Chimney Waterproofing: There’s No Better Way to Give Your Brick Chimney the Protection It Needs

If you want to protect your chimney against costly damage and keep it looking great, we can’t recommend waterproofing services highly enough. Waterproofing is the best way to guarantee your system stands tall and strong far down the road.

Our waterproofing products offer a vapor-permeable seal, allowing any pre-absorbed moisture the opportunity to escape, while simultaneously stopping any outside water from coming in. And it lasts for years, so it’s not a service you’ll have to invest in time and time again. And if you’re worried it will make your chimney look glossy or coated, don’t stress. When the waterproofing job is done, your chimney won’t look any different.

Considering all the repair money chimney waterproofing can save you, there’s really no reason not to invest in these services. Let’s talk about what can happen if you don’t protect your masonry chimney.

How Is Water Harmful to Masonry? All About the Freeze/Thaw Process

What happens to masonry that’s left untreated? Well, the biggest thing you’ll have to worry about is the freeze/thaw process.

Here’s what happens: Water gets absorbed into any cracks, holes, or gaps it can find in the brickwork. Then when temps drop below freezing, this water freezes, expands, and puts a lot of stress on the bricks and mortar. This causes cracking and crumbling to occur, which then opens pathways for even more water to enter.

Typically this process will occur multiple times a season, too. By the time spring rolls back around, your masonry will have multiple problem areas, and it will be holding a lot more moisture than it had a few months ago, too. As this moisture sits, it will continue breaking things down until next winter when the freeze/thaw cycle will start all over again.

With freeze/thaw damage, you could go from thinking your chimney is just fine one Christmas to dealing with serious structural issues the following year.

And remember – the freeze/thaw process isn’t the only type of water damage you’ll be faced with! Water can cause mold growth, mildew accumulation, rusting, rotted wood, staining, and a whole lot more.

When it comes to water and your chimney, the issues are far and wide. Waterproofing protects you against it all.

Can I Just Buy a Paint or Sealant & Waterproof Myself?

When it comes to your chimney, most services aren’t suitable for DIY, and with chimney waterproofing, things are no different. It’s important to remember that when you own a fireplace, you are actually building a fire inside of your home. This isn’t an area where you want to take any chances.

If your DIY attempts fail, water damage could get worse – and, you could be at greater risk of a house fire or even exposure to deadly carbon monoxide.

Another reason not to go the DIY route is that a lot of store-bought paints and sealers trap moisture in brick. Our professional-grade products, on the other hand, ensure your chimney can still vent out the moisture inside, along with any necessary water vapor.

Professional-grade products paired with professional-level techniques ensure your chimney stays high and dry, from here on out.

Before Waterproofing, You May Need to Schedule Minor Repairs

One thing to keep in mind before you schedule waterproofing services for your chimney is that waterproofing systems are only effective if they’re applied to chimneys that are in good shape. If your chimney has major structural damage or even minor damage, repairs will need to be made prior to applying a waterproofing system.

How do you know if your chimney needs repairs first? Easy – schedule an inspection. This will give us the opportunity to look everything over and tackle any repairs, so that your preventive maintenance can actually prove effective over time.

We Want to Hear From You

If you want to get all of the benefits of chimney waterproofing, call The Chimney Guys at 434-481-3796 to schedule an inspection. We serve all of Charlottesville and the cities nearby, as well as the following counties: Greene, Orange, Albemarle, Nelson, and Madison. It would be our privilege to help keep your chimney water-free and beautiful for years to come.

Call or request an appointment online to get started.

Another solution to leaky chimney problems is installing a chimney cap or custom chimney cap. Ask us for details today.