Benefits of Waterproofing a Chimney

Waterproofing a chimney is the best way to resolve a leaky chimney. Would you leave your windows open if it was raining outside? What if it was pouring? Or even snowing? Well, you are doing all that and more if you have a chimney that is cracked. And the scary part is you may not even know it. Even tiny cracks can expose your chimney to moisture, freezing, cracking, and deterioration. The porous masonry absorbs water and can result in these damages. The more water absorbed, the more dangerous it can be for the chimney system. Below lists the reasons a chimney can be leaking, regardless of the season. Our Adic Pro team is a professionally fully insured company dedicated to all aspects of the chimney including repairing chimney leaks and waterproofing

Causes of Chimney Leakage

There are some visible signs of water damage on chimneys. Some include discoloration, cracking, spalling, or gapping of the masonry. If you have seen any of these signs form or begin in your chimney, it is time to call the professionals at Adic Pro. Other causes of chimney leakage include:

Damaged Flashing: Chimney flashing is the sheet of metal installed around the area where the chimney meets the roof. The flashing ensures that the connection between the chimney and roof is watertight. Chimney flashings have to be replaced after extreme wear and tear, which happens over some time. 

Damaged Chimney Cap: Chimney caps are a very important part of the chimney to prevent rain and snow from deteriorating the inside of your chimney. Popular chimney caps include stainless steel, copper, and Kydex colored steel. Some include a stainless steel mesh that helps as a spark arrestor to minimize burning debris from rising out of the chimney. In addition, the cap also provides a barrier to present animals and debris falling into your home. If the chimney cap is damaged, it is very possible that it is the reason for the chimney leaking.

Missing Mortar: If water is absorbed by the masonry, it can be very easy for damage to occur. Gaps and missing mortar will allow water to easily access the structure of the chimney which can result in even more damage. 

Reasons to Waterproof your Chimney

Hiring a professional, like Adic Pro, for a waterproofing service has many benefits. Regardless of the homeowner uses the chimney, waterproofing is recommended to maintain the structure. Sealing the masonry, even before cracks begin to form, prevents water damage, making the chimney structure last longer. In addition, replacing a chimney crown or other elements of the chimney can be costly. In addition to masonry repair, an important element of the chimney is chimney crowns. Other benefits to waterproofing a chimney include:

1. Block water absorption from mold and vegetation growth in and on your masonry.

2. Keep your brick and mortar from cracking, spalling, or gapping.

3. Protect your masonry from black and white discoloration.

4. Allow your brick and mortar to “breathe” and release water vapors.

5. Prevent damage that normally occurs following a freeze-thaw cycle.

Types of Chimney Waterproofing

Depending on the type of chimney your home has, there are different services to waterproof. Aidc Pro offers waterproofing services to both masonry chimneys and at the foundation of the chimney. The masonry of the chimney should be sealed by waterproofing to prevent water damage.

How to Waterproof your Masonry Chimney

Masonry of the chimney is one of the first defense lines between the internal chimney structure and natural weather occurrences. Heavy winds, rain, extreme temperatures, snow, and storms can affect the chimney structure, weakening the masonry. Freezing and thawing is a very common causes of mortar and joint structures to weaken, allowing water to enter the masonry and chimney. 

1. Measure the surface area of your chimney

Calculate the total area which will determine the number of materials needed.

2. Clean the chimney

Remove all mold, dirt, rust, and creosote stains from the chimney surface. Creosote: soot that forms in the chimney after usage. Creosote can easily be removed when first formed, but not after it builds up becomes a tar-like substance. 

3. Protect Non-Target Areas

Use an absorbent material around the base of the chimney to avoid discoloration.

4. Minor repairs

Fix chimney cracks before waterproofing.

5. Apply the spray-on water repellent

Start waterproofing from the bottom to top with a fan-type nozzle.

6. Cleanup



Our team will carefully remove all supplies and drop clothes on the roof and anything that may have fallen on the property below.

ChimneySaver: Adic Pro's choice of water repellent for waterproofing a chimney. A special spray-on waterproofing product that is designed to allow your brick to breathe while protecting it from moisture. Benefits of using ChimneySaver products to waterproof the masonry of the chimney include protection from freeze and thaw cycles, a matte finishing, and protection from stains. When ChimneySaver products are applied by professionals, such as Adic Pro, there is a ten-year warranty that can be registered for.