Local Chimney Waterproofing Pros
Safeguard Your Bricks & Mortar by Hiring Us for Professional Waterproofing Services
Chimneys are constantly exposed to the elements. Since they can’t be relocated indoors, they take a beating from severe weather all year round, with water and moisture being the most common cause of chimney deterioration and damage.
So, what’s the easiest way to extend the life of your chimney and give it a chance against the harshness of the surrounding environment? Waterproofing. For residents in and around Cincinnati and Montgomery County, Mid-Valley Chimney can waterproof your chimney and help protect your home against expensive repairs.
Call 513-727-0994 or reach out online for details.
Why Invest in Professional Waterproofing?
Why do we encourage our customers throughout Cincinnati, Loveland, Mason, West Chester, Montgomery, and more to invest in professional waterproofing services with us?
Brick Waterproofing stops the freeze/thaw process. The freeze/thaw process is extremely harmful, and it’s something we can’t exactly avoid here in Montgomery County. Waterproofing keeps water from entering, so it can’t freeze, expand, and trigger more damage.
Brick Waterproofing prevents cracking and spalling. A chimney that’s not protected from water will simply continue soaking in moisture, which leads to cracking, crumbling, and missing bricks. This is both unsightly and causes even more damage to occur throughout your system over time.
Brick Waterproofing allows your brickwork to still breathe. Bricks are more finicky than we give them credit for. While they need to have that protective layer that keeps out water, they also need the ability to breathe out any vapors and pre-absorbed moisture. This need for vapor permeability is why trusting professionals is so important, as most store-bought sealers don’t allow for this.
Brick Waterproofing keeps your brickwork looking great. There’s no denying that masonry chimneys offer a timeless look to your home. People have been investing in masonry walls, chimneys, archways, and more for decades because it’s reliable and it never goes out of style. But it needs to be maintained to uphold that great aesthetic. Otherwise, you’ll face discoloration, decay, and more.
Brick Waterproofing keeps you safer. In the end, using a fireplace and chimney that’s damaged puts your entire household at risk, and leaves you more likely to experience chimney fires, house fires, carbon monoxide leaks, smoke in your space, and other issues. Invest in waterproofing, so that your system stands strong and keeps you protected for the long haul.
Brick Waterproofing saves you money. Everything we’ve already discussed costs you money. When you consider the cost of addressing water-related damages, investing in repairs after a house fire, paying medical bills after someone was hurt or ill, or making plans for an entire rebuild, waterproofing is always going to be the more cost-effective option.
How Do I Stop My Chimney From Leaking?
So yes – waterproofing is crucial in shielding masonry from absorbing water and preventing long-term issues like spalling and general decay. All that said, though, protecting your chimney against water is a multi-step process. Your chimney system has built-in features that can keep water out of your chimney, and they work together with waterproofing to keep your chimney and fireplace as water-tight as possible.
Which parts of your chimney are most important in the fight against water?
Chimney Crown
The crown is a concrete slab at the top of your chimney. A proper chimney crown should overhang the chimney so that it redirects rain and water away from the structure and into your gutters. Crowns can get damaged over time, but cracks can be found easily during a chimney inspection.
Chimney Cap
Chimney caps protect from weather and animals. They sit at the very top of your chimney and are typically made of copper or stainless steel – both materials are highly resistant to corrosion. The top of the cap is solid, while the sides are perforated, which allows exhaust and other products of combustion to exit your home safely. Over time, chimney caps can be damaged by wear and tear or bad weather, in which case a replacement may be in order.
Chimney Flashing
Chimney flashing is a metal weather stripping that goes around the area where your chimney meets your roof. It acts as a sealant that directs water away from areas of your roof where water pooling is a problem and home leakages are more likely to occur. Aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and PVC vinyl are the most used materials for chimney flashing.
Chimney Chase Cover
The chase cover acts as a metal crown that’s typically used on prefabricated systems, but can be used in masonry setups as well. Like the crown, it sits at a slope, so water is directed out and away from the sides of your chimney chase.
If any of these components are missing or show signs of wear, call us in. The sooner we can tackle repair work, the better off your system – and your budget – will be.
What Are the Signs of a Leaky Chimney?
Water damage can go undetected for a very long time, so, chances are, the damage is already extensive once you start to see evidence. Keeping up with annual chimney inspections as recommended by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) can help identify vulnerable points in your chimney system before they become a budget-breaking problem. Keep an open eye – or sometimes an open nose – for the following:
Odd or Musty Odors Coming From the Chimney: If you’re a longtime homeowner, you’re no stranger to the weird chimney aroma. Sometimes a family of critters has built a home which can cause unpleasant odors, while other times leaves and branches may have become lodged in your chimney and started to rot. One of the most common sources of fireplace and chimney odors is moisture. Water can find its way in from multiple areas and once it settles, it can develop a musty odor.
Mold and Mildew Growth: Remember that musty odor mentioned above? If it has persisted for a long time or is getting stronger, it may be a sign that mold or mildew has started to grow somewhere in your chimney system. Mold can grow quickly and become a serious health hazard if not treated properly and promptly. Side effects of mold exposure include runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dizziness, and headaches. These can worsen if a member of your household suffers from asthma or another upper respiratory illness.
Water Stains on the Walls, Ceilings, or Chimney: The most visible sign of water damage is staining. If you begin to see water stains on the walls and ceiling near your chimney, it could be due to a chimney leak. When your flashing or chimney crown is damaged, water may begin to pool in areas on your roof. This water then spreads inside your ceiling and down the walls, leading to chimney stains. Sometimes, staining on the exterior chimney appears as a white, chalky substance called efflorescence.
Spalling or Damaged Masonry: Bricks are water absorbent and can erode over time due to water damage. After years of weather exposure and undergoing the freeze/thaw cycle, bricks may start to crack and chip. Spalling is when bricks are so damaged they begin to fall apart. If you see any spalling or cracking in the masonry of your chimney, it is likely due to a leak.
What To Do if You Already Have Damage
Is it clear that you already have damage? Have you spotted discoloration, cracking, decay, crumbling mortar, or other issues? Or maybe your system just simply isn’t running as efficiently as it used to? In these cases, you won’t want to invest in waterproofing services until after any necessary repairs can be completed.
The first step to getting these tackled? Schedule your inspection. Sometimes damages are obvious and apparent, but many times they’re hidden away. This means you could be experiencing risks when operating your fireplace and not even know it.
Get your inspection booked so that you know your system is in good condition before diving into any preventive maintenance.
Can I Try Chimney Waterproofing Myself?
We would strongly advise against DIY waterproofing. Yes, there are products sold in stores that claim to offer adequate protection – and chances are they will keep water out! …for a while.
The problem with most of these is that they aren’t vapor-permeable, so they’ll simply trap in any moisture that’s already soaked into your brickwork. This means damage will only continue to occur, and you’ll still need masonry repairs down the line.
Along with this, an inexperienced hand could easily miss important areas of the system, meaning your chimney will still be just as vulnerable as it was before the products were applied. Our certified techs will ensure the process is done correctly from start to finish, so you can rest easier knowing your masonry is protected for years to come.
