Month: October 2025

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While most homeowners think about protecting their homes from water damage, the roof, gutters, and foundation are usually at the top of their list. However, one area that is often overlooked is the chimney. It’s assumed that because the chimney is made of bricks or stones, it’s naturally durable and waterproof, but that’s not the case, and it’s one of the most common (and costly) myths in home maintenance.

Here we debunk some of the biggest myths about chimney waterproofing and tell you why it’s one of the smartest and most cost-effective preventive steps you can take to protect your home.

Myth 1: Brick and Mortar Don’t Let Water In

This is the big one, the most common myth about bricks and mortar is that they’re impervious to water. After all, they’re strong and heavy, so how could moisture possibly get in? Simple. Masonry materials are porous by nature.

Brick and mortar absorb water like a sponge, especially when exposed to rain, snow, and the freeze-thaw cycle year after year. Over time, that moisture seeps deeper into the structure, leading to problems like:

• Efflorescence, a white, powdery salt deposit.
• Crumbling mortar joints.
• Spalling bricks.
• Mold and mildew growth inside the chimney.

Even a tiny amount of trapped moisture can wreak havoc in the chimney and lead to costly repairs as it breaks the mortar away from the inside out. Waterproofing the chimney helps seal the pores and prevents water from entering in the first place.

Myth 2: A Chimney Cap is Enough Protection

Chimney caps are essential for keeping rain, debris, and animals from getting in. But they’re not a complete waterproofing solution. Caps do shield the top of the flue, but they don’t protect the exterior masonry or the mortar between the bricks.

Think of the cap as an umbrella. It blocks direct rain from entering but doesn’t stop moisture from soaking into the chimney’s sides during heavy storms and driving winds, or when snow piles up against it. For maximum protection, you need a breathable waterproofing product applied to the structure, not just a metal cover at the top.

Myth 3: Waterproofing Traps Moisture

You’d be surprised by how many homeowners don’t want to waterproof their chimneys because they think water will get trapped inside and make things worse. That can happen if the wrong kind of product is used.

A proper chimney waterproofing treatment uses a vapor-permeable sealant. This means it repels liquid water from the outside while allowing water vapor from inside the chimney to escape. Think of it like a breathable raincoat. It prevents moisture from entering without sealing in condensation.

Using the wrong kind of coating, such as paint or non-breathable sealer, can indeed lock in moisture and accelerate deterioration. That’s why chimney waterproofing should always be done by a trained professional who uses products designed explicitly for masonry chimneys.

Myth 4: Waterproofing is Only for Damaged or Old Chimneys

Another common belief is that only older chimneys need waterproofing. In reality, every chimney, regardless of how old it is, can benefit from water protection.

New chimneys are just as vulnerable to water absorption as older ones, and sometimes even more because modern mortar can be softer and more porous than older mixtures. Waterproofing is a preventive measure that can significantly extend your chimney’s lifespan.

Myth 5: Waterproofing Isn’t Worth the Cost

Many homeowners believe that waterproofing is an unnecessary expense or a marketing ploy by chimney companies to increase profits. But, compared to the cost of major chimney repairs, it’s one of the most affordable things you can do.

Repairing water-damaged brickwork, rebuilding a chimney crown, or addressing leaks that spread to your interior walls can cost thousands of dollars. And if you develop mold as a result? That’s another costly headache. Modern waterproofing is relatively expensive and typically lasts up to 10 years before you need to reapply.

Stop Moisture and Save Your Chimney!

Contact Northeastern Chimney today to ask about our chimney waterproofing or other chimney services. We proudly service customers throughout Central CT, and all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties.

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Many of us are sorry to see the summer go. Although living in New England, we look forward to the changing seasons; each has its own special details. As you pack away your swim toys and get your garden ready for the winter, don’t forget about your chimney. Professionals suggest that an annual Chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. 

When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. Taking care of any repairs early will cost you much less than waiting until the damage increases. 

What Can I Do To Get My Fireplace Ready For The Upcoming Season?

• Clean out the firebox – Carefully sweep out the accumulated ash. This task should be done after every couple of fires. When cleaning out the firebox, use a metal bucket and shovel.Wait 24 hours before attempting to clean it out to ensure the ash has cooled. Bring the bucket outside, away from any buildings. Use the ash in your garden.
• Go outside, take a look at your chimney from the outside. Note any signs of wear. A professional should address cracks or missing masonry. 
• Clear any overhanging trees or shrubs around your fireplace. Check near the crown as well. Wind can cause damage if trees are left too close to the chimney.
• Check for obstructions. During the summer months, small animals, debris, leaves, and twigs can get caught up in your chimney. This can cause a chimney fire.
• Observe the chimney cap, flashing, and crown. It may be difficult to see completely, but if something looks cracked, missing, or dislodged, note this and bring it to the attention of our technician.
• Check the batteries on carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. It is advisable to change the batteries when you turn the clocks back in the fall.

Not everyone is handy, and cleaning the fireplace is a messy job. That is why Northeastern Chimney is here for you. We hire qualified technicians, so you don’t have to worry about the yearly maintenance. 

Chimney Inspection and Sweep – What to expect.

• Sweep – You can expect our professionals to clean out the firebox. Any leftover ash or spent wood would be taken away. We will use a vacuum to clean this area. Removing the ash will eliminate any smells that come with any moisture in the air. Our technicians will use a brush to brush away any creosote that has collected along the chimney liner as well. 
• Inspection – When our team arrives, we will inspect the inside and outside of your chimney. We are looking for cracks and missing masonry. We will check for any water damage. Once our inspection is complete, our technician will give you a comprehensive evaluation and any suggestions regarding any repairs if needed.
• Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified.

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Welcome to the Chicagoland area, the perfect weather conditions for the Freeze-Thaw cycles on your chimney. The Freeze-Thaw cycles put constant stress on the chimney with the expansion and contraction of the bricks and mortar. But why is Superior Chimney talking about it now? To get you ready for the changing and fluctuating temperatures, the exterior chimney needs to be checked now. Depending on how the weather holds up, you may only have until mid-late November where any repairs can be done before it gets too cold.

Getting Ready for the Cold, Dry and Wet Weather

We live in a wet, humid, cold and hot place. It’s inevitable that we’re going to experience the Freeze-Thaw cycle on your chimney. How does it work? When moisture makes its way into the smallest cracks or hairline cracks in the mortar joints, it can just sit there…and nothing will happen. Until the temperatures begin to drop below freezing or 32 degrees. That trapped water turns to ice.

Water expands when it freezes. This means that when it does, it will push the mortar and brick creating and widening cracks. When the weather begins to warm up, the ice will melt exposing the cracks and loosening of the bricks from the mortar. If repairs are not made at this time, the Freeze-Thaw cycle will repeat again causing the bricks and mortar to continue its separation and additional damage such as flaking or crumbling will begin. This will cause the structural integrity of the exterior of the chimney to weaken.

What Happens if the Chimney Weakens?

If the chimney weakens you can be sure that the mortar joints deteriorate, the bricks or stones will begin to shift, which means they will become loose. Most importantly, it will continue to get worse as water will make its way inside of the chimney and even your home. Tuckpointing not only makes the chimney look nice, it is serving a very important purpose. It is protecting your home from damages. By keeping the mortar sealed and weatherproofed before winter makes its way into Chicagoland, you can prevent costly repairs down the road.

Waterproof the Chimney

Waterproofing the chimney extends the life of the exterior chimney. Once your chimney has been swept and inspected by a Superior Chimney certified masonry expert, get any recommended repairs completed (if any). Next, we will apply a waterproofing agent directly onto the bricks and mortar to help prevent the bricks from flaking and mortar from absorbing water. Once completed, the waterproofing formula will last for 8 to 10 years. Now your chimney will be protected when the Freeze-Thaw cycle on your chimney begins this winter.

Contact Superior Chimney today to get the chimney swept, inspected and waterproofed for a safe and dry winter. Contact us at 877-244-6349.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net

As the weather begins to cool, Superior Chimney has received calls asking if tuckpointing the chimney should be done now, or if it can wait until Spring. That’s a great question. If this a homeowner is asking, then there are other homeowners that are unsure as well. So, let’s address tuckpointing the chimney and the importance of the mortar between the bricks or stone.

What is Tuckpointing the Chimney?

Tuckpointing the chimney is a skilled process of removing mortar that has deteriorated or fallen out from between the bricks and replace it with new mortar in order to restore the strength and endurance of the structure while preventing further damage to the chimney.

Seems like an easy DIY project? Not so fast. The job is more than just filling in cracks or missing spaces. Because these workers are highly skilled, they can easily spot underlying issues that are the cause or contributing cause to the problem. In addition, simply mixing the mortar is like being a master chef. The consistency needs to be perfect. If not, you’ve just added to your problem.

Why is Waiting Until Spring a Costly Choice?

Furthering the damage. Tuckpointing the chimney saves the structure from increased damage. What are those damages? Let’s take a further look.

• Water leaks: This is where DIY isn’t so DIY. Skilled masonry professionals are looking not just for the obvious cracks where visible space is apparent, they are also searching for hairline cracks in certain areas and bond breaks. You may look at it and say, “eh, it should be fine.” When in reality, any imperfections are a weak area for water to get inside of the structure, compromise the integrity of the structure and begin finding its way down and into your home. You won’t notice that single drip. But you will sure notice when that single drip turns into a real sound in your home. That means it has had plenty of time to mature.
• Chimney collapse! Seems a bit dramatic. When something such as a chimney is high up on the home, how often do you make it a point to view its condition. Exactly. Occasionally to never. And that’s okay, that is what Superior Chimney is here for. Do the things that are not so top of mind and obvious.

When mortar begins to weaken, cracks will form and pieces of the mortar will begin to fall out. Every deterioration will act a bit differently. It may be where the mortar separates from the bricks and a good storm later, the chimney leans to the side, some of the bricks may fall out or it can crumble all together. But because we know you’re not that type of homeowner, (or you wouldn’t be reading the article) it shouldn’t get that far.

• Mold and Odors: We all know that black stuff that appears in our bathroom and shower. That’s mold. It occurs when moisture is constant and it gets trapped. Same thing with old food in containers in the refrigerator. It’s no different for the chimney.

Mold will grow in the chimney because of lots of moisture from water leaks, high humidity often found in the Chicagoland area, and condensation buildup. Now mix that with dust and debris from the outdoors, and you have a wonderful mix of mold and nose aversion smells.

Next Steps to a Healthy Home and Dry Seasons What to do to Avoid the damages done to the chimney? Be sure to contact Superior Chimney today in order to get your exterior chimney inspected. At the same time, we can sweep and inspect the interior chimney as well as the chimney flue to ensure it maintains a healthy fire-worthy condition. Call 877-244-6349 to make an appointment with a certified, highly skilled technician.

This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net