Why You Should Have Your Florida Chimney Waterproofed

One of the most frequent jobs that Florida chimney companies perform is resolving the damage caused by a widespread, neglected chimney leak. Water and chimneys don’t mix, and water that gets into a chimney can cause all kinds of problems. Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store does a lot of chimney leak repair in the Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, areas. We also do a lot of chimney waterproofing that helps to prevent the damage caused by a leaky chimney.

Waterproofing chimney masonry and crowns

Chimney waterproofing involves applying a specialized compound to the exterior surfaces of the masonry. The concrete crown at the top of the chimney can also be waterproofed. Chimney bricks, mortar and concrete often become cracked and start to crumble over the years. This opens them up to water intrusion.

Once inside the material, water will cause decay, often to the point that bricks fall away from the chimney, mortar joints deteriorate completely, and chimney crown concrete ends up with holes and gaps.

When this happens, water can move into the chimney system and cause damage to:

• Chimney liners
• Roofs, ceilings, walls and flooring
• Fireplace dampers
• Fireplaces and fireboxes
• Chimney masonry below the roofline

It’s not hard to imagine where all this can lead if the problem is neglected or not known about. In the worst cases, a major leak can be the initial cause of:

• A leaning or collapsed chimney
• A house fire
• The growth of dangerous mold that spreads throughout the home

How chimney waterproofing works

Depending on where you live, there are several preferred chimney water-repellant solutions used by chimney companies. Quality formulas adhere quickly and securely to chimneys and crowns, creating a barrier against incoming water and melting snow. But while the barrier protects against intrusion, it’s designed to allow naturally occurring moisture between it and the masonry or crown surfaces to escape. 

How to tell if your chimney masonry is leaking

Certain signs indicate that the masonry has been leaking for some time:

• Water in the firebox
• Spalling (flaking) or missing bricks
• Damp areas in the walls or ceiling near the fireplace
• Musty odors or visible leaks in the attic near the chimney
• A squeaky or hard-to-operate fireplace damper

There are also signs of leaks in their early stages that you should watch for:

• Small cracks in the chimney bricks or chimney crown
• Dusty, crumbling mortar between the bricks
• Efflorescence – white masonry stains caused by water leaching out salts
• Unseated or rusted flashing that seals the space between the chimney and roof

Schedule a chimney inspection to be sure

While you can visually inspect your chimney, only a licensed chimney inspector has the tools and experience to fully evaluate the condition of your chimney and all its parts and components.

An annual chimney inspection will look for leaks and other types of damage and malfunction in the overall chimney system. And remember: if you spot obvious signs of chimney trouble on your own, don’t wait for your next scheduled inspection. Call and get a technician out to your home immediately.

We know how to solve chimney problems

Doodlebuggers is ready to help with chimney waterproofing and leak repair, chimney sweeping, general chimney repairs and qualified chimney inspections. If you have problems, we have the right solutions. Speak with a Florida chimney expert by phone or reach out with our handy contact form.