discharge

Safe Handling

• Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces — no smoking
• Keep container tightly closed
• Ground and bond container and receiving equipment
• Store in a well-ventilated place and keep cool
• Ensure fresh air entry and cross ventilation during application and drying
• Extinguish all flames, pilot lights, and ignition sources during use and until all vapors have dissipated
• If on skin or hair: remove contaminated clothing immediately and rinse skin with water
• In case of fire: use CO2, dry chemical, or foam for extinction
• Dispose of contents and container to an approved waste disposal facility
• 24-Hour Emergency: INFOTRAC at 800-535-5053

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Saltguard VOC be applied to new concrete?
A: Yes. Saltguard VOC is alkaline stable and suitable for application to new "green" concrete that is 14–28 days old.

Q: Is Saltguard VOC available for purchase in California?
A: No. Saltguard VOC is not available for sale in California due to VOC restrictions enforced by CARB and SCAQMD. It is compliant for use in most other states and districts with more restrictive AIM VOC regulations.

Q: Will Saltguard VOC make treated surfaces slippery?
A: No. Saltguard VOC is non film-forming and will not create a slippery surface, making it appropriate for horizontal surfaces such as sidewalks and pavers.

Q: Can this product be applied over existing cracks?
A: Saltguard VOC resists water penetration when applied over existing shrinkage cracks of 0.02 inches or less. It will not compensate for structural or material defects.

Q: Is Saltguard VOC suitable for use on natural stone?
A: It is not appropriate for use on limestone, marble, travertine, or other calcareous stones. For other natural stone surfaces, always test the product first to ensure desired results.

Q: Can Saltguard VOC be applied below grade?
A: No. Saltguard VOC is not recommended for below-grade application, and it is not suitable for protecting surfaces subject to constant water spray.