Bob’s Chimney
Chimney Waterproofing Services
Nearly every chimney goes through exposure to rain, water, and freezing temperatures, making it important to waterproof them. We offer affordable yet high-quality chimney waterproofing in your area.
Prevent Water Damage to Your Chimney Through Chimney Waterproofing
Water may seem harmless for your masonry chimney, but it is, in fact, one of the most destructive substances for its structural integrity. Water vapors seep into vulnerable masonry joints, leaving behind trapped moisture that weakens the joinery between the bricks. It all begins with minor cracks that escalate to spalling bricks, deteriorating joints, and eventually, bricks falling out altogether.
At Bob’s Chimney, we provide chimney waterproofing services for residential and commercial clients. We use high-quality sealants that create a waterproof membrane over the masonry structure, protecting it from the damaging effects of water penetration. Our goal is to keep your chimney free from draft problems all year round, especially when temperatures drop.
Looking for the best chimney waterproofing services that address water infiltration problems from the source? We’ve got what you need! Call us to schedule our services today!
The Importance of Waterproofing Brick Chimneys
One of the common misconceptions people have about brick chimneys is that they don’t need to be waterproofed since they’re supposed to ‘breathe.’ While ventilation is important for any chimney, the lack of proper waterproofing comes at a huge price. Trapped water vapors leave behind nauseating smells, affect the masonry’s strength, and even lead to fire hazards in worst-case scenarios.
At Bob’s Chimney, we waterproof brick chimneys using vapor-permeable sealants. This allows vapors to escape from the chimney walls while protecting the bricks from water infiltration and weather damage. This also helps improve the heating efficiency of your fireplace and stoves, as it creates an uninterrupted chimney draft. You get to keep your chimney dry, functional, and operating safely every season.
Call us to get a no-obligation quote based on your requirements and budget!
Our Methods for Chimney Waterproofing
01
Chimney Water Repellents
We use vapor permeable chimney water repellents on the chimney bricks. This allows water molecules to escape, so that they don’t seep into the porous bricks. We use garden sprayers to achieve an even finish.
02
Sealing the Chimney Crown
We seal the chimney crown using a waterproof elastomeric coating. This creates a powerful barrier that protects the top of the chimney from ice dams and freeze thaw cycles, especially in the winter months.
03
Sealing Flashing and the Roof
Besides the chimney’s mortar joints, the surrounding roofing materials are also vulnerable to water damage. We seal gaps around the flashing by using paintable caulk. This helps prevent water leaks.
04
Installing a Chimney Cap
We install waterproof chimney caps on the top of the flue opening. Constructed from materials like galvanized steel, copper, and aluminum, this cap prevents excess moisture from entering the flue.
Need fireplace waterproofing services to maintain your safety and comfort in the winter? Call us to get it done today!
Signs You Need Waterproofing Services for Masonry Chimneys
Even if a chimney looks all fine from the outside, it may have excess moisture hidden inside that may be damaging the masonry bit by bit. Here are the signs your masonry chimney is damaged because of a lack of waterproofing:
01
You might spot white stains on chimney walls. This is a sign of “efflorescence” – a natural phenomenon leaving mineral deposits on the bricks.
02
You may notice that certain sections of the masonry are crumbling apart or deteriorating. You may find ‘hairline cracks’ forming on mortar joints.
03
The chimney crown is damaged, cracked, or, in the worst case, missing. A lack of a crown leaves your chimney more prone to moisture damage.
04
You find that there are signs of water leakage or pooling inside the fireplace, especially after rain or snow. This indicates a need for waterproofing.
05
Lingering musty odors coming from your fireplace or the chimney. Water leaves behind a distinct rotten smell, making it easy to detect moisture problems.
06
Damage to the roofline, asphalt shingles, flashing, or ceilings. This usually means that moisture damage has spread to other parts of your property.
07
Health problems like asthma, headaches, or rashes. It’s worth inspecting your chimney to rule out whether water leaks are causing the problem.
What Is the Cost of Chimney Waterproofing?
The cost of sealing or waterproofing a chimney depends on factors like the type of sealant used and the size and condition of the chimney. Larger chimneys or those with existing damage may require more extensive work and materials.
Timing also plays a role. Fall and winter are typically the busiest seasons for chimney professionals, which can make scheduling more difficult and sometimes more costly. That’s why it’s a smart idea to schedule waterproofing services during the summer. By planning ahead with a trusted company like Bob’s Chimney, you’ll ensure your chimney is protected and ready before colder weather arrives.
Breaking Down the Kinds of Chimney Waterproofing Sealants We Use
STEP 01
Powdered Water Repellent
This additive is added directly onto new bricks or concrete during the chimney repair process.
STEP 02
Joint Sealants
We use high-quality caulk and joint sealants to fill in the cracks between masonry joints.
STEP 03
Elastomeric Coatings
These coatings are used over the crown because they can withstand extreme temperatures.
STEP 04
Silicone Sealants
Most often used in chimney flashing because of silicone’s flexibility and heat tolerance.
STEP 05
Polyurethane Sealants
Flexible, adhesive sealants that are mostly used for flashing, masonry joints, and the exterior.
STEP 06
Water-based Sealants
Breathable yet eco-friendly sealants that cure without releasing too many VOCs.
Does Your Chimney Crack in the Winter Months? Call Us to Schedule Chimney Waterproofing Services in Your Area!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often to waterproof your chimney?
Depending on the weather, climate conditions, and how often you use your fireplace, a typical waterproofing sealant may last between 7-10 years. We recommend that you schedule a chimney inspection once every year to identify if the sealant needs to be reapplied.
Will waterproofing change how my brick chimney looks?
Our waterproofing sealants are designed to be transparent, which means that they won’t change how your brick chimney looks.
Can I DIY chimney waterproofing, or should I call a professional?
DIY waterproofing methods exist, but there’s no guarantee they’ll last for long. You want to make sure your chimney remains protected against water and moisture for a long time. For that, we recommend reaching out to a professional chimney contractor.
How does chimney waterproofing help with energy efficiency?
Definitely. Chimney waterproofing helps keep water and moisture at bay, which means that your chimney will produce a clean, consistent draft. Ultimately, this would result in better energy efficiency and reduced energy bills.