Chimney Crown Repair
Waterproofing works best alongside a sound crown — we repair and rebuild crowns as well.
View Crown Repair
Chimney Services
Chimney Waterproofing
Brick is porous by nature, which means it absorbs water unless it's protected. Waterproofing adds a breathable barrier that helps keep moisture out without trapping it in.
Why Chimney Waterproofing Matters
Brick and mortar naturally absorb water, and repeated soaking and drying, especially through winter freeze-thaw cycles, is one of the main drivers of masonry damage over time. Waterproofing treatments apply a water-repellent sealant to the exterior that causes water to bead and run off instead of soaking in, while still allowing the masonry to breathe and release any moisture that's already inside.
This is especially useful after other repair work. Once a crown, cap, flashing, or tuckpointing repair addresses the source of a leak, waterproofing the surrounding masonry adds an extra layer of protection against everyday weather exposure, helping that repair last longer.
When You Might Need This
- You notice white, chalky staining on the brick (efflorescence)
- The chimney has a history of recurring moisture damage
- You've just had masonry or mortar repair work completed
- The chimney gets heavy sun and weather exposure with no prior treatment
What Happens
We start by cleaning the masonry surface to remove dirt, efflorescence, and any loose material so the treatment bonds properly. Then we apply a breathable, water-repellent sealant designed specifically for masonry — not a film-forming coating that traps moisture inside, which can actually make damage worse. This is often recommended as a follow-up after repair work identified during a Level 2 inspection.
Breathable, Not Sealed Shut.
The right waterproofing treatment keeps liquid water out while still letting the masonry release moisture vapor — trapping water in is the wrong kind of protection.
Related Services
You Might Also Need
Chimney Leak Diagnosis
If you're seeing active leaks rather than general moisture wear, leak diagnosis finds the specific source.
View Leak DiagnosisAll Chimney Services
See the full list of chimney sweeping, inspection, repair, and waterproofing services we offer.
View Chimney Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Chimney Waterproofing Questions
No. Waterproofing protects masonry from general moisture absorption, but it isn't a fix for an active leak coming from a specific source like a cracked crown or failed flashing. Those need to be repaired directly; waterproofing is a protective step, often done afterward.
Most masonry water repellents last several years, though the exact timeline depends on the product used and how much weather exposure the chimney gets. We can advise on timing during a routine inspection.
A quality masonry water repellent is designed to be essentially invisible, preserving the natural look of the brick rather than leaving a glossy or filmy coating.
Ready to Protect Your Masonry?
Get a breathable waterproofing treatment applied — and ask about our $99 Level 2 inspection first.