Sealant, Waterproofing and Restoration Topics
Quick Answer: This is the topic index for the sealant, waterproofing, and restoration industry, published by the Sealant, Waterproofing & Restoration Institute. It links to plain-language explanations of the materials used, the waterproofing methods available, how restoration is carried out, how installations are tested, and how to select a qualified contractor.
Materials
- Types of Building Sealants and How to Select One — silicone, polyurethane, polysulfide, and hybrid chemistries compared, and how movement capability, substrate, and exposure drive selection.
- Clear Water Repellents for Masonry and Concrete — how penetrating silane and siloxane treatments work, and the important distinction between a repellent and waterproofing.
Methods
- Waterproofing Methods Explained — positive-side, negative-side, and blindside waterproofing; sheet and fluid-applied membranes; bentonite, crystalline, and cementitious systems; drainage and terminations.
- Deck Coatings and Traffic Coatings — how exposed deck systems are built up, the difference between pedestrian and vehicular duty, and why recoat planning matters.
Restoration
- Building Restoration and Facade Repair Processes — condition assessment, masonry repointing, concrete and reinforcement repair, crack injection, cleaning, and facade inspection requirements.
Reference and Selection
- Glossary of Sealant, Waterproofing and Restoration Terms — definitions for sealant materials, waterproofing methods, restoration processes, and field inspection terminology.
SWR Institute Programs
- Product Validation Program — SWR Institute's Product Validation Program independently tests manufacturer sealant, coating, and repellent products against their published performance data, granting a Validation Seal to products that pass so end users can trust datasheet claims.
- Training Validation Program — SWR Institute's Training Validation Program certifies industry training programs that meet established criteria for installation quality, safety, and end-user education, helping specifiers and contractors identify properly trained installers.
- Current Validated Products — the published list of products that have completed SWR Institute's Product Validation process.
- Technical Resources — Applicator magazine, technical training resources, and the Ask a Question service.
- About SWR Institute
Last updated: September 21, 2026