When it comes to protecting your masonry, many homeowners think waterproofing, sealing, and painting are all interchangeable ways to offer brickwork a protective coating. After all, as long as the sealant – whatever it is – keeps water out, isn’t that all that matters?
Eh, not exactly… In fact, painting or incorrectly sealing your chimney can actually lead to a lot of bigger problems down the line.
Why Is Painting Your Chimney Bad?
While it might seem like painting your chimney would protect it from the elements, it can actually cause more harm than good. Here’s the thing – painting does stop water from coming in. The problem is that it also creates a barrier that stops any moisture already inside from escaping.
It’s very important that your chimney can breathe (also known as vapor permeability), which is something professional-grade sealants ensure.
Not to mention, paint isn’t always very effective in terms of longevity. Over time, it can peel or blister as trapped moisture tries to escape. And once the paint fails, water can seep in through hairline cracks, making the damage worse.
What Is Vapor Permeability? Why Is This Important for Chimneys?
Vapor permeability is the ability of a material to allow water vapor to pass through it without letting liquid water in. It’s a critical property for chimney longevity because:
- Trapped moisture can freeze and expand in cold weather, leading to cracks, spalling (surface flaking), and structural damage – a process known as the freeze/thaw cycle.
- Trapped moisture can continue causing deterioration, even in the warmer months.
- Trapped moisture can encourage efflorescence (white mineral deposits), weaken mortar joints, and promote mold or mildew growth.
- Trapped moisture reduces the lifespan of the masonry, encourage weakness over time and a higher risk of premature breakdowns.
What Sets Professional Waterproofing Apart?
Professional chimney waterproofing goes beyond simply spraying a product on brick – it’s a process designed to ensure the chimney gets the right protection and that the treatment actually lasts.
First and foremost, before applying any products, the chimney technician will do an inspection, checking for cracks, deteriorated mortar joints, damaged flashing, or loose bricks, before applying any coating. This is vital! Waterproofing a damaged chimney won’t do anyone any good, and can quickly render the waterproofing job ineffective. Damage to chimney brickwork only worsens if not addressed, so get repairs done before any waterproofing products are applied.
Once any necessary repairs are administered, professionals clean the chimney with methods that remove dirt, moss, mildew, and efflorescence without damaging the brick. A clean surface ensures the waterproofing product bonds properly.
And of course, a chimney professional will always a vapor-permeable, silane/siloxane-based water repellent designed specifically for chimneys – not a generic sealer from a hardware store. This ensures breathability and long-term protection. They’ll apply the product evenly and at the proper coverage rate.
Best of all, many professional applications are backed by multi-year warranties, giving homeowners peace of mind that DIY methods rarely match.
Ready for Quality Protection?
When it comes to protecting your chimney, the difference between waterproofing, sealing, and painting isn’t just a matter of terminology…it’s the difference between safeguarding your masonry for years to come or unintentionally speeding up its decline.
Professional waterproofing allows your chimney to breathe, shields it from rain and snow, and helps prevent costly repairs caused by trapped moisture and freeze/thaw damage. And best of all…it lasts, so you’re not dealing with issues year after year. Don’t leave one of your home’s most important structures vulnerable. Schedule an inspection and professional waterproofing service with us today.