We Offer ChimneySaver Waterproofing Services Near You for Protecting Your Chimney
Your chimney is particularly susceptible to the effects of weather (especially water) because it projects above the roofline, in a line of direct attack. Exposed to the elements year after year, masonry chimneys can begin to develop various types of deterioration and damage, from eroded masonry joints to degraded bricks and spalling (the peeling or chipping of layers of brick). Because of this, investing in waterproofing services with a chimney company near you is a must. Fortunately for those in the Greenville, SC, Blue Sky is here to help.
Are Old Chimneys More Susceptible to Water Damage?
Older chimneys, that have been bombarded by the elements for decades and decades, are much more susceptible to water damage, including spalling. The masonry materials (brick and mortar) used in chimneys is porous, and a certain amount of water will get absorbed even by brand new brick. However, as brick ages and breaks down, it absorbs water more readily and when it freezes and thaws, the bond between the mortar beds and the brick can break leaving small horizontal cracks in the structure. Additionally the outer layers (the face) of brick can flake and pop off.
To prevent this type of damage and prolong the life of your masonry, have your masonry treated professionally for water intrusion. This is sometimes referred to as “waterproofing.” Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps can help protect your masonry by applying ChimneySaver Water Repellent, a product we’ve used for many years with proven results. We stand by its ability to significantly protect masonry against water damage, by effectively reducing water infiltration by 99.9 percent.
What Kind of Damage Does Water Cause to a Chimney Over Time?
Water is the most persistent and damaging force a chimney faces, and the deterioration it causes rarely stays contained to one area. Left unaddressed, water infiltration works through the entire system in ways that become increasingly expensive to fix:
- Spalling and crumbling masonry. Water that penetrates brick and mortar expands when it freezes, breaking the masonry apart from within. Over multiple freeze-thaw cycles, this causes visible and structural deterioration throughout the chimney.
- Mortar joint erosion. Mortar is more porous than brick and breaks down faster under consistent moisture exposure, compromising the structural integrity of the chimney over time.
- Flue liner damage. A deteriorating liner is a serious safety concern, as cracks allow heat and combustion gases to reach surrounding building materials.
- Rusted components. Dampers, chase covers, and metal firebox components corrode when exposed to ongoing moisture, affecting both function and safety.
- Interior water damage. Moisture that enters through the chimney doesn’t stay there. It migrates into ceilings, walls, and framing, sometimes causing damage well beyond the chimney itself.
What Makes ChimneySaver Water Repellent Such a Great Product?
Masonry chimneys are made with porous materials for a reason — this allows vapors inside of the chimney to pass through the masonry, evaporating to the outside. Simply coating a masonry chimney with latex paint or some other type of “waterproofing product” (commonly called “sealants”) would trap those vapors inside, preventing the chimney from functioning properly (breathing) and leading to further damage.
Unlike other products on the market, ChimneySaver is a 100-percent vapor-permeable sealant that keeps water from getting into the chimney through the brick, but still allows moisture, that collects in the chimney from your home, to escape from the inside. The product is clear, so it won’t negatively affect the look of your masonry — in fact, it actually tends to make the brick color pop, making the chimney look even better. It also protects your masonry against mildew, fungus and stains, including efflorescence (the white powdery or crystalline deposits that you’ll see on some masonry chimneys).
We’re confident in this product, and ChimneySaver is confident enough to provide a 10-year warranty!
Does Waterproofing a Chimney Affect Its Ability To Breathe?
This is a common concern, and it’s worth understanding how professional-grade waterproofing actually works. Products like ChimneySaver are vapor-permeable, meaning they block water from entering the masonry while still allowing moisture that’s already inside the chimney to escape as vapor. That distinction matters significantly for long-term chimney health.
Standard sealants trap moisture inside the masonry, which can accelerate deterioration from the inside out. ChimneySaver is formulated specifically for chimney masonry to avoid that problem entirely. The result is a protected surface that repels rain and weather-driven moisture without compromising the chimney’s ability to release internal vapor.
When waterproofing is applied correctly by a trained technician, it adds a layer of protection without interfering with normal chimney function. It’s a meaningful difference from generic waterproofing products that aren’t designed with masonry performance in mind.
ChimneySaver Water Repellent Needs To Be Applied by Chimney Professionals
ChimneySaver Water Repellent is only available to chimney professionals, who are trained in proper application and safety measures. Inferior brands that you might see in hardware stores won’t provide the type of protection you get with ChimneySaver. Beware of products are only suitable for use on wood. Some products contain silicone additives that can actually harm your masonry chimney.
Let Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps protect your masonry chimney and “Bless Your Hearth” so that you can enjoy years and years of warmth. Call us today or click here to make an appointment!
Protect your chimney’s crown from water damage with the professional application of CrownCoat. This effective product is what we use and recommend here at Blue Sky Chimney Sweeps.