4 Myths About Waterproofing Chimneys

The weather can be brutal on your property, especially your chimney. With summer and winter storms, your chimney takes a lot of abuse. With these storms, we can expect rain, sleet, and snow. These storms bring water to your chimney. Once water gets into little cracks in the masonry and mortar, big trouble may follow. Water can deteriorate the structure of your chimney. Precautionary maintenance is the key to keeping your chimney structurally stable for years to come.

Here at Felgemacher Masonry, we suggest waterproofing your chimney. We have been waterproofing for many years with excellent results. But there are myths about chimney waterproofing. Let us discuss them and try to ease your concerns.

Myth #1 – I have a chimney cap; therefore, water will not get into my chimney.

Fact: Rain, snow, and sleet can come down at an angle at times, hitting every area of the chimney. A chimney cap acts as an umbrella. It covers the opening at the very top of the chimney, but it does not protect the remainder of the chimney. Once water gets into your chimney, the freeze-thaw effect happens. Making small cracks expand and grow larger. Without corrective measures, the water can not only affect the structure but also seep into the house, damaging the roof, walls, and ceiling.

Myth #2 – Bricks need to breathe as they are porous.

Fact: Because bricks are porous, they do need to breathe. However, Felgemacher Masonry uses a product that is unique to chimneys. It is vapor-permeable so that it won’t trap water vapor in the brick. The product, designed explicitly for exterior masonry and chimneys, has been proven to reduce water penetration by 99.9%. Using this waterproofing product will save you money in the future. 

Myth #3 – I have a lined chimney, so I don’t need to worry about the bricks.

Fact: The liner plays an essential part in the chimney structure. Moisture that may get in through cracked bricks or penetrate porous bricks can wreak havoc on the liner. Moisture caught within the chimney and liner over time can cause erosion. 

Myth #4 – My chimney looks good from the outside, therefore I have no concerns.

Fact: The naked eye can only observe what’s on the outside. A professional inspection can tell you whether there is any moisture in the chimney. You may see white efflorescence on the exterior, indicating water within the chimney. Moisture also encourages moss growth, which can root and cause larger cracks.

Fact: That is great. But to keep it in great shape, you have to protect it. Waterproofing will do that.

If you need further information about waterproofing your chimney, call Felgemacher Masonry and Chimney.

A clean chimney is a safe chimney, and we’ll keep yours as secure and efficient as possible. Our owners are certified through the Chimney Safety Institute of America – a stringent industry certification held by only the best sweeps in the U.S. We remove flammable creosote from chimney flues, reducing the chance of a chimney fire. We also remove debris and obstructions that could hamper the drafting of smoke and carbon monoxide.