| Old sealer test methods, many of which are based on NCHRP report 244, are time consuming and are sensitive to sample and test conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether using a ceramic substrate and newly designed test methods, could classify the silane and siloxane sealers without the variability and sensitivity inherent in concrete.;The study examined the sealer performance of four brand name sealers applied to both normal non-alkaline, and artificially alkaline ceramic tiles. The alkaline tiles were soaked in a 1% NaOH solution prior to sealer application. Each tile set was then tested for water vapour transmission and surface absorption of water.;The water vapour transmission testing indicated that most sealers transmit water vapour almost as well as the unsealed control tiles. The water absorption test, showed an expected drop in water absorption, on the sealed tiles.;These test methods are promising, however further study is necessary, to corroborate the results obtained. The water absorption test methods appears to be well suited to assess the field performance of these sealers. The vapour transmission testing is unable to distinguish whether a sealer is present or not, although it gives a good indication of the vapour transmission rate. |
