Why Waterproof?
The chimney of the home is exposed to the elements all day, all night, and all year. Because it is virtually unguarded from raging winds and rains and is unprotected from intense cold and heat, it is susceptible to all types of environmental damage. Although all extreme weather can wear on a chimney over time, the most damaging of the elements is water. Water can drastically shorten the lifespan of your masonry, and cause detrimental damage to your chimney system. For the longevity and safety of your chimney system, it is strongly recommended that you take the appropriate steps to safeguard it from the water.
How Do You Waterproof A Chimney?
When a Chief Chimney Services, Inc. sweep waterproofs a chimney, he will first check the entire system for any cracks or damages. If cracks, gaps, holes, or masonry disrepair is found, the appropriate repairs must be made before waterproofing the chimney. This will protect the longevity of the chimney and guarantee that the waterproofing will be effective. These repairs may include tuckpointing, chimney cap replacement, chimney crown rebuild or reseal, and the repair or installation of flashing.
Once the appropriate repairs are made and the entire system is watertight, a Chief Chimney Services, Inc. professional will apply a ChimneySaver water-repellent product. ChimneySaver water-repellent products were designed and tested specifically for chimneys and the often intense weather they face year after year. The reason why we choose to work exclusively with ChimneySaver is that it is vapor-permeable and allows the brick in the masonry to breathe while still protecting it from water.
In order to maintain its structural integrity, brick needs to breathe. When you buy waterproofing products at your local hardware store, you are most likely buying a silicone-based sealant product that not only guards the brick from water penetration, it completely suffocates the brick. These products also trap all of the heat, smoke, and vapor produced by your fire inside of the masonry of the chimney. By applying these types of waterproofing products, you aren’t prolonging the life of your chimney – you are shortening it!
Unlike other waterproofing products, ChimneySaver is chemically designed to allow small vapor and air molecules to easily pass through the product, but not larger molecules like water. This product is protected by a ten-year warranty and offers unprecedented protection without compromising the integrity of the masonry. For more information on ChimneySaver products, go to chimneysaver.com.
To have your chimney professionally waterproofed, call Chief Chimney Services, Inc. today or click here to schedule an appointment online!
Water leaks may be caused by problems with the flashing. If your chimney is leaking, hire a professional like Chief Chimney Services to investigate all possible sources of unwanted water.
