Masonry walls are strong, durable, and used throughout residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Brick, concrete block, cinder block, stone, mortar, and poured concrete can all provide long-lasting structural performance. However, masonry is not automatically waterproof.

Cement-based materials are used in foundations, walls, floors, basements, bathrooms, pools, water tanks, and many other structures exposed to moisture. Because these materials feel hard and solid, many people assume they are naturally waterproof. However, ordinary cement, concrete, mortar, and cement board are not automatically waterproof.

Cinder block and concrete block are commonly used for basement foundations because they are durable, affordable, and capable of supporting heavy structural loads. However, block walls are not naturally waterproof. Concrete masonry units contain small pores that can absorb water.

Concrete block walls are strong, affordable, and widely used in basements, foundations, garages, retaining walls, warehouses, commercial buildings, and utility structures. However, concrete block is naturally porous and can absorb water through the face of the block, mortar joints, cracks, and hollow internal cells. A concrete block sealer can help reduce water absorption, protect the wall, improve its appearance, and make the surface easier to maintain.

Concrete block and cinder block walls are strong, affordable, and commonly used for foundations, basements, retaining walls, commercial buildings, garages, and utility structures. However, block walls are not naturally waterproof. Concrete masonry units contain pores that can absorb moisture.

Damp-proofing and waterproofing are often treated as if they mean the same thing. Both are used to protect foundations, basement walls, concrete, masonry, and other parts of a building from moisture. However, they do not provide the same level of protection.