Chimney Waterproofing

Brick and mortar make great materials for chimney construction because they’re strong, durable and porous. Porosity does have its drawbacks, though. Water can slowly and continuously decay and deteriorate masonry. If water seeps into the masonry and then freezes and expands on the inside, it can cause bricks and joints to crack, flake and crumble. This can lead to leaks and, when not repaired (via tuckpointing work), eventually expensive restoration work.

One of the preventative measures Blue Ridge Chimney Services recommends is the application of a waterproofing sealant.

The waterproofing sealant that we use is formulated specifically for masonry, and is 100-percent vapor permeable — meaning vapor, gases and particles can still escape through the masonry as they need to. Vapor permeability is especially important for the preservation and proper function of a masonry chimney. If, say, latex paint was applied to the outside of a chimney, it may help to fight off water, but the chimney would no longer be able to function properly, and any moisture that was in the system would stay trapped, causing further damage. With our waterproofing sealants, the bricks and joints of your system are protected, without the function of your system being hindered.

We’ve seen the service life of chimney masonry extended considerably with the application of a waterproofing sealant. Talk to a Blue Ridge Chimney Services technician about the benefits to see if it’s right for your home.

rain drops on window

Other Preventative Measures Homeowners Can Take To Fight Off Leaks

Have A Properly-Sized Chimney Cap Installed
A chimney cap goes a long way toward stopping water from getting into your chimney system, so if yours is damaged or missing, talk to a Blue Ridge Chimney Services technician. We can install one that will help protect your home and appeal to your tastes.

Schedule Your Annual Inspection And Chimney Sweeping
Regular maintenance is the key to making sure small issues are discovered while they’re still small. During your annual chimney sweeping, Blue Ridge Chimney Services technicians will make sure that your flue is clean and functioning efficiently, and that debris or buildup isn’t contributing to damage. Your annual inspection will allow us to check for any and all issues, before anything like small flue lining cracks or a spalling chimney crown can lead to a big leak.

Let Blue Ridge Chimney Services help keep your chimney system free of water issues. Whether you want to explore applying a waterproofing sealant to your chimney, or would like to install a new chimney cap, give us a call today at 540-217-2030 or click here to schedule an appointment online!

 

Faulty or missing flashing is often the culprit when it comes to chimney leaks. Let our professional team check it out and make the best recommendation for getting the problem fixed.