Be honest: How often do you think about your chimney? When it comes to home improvements and maintenance, the chimney is rarely at the top of your to-do list. But if you have a masonry chimney, it should be. The chimney is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home when it comes to water damage, and without proper waterproofing, costly repairs or even dangerous structural issues can sneak up fast.
Here’s how our waterproofing can help.
What is Chimney Waterproofing
Chimney waterproofing is the process of applying a specialized water repellent sealant to the exterior masonry of your chimney. Unlike regular paint or coatings, chimney waterproofing sealants are vapor-permeable. That means they allow moisture that’s already inside the brick or stone to escape while keeping new water from getting in.
Our professional-grade waterproofing products are specifically designed for chimneys. They penetrate deep into the masonry and form an invisible barrier that shields the structure from rain, snow, and ice. This service is often available alongside our other chimney maintenance services, like tuckpointing, crown repair, or flashing repair.
Water: Enemy Number One for Your Chimney
Your chimney sticks above the roofline, exposed to every bit of weather that comes your way. Here’s why it’s such a problem.
Porous Materials
Bricks, mortar, and stone are naturally porous. They absorb water like a sponge, especially if the chimney is older and hasn’t been properly maintained.
Freeze-Thaw Cycle
In colder climates, water freezes and expands, then thaws and contracts. This cycle can cause bricks and mortar joints to crack, flake, or even fall apart, which can weaken the chimney’s structure over time.
Missing or Damaged Crown and Flashing
The chimney crown (the concrete slab at the top) and flashing (metal barriers to protect against water intrusion) should direct water away. If these components are damaged or poorly installed, water can pour right into your home.
Unsealed Masonry Joints
Mortar joints can erode over time, leaving gaps where water can seep in. This damages the chimney and can lead to leaks inside the attic or walls.
Why You Need Chimney Waterproofing
Water is the number one enemy of masonry chimneys. Here’s how our waterproofing can save you from serious headaches.
Reduces Maintenance and Repair Costs
Water damage can lead to chimney repairs—repointing mortar, replacing spalled bricks, fixing internal leaks, and more. Waterproofing is a relatively low-cost prevention that can delay or even eliminate the need for these repairs.
Protects Your Home’s Interior
If water penetrates your chimney, it can travel inside the walls, attic, or ceiling. This can lead to water stains, mold, and rot, which are expensive to fix and can impact your family’s health. Chimney waterproofing ensures the water stays where it belongs—outside.
Prevent Structural Damage
Once moisture gets into the chimney, it doesn’t stay there. It can degrade the mortar, cause bricks to crack, and compromise the whole structure. Over time, the chimney can start to lean or may collapse.
Waterproofing protects the chimney’s structural integrity by blocking out water before it can cause damage.
Extends the Chimney’s Lifespan
A well-maintained, waterproofed chimney can last decades longer than one left exposed to the elements. Waterproofing preserves the beauty and strength of the brickwork, keeping your chimney safe, functional, and attractive.
Call Motown Fire and ask about our chimney waterproofing to keep your chimney in great shape and prevent costly repairs. We proudly serve Chesterfield, MI, Grosse Pointe Park, MI, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, Auburn Hills, MI, and the surrounding areas.