How to Waterproof Your Chimney? | A Step In Time Chimney Sweeps

1. How to Waterproof Your Chimney? www.chimneysweep.com

3. Chimney waterproofing is a safeguard measure to protect the chimney slab from damage caused by moisture. The way people protect the ceilings of their homes by waterproofing them, in the same way, waterproofing is done to save chimneys from water-related damage. It is done to stop the water coming through the ceiling located near the chimney. Waterproofing the exterior brick chimney is a crucial task to protect it from water damage and maintain its structural integrity. Here are the 7 steps to follow for the process of waterproofing the chimney: www.chimneysweep.com

4. Step 1: Inspect the Chimney Before starting the waterproofing process, it is essential to inspect the chimney to identify any damage or cracks that may need repair. Check for any missing or cracked bricks, damaged mortar joints, or other signs of wear and tear. Also, ensure that the chimney cap is in good condition and functioning correctly. Inspecting the chimney will help you determine the scope of work and necessary repairs. Step 2: Clean the Chimney Before applying any waterproofing material, clean the chimney to remove any dirt, debris, or loose mortar. Cleaning will also help in ensuring that the waterproofing material adheres properly to the chimney. Use a wire brush or power washer to clean the chimney thoroughly. Make sure that the chimney is completely dry before moving to the next step. www.chimneysweep.com

5. Step 3: Repair the Chimney If the inspection revealed any damage or cracks, repair them before applying the waterproofing material. Use appropriate mortar to fill in any cracks or gaps and replace any missing bricks. Ensure that the mortar is dry before proceeding with the waterproofing process. Step 4: Choose the Waterproofing Material There are various types of waterproofing materials available in the market, such as silicone-based, acrylic-based, and elastomeric coatings. Choose a waterproofing material that is suitable for the type of chimney and provides long-lasting protection against water damage. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before applying the material. www.chimneysweep.com

6. Step 5: Apply the Waterproofing Material Apply the waterproofing material to the chimney using a brush or sprayer. Ensure that you apply the material evenly and cover all surfaces of the chimney, including the cap and crown. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the number of coats required and the drying time between each coat. Step 6: Inspect the Chimney Again After applying the waterproofing material, inspect the chimney once again to ensure that there are no missed spots or areas where the material has not adhered properly. Touch up any missed spots or reapply the material to ensure complete coverage. www.chimneysweep.com

7. Step 7: Allow the Waterproofing Material to settle Allow the waterproofing material to settle completely before using the chimney. This may take a few hours or even a few days, depending on the type of waterproofing material and weather conditions. Ensure that the chimney remains dry during the settling down process. In conclusion, waterproofing the chimney is an essential maintenance task that helps in preventing water damage and preserve the chimney’s structural integrity. By following these 7 steps, you can ensure that your chimney is properly waterproofed and protected from water damage for many years to come. www.chimneysweep.com

8. The reasons for waterproofing the chimney: -> Chimneys take a beating due to different types of weather conditions and it mainly gets damaged due to moisture so waterproofing the chimney is an easy and cheap precaution compared to huge expensive repairs. -> The chimney can be brought down because of heavy moisture present in it, so one of the most important reasons for waterproofing it is to increase its lifespan. -> Chimneys are usually built from materials like brick and stone which absorb moisture easily due to which the water penetrates the ceiling and starts dropping into the house so it is important to waterproof the chimney. -> Another reason for waterproofing is when the chimney gets contact with moisture it gets damaged and that deteriorates the look of the house. -> In addition to that, the chimney loses its efficiency if it is not repaired frequently so waterproofing should be done every five years. www.chimneysweep.com

9. The best way to waterproof a chimney: The best is way is to hire a professional chimney sweep. One can do it by himself but it is better if an expert is hired for it. Some people think to save money by waterproofing themselves but this little saving can cost the whole chimney to be re-built so definitely it is recommended to hire an expert for it. There are plenty of products available in the market for waterproofing a chimney but it is very important to decide which suits best for your chimney. Products of some brands are quite expensive compared to others but they provide better quality too so in spite of being expensive one should go with the better-quality product. A product with poly siloxanes as one of its ingredients is preferred by many people because it doesn’t use solids to block the pores, instead it uses electrostatic charge due to which the outside water can’t come. This substance does not let the water come into the masonry but throws out the moisture if it’s already present in the bricks of the chimney. It’s recommended to waterproof brick chimneys more than once and that too by an expert who has immense knowledge about waterproofing chimneys. www.chimneysweep.com

10. How to waterproof the flashing of the chimney: The main reason for water leakage is the fault in the metal flashing presented between the roof and chimney. If this part is faulty the water keeps on getting leaked due to which the ceiling, roof and framing below get damaged severely. So it is recommended to waterproof this part as well. The use of substances such as ‘ChimneyRx Flashing Sealent’ is advisable by experts to waterproof the flashing of the chimney. This part should be waterproofed properly because this part is responsible for water leakage and deterioration of the ceiling and chimney of a house. The chimneys themselves could undergo serious damage if the flashing gets leaked. It is suggested to hire waterproofing companies such as ‘A Step in Time Chimney Sweeps’ to get this work done as it could not be easy for an ordinary individual. We provide the best chimney waterproofing cost. Final Comments: It’s an important practice to follow the process of waterproofing the chimney twice a decade to increase its efficiency and life span and also to protect the ceiling from getting damaged due to water leakages. www.chimneysweep.com