FAQs

Chimney waterproofing

Water can damage a chimney by leaking through the chimney crown or soaking from the sides of the chimney. Bricks are porous and when the water wets the bricks, these bricks will soak water into them like a sponge. This water leaks down the holes inside the bricks and saturates the mortar joints. When these mortar joints deteriorate, a leaching effect occurs call efflorescence. The best way to prevent brick and mortar joint damage from rain that wets the chimney from the sides is to waterproof the chimney.

There are chimney waterproof products that when you apply them to brick and mortar, will repel water so that it will not soak into the brick and mortar joints. Chimney waterproof products usually have a 10 year warantee and are more effective than standard masonry waterproofing products. These products have special characteristics which are slightly different then standard masonry waterproofing products. Chimney waterproofing products have a "breathable membrane" which allows water to escape from the inside of the brick but keeps it from entering the brick. This is important if trapped moisture trys to escape from the flue liners or chimney air spaces.

Other Frequently Asked Questions