Chimney Waterproofing Services: Our Experts Can Get It Done Right

Chimneys are made of porous materials and, over time, as water seeps into the brick and mortar, that masonry can start to deteriorate, causing leaks and leading toward larger problems. That deterioration is only made worse with the changing seasons, as water that’s trapped in the masonry expands and contracts as it freezes and melts.

Waterproofing your chimney is a great way to fight off encroaching water, and it’s a worthwhile value to homeowners since it’s helping prevent big, costly deterioration that can come about otherwise.

Years ago, this preventive measure wasn’t an option, but today, we can extend the life and beauty of your chimney by applying a high-quality waterproof sealant that effectively blocks out water, but still allows your chimney’s masonry to function as it should. If your chimney is 15 years old or older, we highly recommend applying a waterproofing sealant.

Ready to get started? Call 978-552-3332 or reach out to us online today.

Is DIY an Option? Waterproofing a Chimney Isn’t Simple

Waterproofing a chimney isn’t as simple as just sealing the outside, since the brick and stone need to remain permeable – or capable of letting small particles and gases move from the inside of the chimney to the outside. Just applying paint to the outside of a chimney might help keep water away, sure… but it wouldn’t allow the chimney to properly expel harmful gases or any pre-absorbed moisture.

Current industry-grade waterproofing products solve this problem, stopping water from getting through but allowing the bricks and stone to “breathe.”

In the end, when it comes to your chimney, we’ll always recommend trusting an expert for repairs and preventive maintenance. The job of your flue is just too important to risk missing important steps or performing a service incorrectly.

Other Chimney Leak Prevention Measures

Waterproofing is just one preventive measure that can help keep water from damaging your chimney and your home. Other things to consider are…

  • Is your chimney cap damaged or missing? A cap is a simple and effective barrier that keeps rain from entering your chimney, so if it’s not working properly – or it’s not there at all – consider having a certified Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep technician inspect, repair, and/or install one.
  • Is your chimney damper working correctly? The damper closes off the flue when the chimney isn’t in use, and it also keeps water from entering the home. If it’s not functioning properly, you might want to repair or replace it.
  • Do you have cracks or spalling (flaking and crumbling) masonry on your chimney crown? Your crown is there to help keep water away from the masonry, and cracks and spalling commonly lead to leaks. Have a Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep technician inspect and repair any crown issues as soon as possible.
  • Do you need a new chimney chase cover installed? For prefab units (and some masonry ones), a chimney chase cover is necessary for taking on the role of the chimney crown. If this is the case for you, make sure your current one is in good condition, made from reliable materials, and fitted correctly.
  • Is there corrosion, loose caulk, or holes in your chimney flashing? Flashing protects your chimney where it and the roofline meet, and it’s an important line of defense against water. Call us to inspect and repair or replace your flashing if it is showing signs of wear.

Questions? Concerns? Need to Schedule?

If you have any concerns about water getting into your chimney, or if you want to explore preventive measures to make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place, call Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep at 978-552-3332 today. You can also reach out to us online.

 

There are multiple possible sources for chimney leaks. Making sure you have a chimney cap in good condition is one way to help prevent future water damage.