Your chimney protects your home. It requires yearly upkeep, so you can protect it, too, by preventing serious water damage. However, with so many options for waterproofing material on the market, it’s all too easy to make the wrong selection. Some waterproofing materials can damage your chimney just as much as the water it prevents from harming your masonry. Keep reading for helpful information on what the wrong choices are and what they can do to your chimney. We’ll also recommend options that will work like a charm!
The Potential Damage
Your chimney is likely made of stone or brick and like most masonry, it is not actually waterproof. It does allow moisture to penetrate into the chimney. Typically this is not an issue as it doesn’t get enough rain or moisture over long enough time to seep through. However, with enough rain over a few days and no time to dry out, it can become so saturated it leaks.
This issue is especially true if the mortar is damaged or weathered away. Water will make tiny holes in the chimney over the years. These holes can make the damage worse and speed up its decay.
The Wrong Choices
To avoid that damage, you need to consider the best options for upkeep. You also need to be aware of the worst choices so you can avoid them. Concrete sealers or heavy sealers that trap moisture can cause serious damage to your chimney.
Sealers that are not specifically meant for chimneys can prevent your chimney from being able to dry out after application and actually trap moisture. This means that all of that moisture stays in the brick, causing the damage that you want to prevent.
Our Recommendation
Since you need waterproofing material that will not be too heavy for your chimney to support, choose a breathable sealer. We recommend Siloxane P.D.
Siloxane P.D. is a good water repellent. It protects masonry from taking on water while making sure the surface can still breathe. The application can last for up to 5 or more years depending on the material, and it is safe for use on your chimneys.
Take special care to seal your chimney properly so that you can keep the water out and the integrity of the chimney for the long haul.
Protecting Your Chimney
Before applying this sealer it is good to clean the chimney. Using a stiff wire brush to clean dirt or moss away from the brick. And sometimes washing the brick carefully with a power washer is necessary.
Next, check for any cracks in the chimney’s mortar. Tuckpoint any small cracks you find. If you see deeper structural damage, you may want to save this for an expert to fix. However, if you feel prepared to handle it, see to repairing the brick or stone.
Finally, seal your chimney with a water repellant. Remember that Siloxane P.D. is a great choice. Avoid heavy sealers or ones not suited for use on chimneys.
The brick should be as dry as possible when you seal it. If there’s rain in the forecast, you may want to wait for a more opportune occasion. You do not want to apply the sealer and have the rain dilute it or wash it off shortly after.
Contact a Professional
If you want to learn more and avoid using those waterproofing materials that can damage your chimney, contact Ray Arnold Masonry. Our team can help you repair a cracked or damaged chimney. We are also skilled at renovations.
Give us a call at (440) 834-8252 or fill out our online form here. We are ready to serve you today and make sure that your masonry remains structurally sound for decades to come!