Trust Total Chimney Care for Chimney Waterproofing Services Near New Haven & Fairfield Counties
Water can be an extremely destructive force, and this is especially true when it comes to chimneys. When left unchecked, water can cause deterioration, corrosion and other serious problems in your chimney, especially if it’s made from brick and mortar. If these problems are not addressed, water can lead to a complete failure of your chimney. Because of this investing in chimney repairs and waterproofing services near you is a must – and we can help. Reach out now.
How Does Water Damage Brick Chimneys?
Most chimneys are built of porous brick and mortar. Over time, the brick and mortar will break down, allowing more and more water to penetrate deep into your chimney. The spring and fall also bring added moisture problems to your chimney. When temperatures are warmer during the day, but dip into freezing at night, this traps moisture inside your chimney and it expands as it refreezes.
There are several ways that water can get into your chimney. In some cases, stopping the water can be as simple as placing a chimney cap at the top of your chimney. Other times, it takes an experienced professional to track the source of the leak and determine how to fix it. That said, no matter your water-related woes, chimney waterproofing isn’t a service to skip out on.
Total Chimney Care offers a high-quality, protective waterproofing that can add years of life to your chimney. The sealant will reduce the amount of water that can get in your chimney, slowing down the water erosion process and protecting the beauty and function of your chimney. If you have a chimney that is aged 15 years or more, we recommend a waterproofing treatment. The cost of the treatment is much less expensive than the amount you will need to repair water damage once it is done.
How Does Chimney Waterproofing Work?
Chimney waterproofing is a protective treatment applied to the exterior of a masonry chimney to prevent water penetration – while allowing the structure to “breathe.” When rain, snow, or ice seep into a chimney’s masonry, bricks can crack, spall (flake apart), or even become structurally unsound. Mortar joints can erode, leading to gaps that allow further moisture intrusion.
Waterproofing protects against this by creating a barrier on the surface that repels water, reducing the risk of:
- Freeze-thaw damage (where trapped water expands as it freezes)
- Mold and mildew growth
- Efflorescence (white, powdery stains caused by water pulling salts to the surface)
- General discoloration
- Structural deterioration
What is vapor permeability, and why is it important?
Not all waterproofing products are created equal – and buy store-bought sealants can leave your chimney still vulnerable to the elements by trapping moisture in. Cue vapor permeability.
The key to effective chimney waterproofing is vapor permeability, also called breathability. A good waterproofing product keeps liquid water out, but still allows water vapor inside the chimney to escape. If that moisture can’t get out, it gets trapped inside the masonry, which can lead to internal damage – and can spread to other areas of your home.
Professional-grade waterproofing treatments, like the ones we use here at Total Chimney Care, are specially formulated to be 100% vapor permeable, meaning they allow moisture vapor to exit while keeping rain and snow from getting in. This balance helps ensure your chimney stays dry and structurally sound throughout it all.
Book Your Masonry Waterproofing Service Today
Waterproofing is one of many ways you can proactively protect your chimney and save yourself considerable money and hassle down the road. When it comes to your chimney, water damage is one of those things that is not a matter of “if” but “when”. Call us today or reach out online, and we will evaluate the condition of your chimney and give you an honest assessment and recommendation.
Chimney flashing is another place to check for water leaks or penetration and Total Chimney Care cantackle this issue for you.