Your chimney must maintain its watertight seal to remain structurally sound. However, constant exposure to a potpourri of weather conditions in Eastern RI and Eastern MA can take its toll, leading to cracking, flaking, and spalling. When applied by a certified chimney technician, waterproofing is one of the best ways to prolong the life of your masonry chimney.
Why Waterproof Your Chimney?
Imagine an invisible shield working 24/7/365, safeguarding the exterior masonry from the damaging effects of rain, snow, and ice, yet is flexible enough to allow trapped moisture to evaporate. That's the power of chimney waterproofing. It creates a barrier against moisture intrusion that can cause severe structural damage.
ChimneySaver® Waterproofing Benefits:
Horizon Chimney Services is proud to be a factory-authorized installer for ChimneySaver. Its proprietary water-based siloxane repellent can literally save your chimney from costly water damage repairs. Other valuable benefits include:
- Extended Lifespan: Professionally applied water repellant significantly prolongs the life of your chimney by preventing moisture intrusion.
- Protects Masonry: ChimneySaver penetrates up to ¼” within the masonry, infusing it with the minerals in the substrate. It safeguards the brickwork from the destructive effects of the elements, including repeated freezing and thawing, which accelerate mortar decay, leading to cracking, flaking, and spalling.
- Easy Application: Spray-on formula for easy application and uniform coverage of the chimney’s exterior.
- V.O.C. Compliant: ChimneySaver's water-based formula is VOC-compliant in all fifty states. This strict environmental standard, protects your chimney and is safe for the environment.
- Generous Warranty: When applied as directed, ChimneySaver features a 10-year limited warranty, providing long-term protection and peace of mind.
Vapor Permeable Water Repellent
At Horizon Chimney Services, we use ChimneySaver, a professional-grade water repellant that blocks 99.9% moisture, protecting the exterior masonry from water damage. It allows moisture vapor to escape from the masonry while preventing external water from entering. This is vital because trapped moisture can cause internal damage.
How It's Applied
When applying a water repellant, our certified chimney technician will typically follow these steps:
- Inspection and Cleaning: We conduct a thorough inspection to identify any existing damage. We may also clean the exterior masonry to remove dirt, debris, and loose mortar.
- Repair of Existing Damage: We will recommend repairing any cracks, spalling, or damaged mortar joints before applying the waterproof sealant.
- Application of Sealant: The vapor-permeable water repellent is sprayed evenly to coat the entire chimney structure, ensuring complete coverage.
- Drying and Curing: The sealant needs to dry to reach full potency, about 6 to 8 hours.
When to Waterproof Your Chimney?
- As a preventative measure, ideally before winter weather.
- If you notice signs of water damage, such as efflorescence (white stains), mortar decay, cracks, or flaking.
- Following any chimney repairs, waterproofing is essential to protect the newly restored masonry.
- A good rule of thumb is to reapply every 7-10 years, depending on local environmental conditions.
Call Horizon for Chimney Waterproofing Services
Horizon Chimney Services—Your Local Hearth Expert. For over thirty years, homeowners in Lincoln, Wellesley, Hopkinton, Millis, and surrounding areas have trusted Horizon Chimney Services for expert chimney inspections, sweeping, repairs, and waterproofing. Our highly skilled chimney professionals are dedicated to helping customers extend the lifespan of their chimney and fireplaces, fireplace inserts and stoves. Contact Horizon today to schedule a visit!