Chimney Waterproofing — The Easy & Affordable Way To Prevent Chimney Leaks & Water Damage
Here at Sleep Easy, we want to make sure the chimneys of Kansas City stay strong, attractive, and in excellent condition, decade after decade — and we know that takes some effort and planning. But what can you do to prevent leaks and water damage, rather than react to them?
One of the smartest things you can do to ensure the longevity and integrity of your chimney is to invest in chimney waterproofing. After all, our chimneys face the beating rain, sleet, ice, and snow throughout the year, and all this moisture can cause deterioration and decay in the brick and mortar joints.
As masons, we know that masonry needs to be able to breathe and express vapor, but it also needs to be protected against water penetration if it’s going to last. Otherwise, you’ll see cracks, holes, and receding mortar joints, as well as discolored masonry and flaking brick along your chimney stack. That’s where chimney waterproofing comes in!
What Is Chimney Waterproofing?
The problem with masonry chimneys is that the brick and mortar are naturally porous, which means it absorbs moisture over time. The real problem occurs when this moisture in the brick freezes and thaws repeatedly. This freeze-thaw cycle creates immense pressure that can cause cracking, deterioration, and leaking quickly.
Simply put, waterproofing is the process of applying a special sealant to the exterior of your chimney, creating a barrier that repels water and prevents it from penetrating the brick and mortar.
There are a lot of waterproofing sealants sold at home improvement stores and online retailers, but it’s important to use only those that have been approved for chimney applications. A sealant specifically designed for chimneys will be water repellent, but also vapor-permeable. This allows moisture vapor from within the chimney to escape, preventing trapped moisture and potential mold growth problems.
Here at Sleep Easy Chimney Service & Repair, we trust ChimneySaver water repellent. This 100% vapor-permeable product was designed exclusively for masonry chimneys and is 99.9% effective in preventing moisture penetration.
Why You Should Choose to Protect Your Chimney With ChimneySaver Water Repellent
While many store-bought waterproofing products offer some level of water repellency, ChimneySaver water repellent goes a step further. It’s a premium solution formulated to provide comprehensive protection for your chimney. Here’s how:
- It offers freeze/thaw protection, preventing quick deterioration.
- It combats mold, mildew, and fungus.
- It prevents efflorescence and staining.
- It maintains a natural appearance by not leaving a glossy look to your masonry.
- It carries a 10-year warranty, which means long-lasting protection and peace of mind.
- It’s environmentally friendly.
- It won’t trap or slow down vapor that’s produced when the chimney’s in use.
If you find yourself still on the fence about what is best for your chimney and fireplace, we would be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns.
What About The Rest Of The Chimney — Can You Waterproof The Crown & Flashing?
Now that you know how to easily and affordably protect the masonry of your chimney against leaks and water damage, what about the rest of your chimney? Is there a way to safeguard things like your crown and your flashing?
We also waterproof flashing using FlashSeal and prevent water damage and water entry on crowns using CrownSeal, CrownCoat, or CrownSaver. As long as you have a quality chimney cap installed as well, you should be able to cross chimney leaks and water damage off your list of worries for the next decade.
Sound like a good plan? We think so, too.
Give us a call at 816-471-4435 to schedule your chimney waterproofing service today and get the peace of mind you deserve. You can als fill out an appointment request form right here on our website!
You can get long-lasting protection against chimney leaks with stainless steel chase cover and chimney cap installation.