The Top 3 Ways to Solve Chimney Leaks

July 10, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Chimney leaks frequently come from three common areas on fireplace chimneys. Chimney crown leaks, chimney flashing leaks, and brick chimney leaks. Different factors affect a chimney’s ability to resist water penetration such as the age of the chimney, the type of construction materials used and the way it was constructed. In this article I’m going to reveal some specific problem areas and how you can solve your own chimney leaks.

Chimney Crown Leaks

Using Brushable CrownCoat for chimney crown repair

First off, the chimney cap or masonry chimney crown. Over time, chimney crowns can crack or break off, allowing water to soak in and come inside the chase. This water can run down the chimney and absorb into the inside of your house. Additionally, crowns are supposed to be made of concrete, but are frequently made from mortar instead to save time and money.

The problem is that mortar is not as dense or as strong as concrete and is more likely to absorb water. If the crown is in too bad of shape, you may need to replace the crown. That can usually run anywhere between $500-$2,000.

If there are some severe cracks, but no missing pieces off the crown, my chimney sweep crews usually use a product called CrownSeal. It’s a flexible elastomeric product that you can trowel on over the surface of the crown. It fills in the gaps and seals the crown, preventing chimney water leaks. CrownCoat works even better for crowns with smaller cracks and in slightly better condition. It’s easier to apply and it dries faster.

Chimney Flashing Leaks

Using FlashSeal to repair chimney flashing leaks

Chimney flashings are another potential source of water leaks. Where the chimney meets the roof line is a particular weak spot for water penetration because as rain water runs down the roof, it gathers and runs off right onto that joint.

Over time, as the chimney flashing deteriorates, water can gradually begin to seep into that joint and into your house, ruining drywall, causing wood rot and mold growth.

There’s a product called FlashSeal that you can apply on top of the chimney flashing to seal up this joint. There’s a mesh fabric that can also be applied underneath that makes it even stronger.

Brick Chimney Leaks

Use ChimneySaver water repellent to fix brick chimney leaks

The last problem area is the bricks and mortar joints. There are many different types of brick out there. The softer and more porous the brick, the more likely it’s going to leak. Mortar joints are another problem area. Many times, the mortar mix is made with too much sand, causing it to soak up water like a sponge.

Also, many times the mortar joints are struck (packed in with a special tool) too shallow, causing water to be able to quickly absorb and pass through the thin layer of mortar. To prevent water penetration in brick and mortar joints, try a waterproofing product called ChimneySaver. It’s a breathable water repellent that you spray on your chimney with a pump-up sprayer. It actually forms a chemical bond with your masonry about 1/4″ below the surface, making the masonry repel water for 5-10 years.

If you have cracks in your mortar joints that are wide enough to stick a credit card in, you can use a product called CrackMagik. It’s designed to fill in the cracks that are too large for the water repellent to fill. Most water repellents can fill hairline cracks. Any bigger cracks need to be filled either with a mortar crack chimney repair product such as CrackMagik, or for more severe cracks you will need to tuckpoint the mortar cracks with new mortar.

By protecting the chimney crown, flashing and brick and mortar, you’ll save yourself the expense of chimney water damage and eventual chimney replacement. Water damage causes over $1 Billion in damages every year. In most cases this damage can be avoided by a little preventative maintenance once every 5-10 years.

Fix Leaky Chimneys

June 16, 2010 By chimneyadmin Leave a Comment

Use ChimneySaver water repellent to fix leaky chimneys

The source of water problems should always be treated as a process of elimination. There are innumerable points of entry for water into a home. Here in Cincinnati we get thousands of calls asking for my service technicians to come out and give their expert opinions on how to best fix leaky chimneys. People will get leaks above their mantle, in their attic, on their ceilings, anywhere! Although any technician who comes out should check the integrity of the brick by looking for loose mortar joints, visible cracks, or other tell tale sign of water entry, he or she should also check the places where surfaces meet. The flashing, the joining of the chimney and the roof, is one such place.

If cracks are obvious in the brick, this may be one point of entry for water into any home. You can check to see if cracks are your issue by waiting for the interior to dry completely and begin spraying your chimney with water from the foundation up, gradually moving to see if, at a certain height on the chimney, moisture begins to appear in the home once more. If you come to diagnose your problem at a particular height on the chimney, you should seal the cracks with a brick sealant, repair any loose mortar joints between the brick, and apply a water repellent to the entire chimney.

Choosing the right water repellent is sometimes half the battle. Be sure that your water repellent will not trap vapors inside the brick, as this would only worsen your problem. Utilizing water repellents, like those manufactured by ChimneySaver, which form a semi permeable membrane over the brick is ideal. Such water repellents will allow vapors that naturally occur in small percentages in the brick to escape will still preventing new precipitation from entering the home.

If the brick on the chimney does not seem to necessarily be the issue, your flashing may be at fault. ChimneySaver has an interesting product called FlashSeal, a flexible flashing sealant with an easy brush-on application, specially formulated to seal your flashing and prevent water entry. The membrane formed by this particular sealant is flexible so that it will not crack or cause damage to the roof or the flashing as the temperature of the roof and flashing increases and decreases. Such temperature changes cause the shingles and the flashing to expand and contract. Sealants must be flexible or else they will cause damage to the shifting particles of the roof.

One gallon of FlashSeal covers approximately 28 sq. ft. You must apply the product in temperatures that are above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and apply it with a brush. FlashSeal easily and permanently adheres to asphalt shingles, metal flashing, brick, and other chimney and roofing materials. This product is another option in the process of elimination to diagnose exactly where water is penetrating your home.

Remember, the best way to fix leaky chimneys is to make sure the integrity of the chimney and flashing is intact, then apply a breathable water repellent to the brick and mortar joints. If you are trying to fix a leaky fireplace, water is most likely coming in from the chimney crown, brick and mortar or flashing. Check those areas first and you’ll most likely solve any other water leaks coming in and around your chimney or fireplace.

Filed Under: Masonry Chimney Waterproofing Tagged With: brick water repellent, chimney leaks, fix leaky chimney, fix leaky fireplace, leaky chimneys

ChimneySaver Solvent Based Water Repellent

June 16, 2010 By chimneyadmin Leave a Comment

Without a doubt, chimneys are the most susceptible masonry surface on your entire home to damage from water. Freeze-thaw damage is magnified since the chimney projects so high above the roof line. There is no shelter for the chimney, so taking steps to prevent damage before you are faced with pricey repairs is absolutely necessary. The Brick Industry Association states that chimneys require special attention and maintenance for such prevention, and ChimneySaver Solvent Base Water Repellent is formulated specifically to battle the elements chimneys face.

This water repellent has been used by professionals in the chimney business for almost twenty years due to its special formula. The aspect that sets apart this water repellent from the rest is the fact that it is a vapor permeable formula. It will not trap water vapors that are always present in the brick, like other sealants. If the water vapors are trapped inside the brick, as they expand and contract due to freezing and thawing, the face of the brick is likely to pop off or cracks will occur. The formula, although vapor permeable, will still fully protect the brick from water damage. According to ASTM tests run at the University of Wyoming, it reduces water penetration into the brick by 99.9%.

ChimneySaver Water Base Water Repellent is another version of ChimneySaver water repellent. This water repellent is specially formulated for brick that has never been treated by other sealants before. Although still effective on surfaces that have been previously treated, its formula is based with water and works to maximum efficiency on surfaces that have never been treated. The Solvent Base Water Repellent is recommended for surfaces that have been previously treated. Due to its mineral spirit base, it will effectively penetrate brick that has been treated in the past, although it will also work on brick that has never been treated at all. Either one of ChimneySaver’s Water Repellents are each formed specifically to prevent the deterioration of your brick on the chimney, meaning it is the most durable formula on the market.

Expect for the product to cover approximately 90-150 sq. ft. per gallon. It is available in 3, 5, 30, and 55 gallon containers giving you flexibility that matches the size of your project. You must apply ChimneySaver Solvent Base Water Repellent in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and allow at least two hours of drying time. There must be a six hour window of time between application and any rainfall. The recommended application is with a pump sprayer, and cleanup is easy requiring only soap and water.

Filed Under: Masonry Chimney Waterproofing Tagged With: chimney repairs, chimneysaver, Masonry Chimney Waterproofing, waterproof brick, waterproof masonry

ChimneySaver Water Based Water Repellent

June 16, 2010 By chimneyadmin 1 Comment

ChimneySaver Water-Base Water Repellent has been in circulation by professionals for almost 20 years. This unique repellent is vapor permeable so it will not trap water vapors in the brick. Water repellents that trap the vapors in the brick actually cause spalling rather than preventing it. The Water-Base formula from ChimneySaver is specially formulated for chimneys that have never been treated with another waterproofing product. If you have used a different kind of water repellent previously on your chimney, we recommend using the Solvent-Base water repellent, with mineral spirits.

It is important to remember that there is always a certain, small percentage of moisture present in masonry surfaces or concrete, and film-forming sealers use silicone to coat the brick complete, trapping those vapors inside and catalyzing the rate at which brick spall and crack when the vapors cannot escape. This is the opposite effect of what a protective water repellent should do. Film forming water repellents will contribute to the rate at which the brick or concrete on your chimney or other masonry project deteriorates and heighten freeze-thaw damage.

In contrast to these film-formers is the ChimneySaver Water Repellent products. Both the Water-Base and the Solvent-Base make it possible for vapors to escape, preventing the deterioration of the masonry surface. Per fallon, the ChimneySaver Water-Base Water Repellent covers between 90 and 150 sq. ft. depending on the thickness of each coat, and it is available in 3, 5, 30, and 55 gallon containers. When applying this product it is important to make sure that the temperature outside is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit so that it can cure properly, and you must allow six hours of drying time before a rainfall even though the product itself has a dry time of one to two hours. Very cold temperatures will reduce the efficiency of the stain. It is recommended to apply using a pump-sprayer, and soap and water is appropriate for clean up.

Filed Under: Masonry Chimney Waterproofing Tagged With: Brick Repair, chimney repairs, Masonry Chimney Waterproofing, waterproof brick, waterproof masonry

My Chimney Is New! Why Is It Cracking?

June 8, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

So, you’ve either built a new home or simply rebuilt your chimney, but now you see cracks. This can be disheartening, especially if you’ve just had the chimney replaced due to structural problems or similar cracks. There are many possible causes to these cracks, but is important to deal with these cracks before water can enter them and either erode away more brick or cause even more damage due to the freeze-thaw process that frequently occurs, especially through winter months.

Why did this even happen in the first place? Even if the chimney is brand new, using brand new brick and mortar, there are various reasons why a chimney would crack. It is important to distinguish between hairline cracks and long cracks that appear to just keep growing. After being laid, brick will shrink from UV exposure and the loss of small amounts of moisture present in brick. This may cause hairline cracks to appear, and although they are not of particular concern, you will want to consider sealing them with a product called CrackMagik. It seals cracks to prevent water intrusion and it can be applied with a thin paintbrush.

Conversely, long cracks, either vertical or horizontal, that are wider than what could be considered hairline are an issue. These may need to be dealt with by a professional. Sometimes the soil is not strong enough to support the extreme weight of a new chimney. Due to this fact the ground will shift. This is called “settling” and can cause cracks to form as the structure is bent ever so slightly this way and that. The settling process can be expected to stop eventually.

Other times, an inadequate footer may be to blame. This slab of concrete is supporting an extreme weight. Your footer must be at least 12 inches thick and extend 15 inches in all directions on the sides of the base of the chimney. Steel bars should be placed 2 to 4 inches up from the bottom of the chimney in both directions for additional support. If the chimney is not placed on a sound foundation, then there can be little hope for a structurally sound chimney. If you suspect that the footer was not properly constructed, then the mason who installed the chimney may be to blame for your chimney woes.

Interestingly enough, mortar does not come to its full strength until it cures completely, a process that can take months in some cases. As the wind blows and the climate changes, the chimney can sway minutely. As the structure is bent, cracks can occur. The most sound chimney will encompass steel bars that help to keep the chimney as upright as possible, even during the strongest winds, to prevent the brick and mortar from shifting until the mortar has time to cure completely.

No matter the reason behind your cracks, they will only continue to worsen if they are not taken care of. It is imperative to seal your brick with a breathable chimney sealant that will not only protect the cracks from water penetration and freeze-thaw damage, but also allow the brick beneath it to breathe. Certain crack sealants are better than others, and doing a bit of research prior to making a purchase will save you trouble in the future. If you hire a professional to help you out, make sure to inquire as to what type of sealant they will be using on your chimney. It’s important to find a breathable water repellent instead of a film-forming sealer. Sealers trap water vapor and contribute to freeze-thaw damage, causing spalling to take place. Breathable water repellents allow trapped water vapor to escape back into the atmosphere.

Filed Under: Brick Repair, Masonry Chimney Waterproofing Tagged With: brick cracks, chimney cracks

ChimneySaver Water-Based Water Repellent

June 8, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Because chimneys extend so far above the roofline, they are especially prone to damage from the elements. Once brick start to crack or spall, the integrity of the chimney goes downhill pretty quickly. Preventative maintenance is crucial to lengthening the life of your chimney. Water is the main cause of most cracks in your chimney and is the cause of the face of your brick popping off and falling onto the roof. Prevent costly repairs of rebuilding the chimney or repairing brick by using a water repellent regularly.

In contrast to these film-formers is the ChimneySaver Water Repellent products. Both the Water-Base and the Solvent-Base make it possible for vapors to escape, preventing the deterioration of the masonry surface. Per gallon, the ChimneySaver Water-Base Water Repellent covers between 90 and 150 sq. ft. depending on the thickness of each coat, and it is available in 3 and 5 gallon containers. When applying this product it is important to make sure that the temperature outside is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit so that it can cure properly, and you must allow six hours of drying time before a rainfall even though the product itself has a dry time of one to two hours. Very cold temperatures will reduce the efficiency of this breathable water repellent. It is recommended to apply using a pump-sprayer, and soap and water is appropriate for clean up.

Filed Under: Masonry Chimney Waterproofing Tagged With: chimneysaver water repellent, Masonry Chimney Waterproofing

My Brick is Cracked and Flaking

February 6, 2010 By admin 1 Comment

Brick, especially older brick or brick that has never been treated with water repellent has a tendency to crack or flake off as a result of freeze thaw damage and general wear and tear. Although preventative maintenance can be performed routinely over the years to preserve the life of your masonry, cracks will occur despite the most thorough preventative measures.Things may appear perfectly fine one season, and the very next you may begin to see pieces of brick cracking off of your chimney and landing on the roof or the ground surrounding the chimney. This is what is known as spalling, and is a red flag signaling repair has become necessary. A lot of spalling and cracking is a direct result of water damage. Any masonry repair completed absolutely must be waterproofed, seeing that water damage is the number one cause of chimney damage, period.

Because the chimney is suspended so high above the roof line, they are extremely susceptible to damage from the elements. Making these cracks look less noticeable is an area of expertise perfected over our time in business. We use specialized tools to gently manipulate the crack area to be worked on. We will never beat on your wall with a sledge hammer as some other companies deem appropriate!

Sculpting mortar into these cracks and applying the proper stain is all a part of the process, but the key is really applying a water repellent to seal the effects of the repair and seal life into your bricks.

When it comes to protecting your chimney from spalling, cracking and deterioration, chimney waterproofing must be done with a quality water repellent such as Chimney Save Solvent Based Water Repellent. This is a water repellent that I send out with the guys in the field when handling these types of repairs. It has a relatively low cost and incomparable protection for your brick.

Filed Under: Masonry Chimney Waterproofing Tagged With: brick cracks, chimney deterioration, chimney waterproofing

Chimney Waterproofing – Can Water Damage Really Destroy Your Masonry Chimney?

March 16, 2009 By admin 9 Comments

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.

Filed Under: Masonry Chimney Waterproofing Tagged With: brick sealer, chimney leaks, chimney repairs, Masonry Chimney Waterproofing, seal brick, water damage, waterproof brick, waterproof masonry