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Waterproofing a Brick Chimney

Chimneys are often a forgotten part of a house.  People spend lots of time thinking about the front door, the garage, the lawn and they don’t spend much time considering that the fireplace and the chimney are very important elements of a home.

However, the fireplace is one of the most sought-out features of homes according to many home buying sources.  If the fireplace is a very important feature for homebuyers, the chimney then needs to also be paid attention to since it’s in an integral part of the fireplace.  Chimneys may look like they are simple structures since they’re just long and rectangular-shaped but they’re actually very complex.  They also are quite important to the functioning of the fireplace and the safety of the home.

Myth #1: Bricks should not be waterproofed because they need to breathe

Bricks are porous and do need to breathe. That’s why it is important to use a product specifically designed for chimneys and exterior masonry.

Myth #2: Water cannot get into my chimney because I have a chimney cap

Chimney caps act like rain hats.  If you only wore a hat in the rain, it would keep your head dry, but the rest of your body would be soaked.  It’s far better to wear rain gear head to toe if you must be in a storm.  Your chimney however does not have a choice.  It faces every storm, and the majority of them are unequipped for the fight!  Did you know that nearly every chimney you encounter has signs of water damage?  Brick chimneys absorb water like a sponge.  Oftentimes, leaks in attics and walls against a chimney are simply from the bricks absorbing the water from the rain, and then shedding the water below the roof line.  The well-defended chimney has a good screened stainless or copper chimney cap, a sealed top crown, vapor permeable waterproofing application, and proper flashing. Is your chimney equipped?

 Myth #3: The bricks don’t matter because my chimney is lined

It is important to take care of your appliance and to have it vented safely and properly.  Even if the appliance is lined or no longer venting into the masonry bricks, the bricks are the outer support structure and serve as part of the liner system.  It is important to take care of the structure around the chimney liner.  Water can still leak in between the liner and deteriorate from the freeze-thaw period and erosion over time.  The liner is a critically important part, and no chimney should be used without one.  The moisture alone from the elements of combustion venting through an unlined or damaged liner would wreak havoc on the inside of the masonry chimney walls causing efflorescence and general weakening of the bricks.

Myth #5: My chimney is in good condition because it looks good on the outside

If it looks good, waterproofing will keep it this way.  Maybe you think it looks good but you have noticed some white areas or moss growth.  The white is called efflorescence and is a sign of water issues.  Moss also grows where water sits in the chimney and the plant has found a place to root itself. E ven if you do not see white or moss, water only needs a hairline crack to creep into.  Once water penetrates, the damage expands with time.

Possible Problems with Brick Chimneys

There are several possible problems that can occur with a chimney, especially one that has been left vulnerable to weather problems.  There are three main problems that can affect the chimney.  The first has to do with the weather damaging the lining systems. There may also be flue obstructions. There may also be masonry materials that have come loose.

All parts of the home will eventually deteriorate in some way over time simply from wear and tear. It goes without saying that the longer you use something, the more likely that it’ll no longer be in top shape.

Some of this is expected and normal. However, bad weather can make this deterioration occur much faster. If you live in an area that has a ton of moisture such as the Midwest, where heavy snows and storms can bring lots of condensation to your chimney. Due to the cold weather, it’s also where you may see more homes with fireplaces.

Masonry Equipment Issues

When there’s cold weather and it snows, hails, or sleets outside, then certain parts of the chimney may freeze.  That means that certain pieces that go into the construction of the chimney may freeze once they have hit a certain temperature.  Once that temperature increases, there’s a point when those materials will then undergo the thawing process. The freeze and thaw process is especially hard on masonry materials.  Some of the parts of the chimney like iron or steel will rust when they come into contact with water.

Consequences of Having a Damaged Chimney

There are many potential problems that can occur from water damaged chimney.  These problems can occur inside and outside of your home. In terms of the fireplace, you can have the flue lining system crack.  The hearth support can collapse.  The chimney can become lopsided or even worse, the chimney can become stained.  As a result, the mortar can start to fall apart. Your home can suffer problems such as having staining on the walls and ceiling from water penetration.

How Do I Weatherproof My Chimney?

One solution is to get a chimney cap.  However, if that’s not sufficient, you may want to choose a type of weatherproofing that’s well rated and able to keep moisture away.  One major place where water tends to leak into the chimney is through the mortar joints. Water can find its way into a number of places, but these joints are the most common.  If you’re going to do weatherproofing (as opposed to hiring a trained professional), you’ll need to make sure of a few things.  First, check that your roof isn’t too steep. You don’t want to fall off.

Next, make sure to wear shoes that won’t let you slip off the roof. Having someone to spot you can be a great help.  After you make sure that it’s safe for you to do the job yourself, you’ll want to clean the chimney as best as you can of loose dirt, leaves, and other natural remnants.  You can get a cleaner at any nearby lawn and garden store.  You can even use a power washer to do this if it’s easier. You may need to use plastic cloths to protect any parts of the chimney that see fragile.

If you notice a ton of cracks that don’t look beyond repair, you will need to use a substance that resembles paintable caulk to fill them in.  Any other more serious damage may require you to get an experienced professional.  Next, to keep water out, you’ll want to apply a special water repellent spray.  You can’t use sealer on chimneys because the sealer will trap any moisture that comes in through the joints.  You don’t want to trap moisture where it will grow and impact the masonry.

Instead of using a sealer, use a special water repellent spray by starting at the bottom of the chimney and spraying upwards to the top.  It’s helpful to be able to do a second coat of the spray a few minutes after you do one.  Remember that if it seems too difficult, hiring an expert who specializes in chimneys and fireplaces may be a great idea. Go for someone with a lot of experience and who has worked with other chimneys in your neighborhood.

Should You Waterproof Your Chimney

The bricks and mortar of a masonry chimney are porous and absorb large amounts of water.  Waterproofing your chimney can extend the life of the exposed chimney walls.  A common brick is like a sponge, absorbing water and wicking moisture to the chimney interior.  The filling up with water then drying out, wears the brick down causing chips, cracks and sometimes even breaking the brick in half or breaking pieces off.  This wet/dry cycle also effects the mortar joints that hold the bricks together.  As this mortar deteriorates, bricks loosen and can even fall out if not addressed.  This water penetration can cause interior and exterior damage to your home and chimney.  Of course, those homeowners who have annual inspections as recommended will know well in advance that these types of chimney repairs are coming and can plan to get repairs done as required.

Material Must be Breathable

There are many products that say they are waterproof, but you must be careful because not all chimneys are made up of the same materials.  While brick and mortar are the favorites, there are also stucco and concrete chimneys that need to be waterproofed with a different substance.  The product we use is breathable so, though it stops water from entering, it allows the smoke and carbon monoxide to flow through the brick and escape the chimney through the walls.  It also allows the brick to move naturally with the seasons.