Have you noticed signs that your chimney is taking on water? Are there leaks in parts of your Livingston, NJ, home that you believe originated in the chimney? Does your chimney smell bad and bother the people who live in the house?
These and other chimney issues can be resolved, in whole or in part, with chimney waterproofing. Approved Chimney has served Livingston, NJ, and all of Essex County, NJ, since 2012, providing chimney waterproofing, repairs, sweeping, and inspections.
Here are a few things you’ll want to know about having your chimney waterproofed.
How Does Chimney Waterproofing Work?
We use a specialized solution to coat every inch of your chimney’s masonry. The solution is clear, and the chimney won’t appear “coated.”
Sealing the chimney prevents rain and snow from reaching the vulnerable masonry. At the same time, naturally occurring moisture that forms on the bricks can escape through the sealant’s vapor-permeable barrier.
The job doesn’t take long, and it can literally save a chimney and add years to its life.
What Waterproofing Will Not Do
Chimney waterproofing is meant to protect a chimney. It’s not designed to solve problems that require repair work. If your masonry is cracked or crumbling, those issues need to be fixed before the sealant is applied.
This is important because damaged bricks and mortar will continue to degrade over time, whether or not additional water comes into contact with them.
Why Chimney Waterproofing Is Essential in Livingston, NJ
Livingston’s suburban setting, varying climate, and historic and modern home styles present unique chimney maintenance needs.
- Heavy Rain & Snowfall – Continuous moisture exposure leads to brick erosion, water intrusion, and chimney dampness.
- Freeze-Thaw Damage – Water inside chimney bricks expands and contracts, causing cracks, flaking, and structural instability.
- Efflorescence & White Staining – Many chimneys in Livingston develop white salt stains due to moisture retention.
- Moss & Algae Growth – The humid environment encourages moss and mildew growth, accelerating chimney decay.
- Deterioration of Mortar & Flashing Leaks – Water penetration weakens mortar joints and flashing, leading to leaks and instability.
The Dangers of an Unsealed Chimney
Every chimney technician will tell you that water is a chimney’s #1 enemy, especially in the Livingston, NJ, area and throughout greater Newark, NJ, where radical temperature fluctuations are the norm.
When water moves into masonry cracks or spaces where mortar has crumbled, it can freeze when the temperature drops. Then the water will freeze and expand, pushing against the inner masonry and causing further damage. Over the years, these freeze-thaw cycles can literally destroy a chimney and create a safety risk for your home and the people who live in it.
A chimney with compromised masonry can lead to water damage in many areas of the chimney and fireplace system:
- Chimney liner
- Interior masonry surfaces
- Fireplace damper
- Firebox
- Parts of the roof that abut the chimney
- Walls, ceilings, and flooring inside the home
Intruding water can also promote the growth of dangerous mold, often in areas the average homeowner won’t notice right away. Finally, a chimney full of moisture can produce some pretty offensive odors that filter into the home.
Call Your Livingston, NJ Chimney Waterproofing Professionals
Don’t wait until rain and snow have damaged your chimney or house. Take the proactive step of scheduling chimney waterproofing now.
When we arrive at your home, we’ll inspect your chimney and provide a report on any problems we may have found. If repairs are needed before we apply the sealant, we’ll make them.
After the job is finished, you’ll have a chimney that works as it should and is now protected from the damaging effects of our crazy New Jersey weather.
Give us a call to learn more about safeguarding your chimney. You can also get in touch through our contact form.
