While fall is still in full swing, the snow and ice of winter are just around the corner. This year, make sure your chimney system is prepared for this seasonal change by having it waterproofed. Waterproofing can extend the life of your masonry, especially if it is already suffering from deterioration caused by water damage.
How does moisture damage my masonry?
Chimneys are built to withstand exposure to the elements. However, the combination of moisture, winter weather, and freezing temperatures can be extremely damaging to your masonry. In as little as one season, small holes or cracks in the masonry or chimney crown can turn in major areas of damage.
The primary way that moisture damages masonry is the freeze thaw cycle. Because bricks are naturally porous, they can absorb small amounts of water from rain, snow, and ice. When the temperatures drop below freezing, this trapped water expands as it freezes. This creates progressively larger and larger areas of damage. Continued damage from the freeze thaw cycle can cause masonry to crack. In addition it can create spalling to the point of affecting the structural stability of the chimney.
What is waterproofing?
Waterproofing is the process of applying a specially designed repellent and protectant to your outdoor masonry. Unlike paints and other sealants, waterproofing products allow the masonry to retain its semi-porous nature. This allows trapped water and gas to evaporate out of the masonry while preventing new water from getting in. The bricks and mortar of the chimney structure as well as the chimney crown can benefit from waterproofing. This is because they are the parts that are most exposed to the elements.
While you may not be able to prevent winter weather, waterproofing your chimney is one of the best ways to proactively prevent damage. It is also useful in protecting masonry that is already beginning to show signs of water damage. In addition, applying waterproofing products can stop deterioration and extend the life of your chimney.
Our waterproofing products:
While traditional paint and clear coat sealants can further damage your chimney, our masonry-specific products can protect your bricks and mortar while preventing further deterioration. At Mason’s Chimney Service, we are proud to carry ChimneySaver products to our customers. These water repellents work by penetrating deep into the masonry. They create a lasting seal that prevents new water from being absorbed. These professional repellents can protect your chimney from water damage for up to 25 years.
The chimney crown can also be protected using the ChimneySaver ‘CrownCoat’ protectant. This flexible, waterproof layer is applied to the stone or concrete of the chimney crown. It comes with a 15 year warranty, and it can protect one of the most vulnerable points of your chimney against water entry. CrownCoat is especially effective at preventing further damage, such as small cracks or holes that may already be forming.
Chimney already suffering from water damage? Simply want to keep it looking beautiful for years to come? Waterproofing can protect your masonry from year round water damage. For more information on masonry waterproofing, contact Mason’s Chimney Service today!