What is chimney waterproofing and does it work?

When you have a chimney, it is important to make sure that it is always in good condition and to always perform frequent maintenance for you to be able to do repairs when necessary. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to make your home safe and secure for you and your family to live in.


Because your chimney is one of the parts of your house that is frequently exposed to harsh weather all year round, you may need to have it inspected every now and then. Your chimney defends your home from debris that can enter through the fireplace and is placed on your roof. In places with extreme heat, frequent rains, and harsh winds, one of the protection you can give your chimney is to have it waterproofed. This can make your chimney be more durable and can actually make it last longer.

What is chimney waterproofing?

Chimney waterproofing is the procedure that is done to your chimney to make it more resistant to moisture. Because chimneys are often made with porous materials such as brick and cement, it is actually expected to break, crumble, or spall over time especially in places with high humidity and frequent rains.


To lessen the damage that comes when chimneys are often subjected to moisture, waterproofing came up as a great solution to avoid damaging its structure. Most of the time, chimney waterproofing is ideally done by professional chimney contractors, however, you can also do it yourself if you have the time and energy to do so.


Waterproofing is usually applied using a sprayer with a fan-type nozzle. This will help in making sure that you are applying your repellant equally to the surface of your chimney and will balance the coats that you are spraying.

Benefits of waterproofing

If you are wondering if the procedure is worth paying the extra bucks, you may be thinking, “Does waterproofing my chimney have any real benefit?” To answer that question, yes, chimney waterproofing definitely works, and is actually worth spending money and effort on.



When you have your chimney waterproofed, as mentioned above, it can be super helpful for your chimney. Your chimney has many parts, such as the crown, caps, and flashing that are highly exposed to external forces. They will be the first parts to break down as they are placed on the roof of your home and are designed to protect your fireplace. When waterproofing is performed to these components, it can actually seal off its surface that will make it harder for moisture to seep through its pores and crevices.

Tips to know before waterproofing your chimney

Tip Number 1: When in doubt, think of the bigger picture (and for the greater benefit of your chimney)


Waterproofing does not cause too much of a dent in your wallet. With prices usually ranging from $150 to $800 when done by a professional, it will be worth the extra expense that you would probably use rather than spending a couple more than that amount for repairs and even replacement.


Tip Number 2: When you want to do the waterproofing on your own, make sure you are ready


If you want to do the waterproofing yourself to save up money for labor, you can certainly do so. Just make sure you have all the necessary materials and are actually prepared for the commitment as waterproofing can be an arduous and dangerous procedure, especially for beginners.


Tip Number 3: Do a proper inspection of your chimney


Before you begin your waterproofing, make sure to inspect your chimneys properly. You would not want to be surprised by other problems such as spalling and missing bricks that would need an immediate solution.


Tip Number 4: Do not rush in getting the waterproofing done


When you are done with the inspection and notice that some parts of your chimney may need repairs, it can be tempting to put off the fixing and still continue to waterproof your chimney. This will be a very unwise decision. If you will only dismiss the necessity of repairs, your waterproofing can be useless as it will still leak some water onto the parts that are damaged. This is why it is highly recommended by experts to have your chimney repaired before you do the waterproofing so that you will not waste your resources on something that you will have to redo.

Tip Number 5: Do not be afraid to consult the professionals


There are chimney professionals for a reason. If you don’t have the budget to have your waterproofing done by an expert, you can still hire them to do the chimney inspection and have them recommend the best water repellant for your chimney.

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