Chimney brick and mortar are porous and can absorb rain, snow, and other moisture. Over time, repeated water exposure can contribute to cracking, deteriorated mortar, spalling bricks, staining, and other masonry damage. Professional waterproofing helps reduce water absorption and protect the chimney from moisture-related deterioration.

Professional chimney waterproofing uses a masonry water repellent that penetrates brick and mortar and helps prevent exterior water from soaking into the chimney. The treatment should remain vapor-permeable so moisture vapor inside the masonry can still escape.

Masonry needs to be able to release moisture vapor. A breathable, vapor-permeable water repellent helps keep rain and snow from penetrating the exterior while allowing moisture vapor within the chimney to escape. This differs from non-breathable coatings that can trap moisture inside brick and mortar.

Waterproofing can help reduce one of the major contributors to spalling: excessive moisture absorption. When water enters masonry and repeatedly freezes and thaws, expansion can damage the surface of bricks. Reducing water penetration can help protect sound masonry from future moisture-related deterioration.

Water absorbed by brick and mortar can freeze when temperatures drop. Because water expands as it freezes, repeated Kansas freeze-thaw cycles can enlarge small cracks and contribute to crumbling mortar, spalling bricks, and other masonry damage. Waterproofing helps reduce the amount of water available to cause this type of deterioration.

Professional masonry water repellents are designed to protect brick and mortar without creating the glossy or painted appearance associated with some surface coatings. When properly applied, chimney waterproofing should preserve the natural appearance of the masonry.

It depends on the source of the leak. Waterproofing can help when water is being absorbed through porous masonry, but it will not repair a cracked crown, failed flashing, missing chimney cap, damaged chase cover, or severely deteriorated mortar. Existing defects should be identified and repaired as part of a complete water-protection plan.

Yes. Waterproofing is intended to protect sound or properly repaired masonry, not conceal structural or masonry defects. Cracked mortar, damaged bricks, crown problems, and other areas of deterioration should be evaluated and repaired when necessary before waterproofing is applied.

ChimneySaver Water Repellent is a professional masonry waterproofing treatment designed specifically for chimneys and masonry. It penetrates the surface to help protect against water infiltration while remaining vapor-permeable so trapped moisture can escape.

Yes. The area where a chimney meets the roof is another common location for water intrusion. Flexible flashing sealants such as FlashSeal can be used in appropriate situations to help protect the joint between chimney masonry, flashing, and roofing materials from water intrusion.

Waterproofing is not only for older chimneys. Once new masonry has properly cured and is suitable for treatment, professional waterproofing can help reduce future water absorption before moisture has years to contribute to deterioration. Older chimneys can also benefit after necessary repairs are completed.

Turn of the Century Chimney provides professional chimney waterproofing throughout Wichita and surrounding Kansas communities, including Andover, Derby, Bel Aire, Maize, Goddard, El Dorado, Park City, Valley Center, Augusta, Eureka, Winfield, and nearby areas. Our team can evaluate your chimney for existing water damage and determine whether repairs, waterproofing, flashing protection, or other moisture-control services are appropriate.