Chimney Waterproofing Near Me: Save Money & Prevent Chimney Leaks In Your Tulsa Home
As a homeowner, you know that some expenses can’t be planned for or avoided. But what about those that can? With Comfort Class’s chimney waterproofing services, you can avoid masonry and chimney damage. Book your next water repellent application near Tulsa today – reach out now.
Does Masonry Waterproofing Preventing Chimney Leaks?
Absolutely. In fact, we’ve been helping homeowners in Tulsa, Skiatook, and the surrounding areas prevent chimney leaks and save money for decades now, and we use a product that’s proven to work: ChimneySaver.
ChimneySaver water repellent is designed to provide a watertight, flexible membrane on masonry chimneys, without trapping moisture inside or altering the chimney’s appearance or structural integrity. Here’s why we love it – and why it’s the only product we trust when waterproofing our clients’ chimneys:
- It’s 100% vapor-permeable.
- It’s non-toxic.
- It’s not glossy, textured, or tinted.
- It’s mold-, mildew-, and algae-resistant.
- It’s environmentally friendly.
- It’s able to keep water out for a decade.
- It dries quickly.
- It’s proven to prevent efflorescence and staining, as well as the freeze/thaw process that’s so damaging to masonry.
- It’s made specifically for chimneys.
Can I Put Store-Bought Water Repellents On My Chimney?
This is something we advise against. This is a job that should be left to professionals using industry-grade solutions to ensure a full-coverage application.
Many waterproofing products and water repellents in the market simply don’t meet our high standards. Many are toxic and paint-based, and can actually trap moisture in the brick, causing even bigger problems. In addition, many alter the look of the chimney by leaving a sheen, texture, or tint to the chimney once applied.
And then there’s vapor permeability to consider. While some repellents can effectively block out moisture, they do it in a way that traps existing moisture inside. This encourages all those things that cause damage, like efflorescence, staining, freeze/thaw, mold/mildew growth, and algae.
In other words, many homeowners end up waterproofing with products they find at Lowe’s, Home Depot, or other big box stores, and unfortunately, a lot of these products can hurt more than they help.
Why invest money into a product that won’t actually do the job or that will end up trapping moisture in the brick and causing even more damage and deterioration? Instead, invest in a product that’s made just for your chimney.
How Often Should I Have My Chimney Waterproofed?
If you’ve recently had your chimney professionally waterproofed with a high-quality, vapor-permeable product like ChimneySaver, you should be able to trust that your chimney is well-protected for the long term – up to 10 years, in fact.
However, annual chimney inspections are important to ensure that the waterproofing is still effective. During an inspection, a professional can check for any signs of moisture damage or wear on the protective coating. If you notice any issues with your chimney’s performance or appearance, such as efflorescence, staining, or cracks, let us know.
Will Waterproofing Affect My Chimney’s Ability To Vent Properly?
When done correctly – in other words, when done by a professional with the appropriate products – waterproofing will not negatively affect your chimney’s ability to vent properly. In fact, it should actually enhance the efficiency of the chimney by protecting the masonry from moisture-related damage, which could obstruct airflow or cause blockages.
Conversely, if the waterproofing is done with a DIY approach using some type of store-bought product, venting can be affected negatively. These products aren’t designed for chimneys, and won’t allow the masonry to breathe. Therefore, moisture inside the chimney, as well as fumes and other vapors, can’t properly dissipate.
The team here at Comfort Class will ensure that the right product is used and that it is applied correctly and throughout the entire system. ChimneySaver doesn’t interfere with your chimney’s venting system, but still provides the protection it needs from the elements.
What Signs Should I Look For To Know if My Chimney Needs Waterproofing?
If you’re experiencing leaks or water damage throughout your masonry, there’s a good job it isn’t adequately protected. If you notice any of the following issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts.
- Cracks in the Masonry: Over time, moisture can cause bricks and mortar joints to crack. If you notice visible cracks in the masonry, it could be a sign that the chimney is absorbing too much water.
- Efflorescence: If you see white mineral deposits on the exterior of the chimney, known as efflorescence, it’s often an indication that moisture is seeping into the masonry and evaporating, leaving behind salts.
- Staining or Mold Growth: Dark streaks, stains, or mold growth on the chimney or surrounding areas are often a sign of water damage.
- Leaking or Dampness in the Home: If you notice water dripping inside your fireplace or any damp spots on the ceiling or walls near the chimney, it’s a strong indication that water is getting into areas it shouldn’t be.
- Freeze/Thaw Damage: In colder climates, freeze/thaw cycles can cause water to expand and contract inside the chimney, which leads to more cracks and deterioration.
- Missing Brickwork: If you notice missing or loose bricks around the chimney, it’s time to have a professional evaluate the situation before leaning or a collapse can occur.
- Crumbling Mortar: The mortar between the bricks may start to crumble and deteriorate due to prolonged exposure to moisture.
Can Waterproofing Prevent Chimney Leaks if My Chimney Already Has Existing Damage?
If your chimney already has cracks, gaps, or deteriorating mortar, waterproofing should be held off until repairs can be completed. In fact, applying waterproofing to a chimney that already has existing damage can exacerbate the issue by giving you a false sense of security – when more damage is only inevitable.
Why is this a must? A waterproof coating may not adhere properly to damaged areas, resulting in an incomplete and ineffective seal against water intrusion. In addition, the damage will continue worsening until a proper repair is done, meaning that, soon enough, you’ll be looking at some expensive repair work – work that could have been avoided with an easy fix months earlier.
Trust us to repair damaged mortar joints, replace cracked or spalling bricks, address damage to the chimney crown, and ensure proper installation and condition of the flashing before we apply our ChimeySaver water repellent to your masonry.
Remember: Chimney waterproofing is not a substitute for proper chimney maintenance and repairs. It is an additional layer of protection that should be applied after any existing damage has been addressed.
Call Today for Long-Lasting Chimney Water Protection & Courteous Service
If you’ve been wondering what you can do to protect your chimney and masonry against leaks and keep it looking wonderful and standing strong through the years, give Comfort Class a call today. We provide chimney leak solutions and prevention to homeowners throughout Tulsa, Owasso, Sperry, Broken Arrow, Skiatook, and more.
Reach out now and we’ll send an experienced, knowledgeable, and courteous chimney professional out to your home or business ASAP.
Need leak protection for your prefabricated fireplace? Ask about our chase cover installation services.