Chimney Waterproofing in Clearwater, FL

Chimney waterproofing is a penetrating water repellent applied to brick and mortar. The treatment soaks in and makes the masonry shed rain, while still letting moisture inside the chimney dry out. Waterproofing comes after any crown, cap, flashing or joint repairs.

A good breathable chimney water repellent often keeps working for several years. How long depends on the product, the brick and how much sun and rain the chimney takes; when water stops beading on the brick after a rain, the treatment is wearing off and can be reapplied.

Waterproofing is not required, but it helps on porous brick, chimneys that show white stains or spalling, and stacks that take wind-driven rain. On sound, dense brick with a good crown and cap it is optional. The inspection tells you which applies.

First stop the water at its source, usually the cap, crown or flashing. Then give the masonry dry weather and air movement to dry out, which can take weeks after a long rainy stretch; a breathable repellent goes on only once the brick is dry.

Rain soaks into porous brick and mortar on every exposed face, runs down the crown and tries to get past the flashing. A sound chimney sheds most of it. Cracks, a missing cap or worn joints let water reach the flue, damper and framing inside.

Yes, with a product made for stucco or a breathable coating suited to it. Cracks in the stucco have to be repaired first, because water entering a crack would be trapped behind the treated surface; rust stains or bulges usually point to a deeper repair.