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 Ageless Chimney team is a professionally fully insured company dedicated to all aspects of the chimney including repairing chimney leaks and waterproofing
Benefits of Waterproofing a Chimney
Benefits of Waterproofing a Chimney
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 Ageless Chimney. 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 Ageless Chimney, 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. Ageless Chimney 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: Ageless Chimney’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 Ageless Chimney, there is a ten-year warranty that can be registered for.
To learn more about ChimneySaver products, visit their website.
How to Waterproof the Foundation of your Chimney
If your chimney is sitting on the outside of your house and water is leaking into the basement next to it or surrounding areas, there is most likely a leaking problem from the masonry of the chimney. Our skilled Ageless Chimney team can service the chimney by waterproofing the foundation and preventing future leaks. The cleanout door is where interior acid and moisture could be leaking into the house from the chimney.
1. Excavate
Using the post hole digger, excavate down to the bottom of the foundation around the base of the chimney.
2. Minor Repairs
Grind any foundation cracks and remove loose mortar.
3. Hydraulic Cement
Fill the cracks with hydraulic cement; a product used to prevent water from leaking into the masonry and concrete of the chimney construction.
4. Bentonite
Backfill the hole with bentonite; a clay-like material used to form a wall between the masonry and soil. After that, activate the bentonite with water.
5. Backfill
Fill the top of the hole with soil, allowing grass and vegetation to grow.
6. Cleanup
Our Ageless Chimney team will carefully remove all supplies and leave the area clean, ready to use.
Protect your Chimney with Waterproofing
If the masonry of the chimney is maintained correctly, there should be minimal problems with the chimney structure. Waterproofing a chimney on your own could result in more damage due to cheaper waterproofing products. Other products can be silicon-based, not allowing the masonry to breathe, as well as trapping the water inside of it. Our water repellent, ChimneySaver is a water-based sealer, a more effective choice for preventing water damage to your chimney. After that, our Ageless Chimney team services your chimney, the masonry will be protected from water and more detrimental damage. Keep your chimney looking great with the service of Ageless Chimney!
FAQ About Waterproofing Chimneys
How long does the waterproofing last?
There are several variants to deciding on how often a homeowner should waterproof their chimney. Waterproofing sealing products, like ChimneySaver, guarantee a ten-year warranty. It also depends on the condition of the chimney masonry, and natural weather occurrences including wind and rain. Although there may be other maintenance due to repairing the chimney, the waterproofing service should be redone about every 10-15 years.
How is the waterproofing sealant applied?
When you choose the professionals at Ageless Chimney, our team uses their choice of ChimneySaver to apply to the chimney using a spray-on nozzle. However, this application is not painted or hand placed on. To cover the chimney effectively, the spray-on nozzle application is the best choice.
What are the top types of water damage to a chimney?
Chimney water damage includes internal and external damage. Externally a chimney can be damaged after freezing and thawing, resulting in cracking and weakening the mortar joints. Internally, the water seeps in and mixes with soot and creosote, damaging the chimney flue and liner.
How can I tell if my chimney is leaking?
If the homeowner can find any of the following signs, they should call the chimney professionals to check the condition of their chimney. Signs include visibly cracked mortar, strong odors around the chimney, water in the firebox or surrounding walls, and discoloration around the exterior and interior of the chimney. Chimney experts will also find water damage and leaks during a chimney inspection, after which offer the correct service to fix the chimney. Be sure to have service repaired to the chimney before the structure becomes damaged as well.
When should I call a chimney professional?
Call the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified professionals at Ageless Chimney now to service your chimney, preventing water damage today! Our waterproofing services maintain the chimney, preventing leaky chimneys. Our Ageless Chimney team will explain the process to the homeowner, and follow the steps above to ensure the chimney is waterproofed correctly. Additionally, if you find that there are signs of chimney damage, give Ageless Chimney a call for repairs too
What Our Clients Say
Below are some testimonies from our amazing clients regarding water damage and leak repairs.
“I called on an emergency basis and Nick came right away to look at the issue and diagnose. Very friendly, honest, and reliable. So my liner deteriorated and the bricks at the top of the chimney Were black with oil/soot. He made me a priority since I didn’t have hot water/heat since the puff back from my boiler. The work was done at a reasonable price and the labor wasn’t easy. Nick called the next day to follow up on how everything was going, he also listens. The office is easy to contact and very friendly to speak with. I’m 1000% satisfied with this company.I definitely recommend those who need a hassle when owning a home can be stressful enough. They definitely relieved my anxiety.” – Lisa A.
“I have been using Ageless Chimney Inc. for about 2 years now. These guys are great! Since I have absolutely no knowledge of chimneys, I was definitely nervous when shopping around for a chimney repair company. Luckily I came across Bobby and Sherwood at Ageless. These guys have a very personable and trustworthy approach to the business. They explain the work that needs to be done in simple terms, so I can understand. I always recommend to my family and friends when anyone needs work on their chimney. Lucky to have found these guys!” – Nick B.
“Ron and Cric were the best! They were extremely reliable and professional and very knowledgeable! I highly recommend ageless Chimney! A pro roofing company came and misdiagnosed the issue and Ageless Chimney found the problem! Ageless Chimney is the best” – Carol L.
“Bobby and Sherwood came to our house in Massapequa after my wife and I had been dealing with a leaking chimney for weeks. After providing us with a reasonable estimate they performed the work the following day and our chimney has not had a leak since through several storms. Would definitely recommend them to family and friends.” – Joseph S.
Call Ageless Chimney to Schedule your Waterproofing Maintenance!
As most homeowners know, getting rid of a leaky chimney can be an extremely confusing guessing game on how to fix it. Our customers often remark to us how grateful they are to our team to solve their tricky problems. Many companies attempt to repair through trial and error, taking more time. Above all, our Ageless Chimney team prides itself on our efficiency and accuracy. Be proactive in fighting against water damage and leaks, schedule a waterproofing service today with the professionals!
Although spring showers bring flowers, chimney leaks also come along. Living in New York has its challenges regarding chimney maintenance. The four seasons allow weather to really affect the masonry of the chimney, making it even more important to have service completed. Above all, ensure your chimney system is protected against all water damage by calling the chimney experts at Ageless Chimney. In addition to the waterproofing services that we offer, we offer other services to repair your chimney, keeping the masonry of your chimney protected for years to come.
Above all, the spring and summer seasons are the best time to waterproof and repair chimneys! With over 15 years of experience, call the professionals at Ageless Chimney at 516-613-5450 or click estimate your chimney to schedule your free estimate today!