Here in Cincinnati, I’m sure I don’t speak for myself when I say I have a new respect for hurricanes. We recently experienced hurricane force winds that caused more damage to chimneys than this city has seen in a while. When someone thinks of a hurricane, lots of water comes to mind, and when it comes to chimneys, few things are more detrimental to its life and quality than water damage. Not to mention there are few things more aggravating than the drip, drip, drip of water entering the chimney, resonating through your home and eventually through your very soul… Well, it may not be that annoying but no one wants to have to write a check for a major chimney overhaul due to moisture damage when it is easily preventable.
Water Damage: A $1 Billion Per Year Problem
This damage comes in the form of staining, loss of insulation value, freeze-thaw damage, deterioration, and ultimately, structural failure. In light of this, I’d like to discuss a few systems, products, and techniques to ensure your family is safe, warm, and dry this hurricane or winter season, whichever you are preparing for.
Masonry chimneys are more prone to water damage than the rest of your home because they extend far above the roofline, unprotected from the elements. Waterproofing is a good idea because it protects the mortar joints from moisture entry and helps a repair last longer.
Waterproofers and Sealers
As far as waterproofing goes, Chimneysaver© is the product we use out in the field. It’s important to know the difference between waterproofers and sealers. ChimneySaver is not a sealer. Sealers and silicone coatings form a water resistant surface film which traps water vapors. If these vapors cannot escape, they will add to the deterioration of your brick. Your chimney needs to breathe, which is why we use Chimneysaver©. It’s 100% breathable, or vapor permeable, meaning water vapor trapped inside the brick can easily pass through it. This is a non film-forming water repellent that will penetrate and line masonry pores to prevent water from deteriorating the brick.
Mortar Joint Repair
Before you waterproof, make sure all the mortar joints are in good condition. If there’s any cracks or missing pieces of mortar, you may need to do some tuckpointing. If the cracks aren’t severe, you may be able to apply a brushable product called CrackMagik. Think of it like a brushable caulk that dries semi-clear. This waterproofs the gaps and cracks in the mortar up to 1/8″.
Waterproofing your masonry chimney can preserve your chimney and prevent water damage and deterioration. A good water repellent normally only needs to be applied once every 5-10 years and will save you the headache of having to replace or rebuild your chimney.
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It’s very important to seal granite, tile, and wooden decks. a little work at the beginning can save you a ton of money, work, and time in the end!
I think it is better to call someone to have it repaired. The things mentioned by granite sealer are important as well but for immediate solution only I guess.
I have a beautiful fireplace in my back room. However, when it rains the water comes running down the front of my bricks, and onto the hearth, where it makes it way to the carpet.
I just had a new roof put on, thinking that was the problem, wrong. It happened again. Then I had a mason come and put a sealant on and fix any visible cracks, didn’t help. It rained yesterday and it happened again………….Any comments? I need help!!!!!!!!!!
Water normally comes in through 1 of 3 sources, the crown, the flashing, or through the bricks and mortar joints. It’s important to use a breathable water repellent rather than a film forming sealer on chimneys as they need to breathe. I would be looking closely at the flashing. Sometimes even with new roofs, the flashings are not constructed properly. There’s a product called FlashSeal that you may look into that you can coat around the entire flashing and prevent water penetration.
Barbbi,
I would suggest doing a water test. Start by saturating the brick at the lowest possible point of water entry. Wait 20 minutes. If no water is entering, try saturating a little higher up until you can pinpoint where the water is entering.
Remodeling a bathroom- Exposing the corner of the old chimney, which I want to leave, How do I seal to keep the natural look of the brick. Its very sandy and dry? Thanks
Shelly, for interior brick try a product called Acrylic Waterproofing Sealer. It’s works great to seal the surface, making it easier to clean and less sandy. It also adds a nice satin sheen to the brick.
We just had waterproofing applied last week. It rained less than 24 hours later. Will that effect the ability of the waterproofing to do its job?
Marie, you should be ok. Most water repellents will dry in less than 6 hours.