Chimney Waterproofing Near Kansas City: Prevent Chimney Leaks & Water Damage By Working With Sleep Easy
Here at Sleep Easy, we want to make sure the chimneys of Kansas City stay stronger, more attractive, and in excellent condition, decade after decade – and we know that takes some effort and planning. What can you do to prevent leaks and water damage? Invest in chimney waterproofing services near you – we’re here to help.
What Is Chimney Waterproofing?
Simply put, waterproofing is the process of applying a special vapor-permeable sealant to the exterior of your chimney. The goal is to create a barrier that repels water and prevents it from penetrating the brick and mortar, while still ensuring your masonry can adequately breathe.
Why is waterproofing important? Because our chimneys face the beating rain, sleet, ice, and snow throughout the year, and all of this moisture can cause deterioration and decay in the brick and mortar joints. In fact, water exposure is one of the leading causes of chimney and fireplace damage.
The problem with masonry chimneys, especially, is that the brick and mortar are naturally porous, which means it absorbs moisture over time. The real problem occurs when this moisture in the brick freezes and thaws repeatedly. This freeze-thaw cycle creates immense pressure that can cause cracking, deterioration, and leaking quickly.
Masonry Waterproofing Near Me: What Is Vapor Permeability?
As masons, we know that masonry needs to be able to breathe and express vapor, but it also needs to be protected against water penetration if it’s going to last. Otherwise, you’ll see cracks, holes, and receding mortar joints, as well as discolored masonry and flaking brick along your chimney stack. That’s why vapor permeability is so important when waterproofing your masonry.
What does it mean to be vapor permeable? Being vapor permeable means a material allows water vapor to pass through it without letting liquid water in. In masonry waterproofing, this is important because it lets any pre-absorbed moisture escape from the masonry while still protecting it from rain and external water sources.
There are a lot of waterproofing sealants sold at home improvement stores and online retailers that claim to work great, but it’s important to use only those that have been approved for chimney applications. A sealant specifically designed for chimneys will be water repellent, but also vapor permeable. This allows moisture vapor from within the chimney to escape, preventing trapped moisture and potential mold growth problems.
Here at Sleep Easy Chimney Service & Repair, we trust ChimneySaver water repellent. This 100% vapor-permeable product was designed exclusively for masonry chimneys and is 99.9% effective in preventing moisture penetration.
What Is the Freeze/Thaw Cycle?
The freeze/thaw cycle is a process where water that has been absorbed into a material – like the porous bricks and mortar of your chimney – freezes, expands, then thaws, over and over again. This repeated expansion and contraction puts stress on the masonry, causing cracks, crumbling mortar, spalling bricks (where the surface flakes off), and eventually serious structural damage.
Here’s how the process tends to go:
- Water is absorbed into your masonry chimney materials – like your brickwork and mortar.
- Temps drop below freeze and the water inside the bricks freezes and expands.
- Cracking occurs because of the expansion happening inside of the masonry materials.
- Temps rise up again and the ice thaws out.
- More moisture enters the new cracks and crevices that formed during the last freeze.
- The process repeats, worsening the damage with every freeze/thaw cycle.
Why You Should Choose to Protect Your Chimney With ChimneySaver Water Repellent
While many store-bought waterproofing products offer some level of water repellency, ChimneySaver water repellent goes a step further. It’s a premium solution formulated to provide comprehensive protection for your chimney. Here’s how:
- It offers freeze/thaw protection, preventing quick deterioration.
- It combats mold, mildew, and fungus.
- It prevents efflorescence and staining.
- It maintains a natural appearance by not leaving a glossy look to your masonry.
- It carries a 10-year warranty, which means long-lasting protection and peace of mind.
- It’s environmentally friendly.
- It won’t trap or slow down vapor that’s produced when the chimney’s in use.
If you find yourself still on the fence about what is best for your chimney and fireplace, we would be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns.
Can You Waterproof the Chimney Crown & Chimney Flashing?
Now that you know how to easily and affordably protect the masonry of your chimney against leaks and water damage, what about the rest of your chimney? Is there a way to safeguard things like your chimney crown and your flashing?
You bet. We also waterproof chimney flashing using FlashSeal, as well as prevent water damage and water entry on chimney crowns using CrownSeal, CrownCoat, or CrownSaver. As long as you have a quality chimney cap installed as well, you should be able to cross chimney leaks and water damage off your list of worries for the next decade.
Sound like a good plan? We think so too. Give us a call to schedule your chimney waterproofing service today and get the peace of mind you deserve. You can also fill out our appointment request form online.
For Chimney Water Damage Prevention, Trust Us
Don’t let water damage threaten the safety or appearance of your chimney. With the right waterproofing solutions and expert application from the team at Sleep Easy, your chimney will be equipped to stand strong through Kansas City’s toughest weather.
Call today or fill out our online form to take the next step toward a safer, longer-lasting chimney.
If you need a new chimney cap installed, don’t wait to reach out. Chimney caps are a vital part of your leak prevention plan.