A breathable water repellent applied after repairs lets the masonry shed rain without trapping moisture inside.
Brick and mortar are porous. They soak up rain like a sponge, and in winter that water freezes and expands. That is the root of most chimney damage: spalling brick, crumbling mortar, white mineral deposits and stains inside the house. A good water repellent slows this process dramatically, and it is a smart finishing step after repairs.
The key is to use a product that is breathable. A coating that traps moisture inside the masonry can cause the very damage you are trying to avoid. We use penetrating, vapor-permeable repellents made for chimneys, apply them to clean, repaired masonry on a dry day and explain how long to expect them to last. Sealing works best as one step in a plan that also keeps gutters, flashing and the crown in good order, since keeping bulk water away does more for a chimney than any coating can do alone.
Masonry has to dry from the inside out. A vapor-permeable repellent lets moisture escape while keeping liquid water out.
We fix cracks, joints and the crown first. Sealing over open joints locks problems in rather than solving them.
The chimney must be clean and dry. We apply the repellent evenly and let it cure, with attention to weather and forecast.
Most repellents last several years. We note the date and the product so you know when to look again.
Drag the handle to compare.
BeforeAfterSheds rain, lets walls dry.
No sealing over damage.
Less water absorbed.
Proper cure.
See how it beads.
Know when to reapply.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Project situationLeaks and Water DamageWater finds every weakness in a chimney. Here is where leaks come from and how they are stopped.Learn more 
Material guideBrick and MortarBrick and mortar are the classic chimney materials. Here is how they work, wear and are repaired.Learn more 
Project situationOlder and Historic HomesOlder chimneys have soft brick, old mortar and no liner. They need a gentler approach and the right…Learn more Pick what you see or smell to learn what it may mean and how urgent it is.
You tell us about the chimney, fireplace or stove and what you have noticed, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We look closely at the chimney, inside and out, ask how you use it and take photos of anything of note.
We explain what is urgent, what can wait and what is optional, and give you a written scope and options.
We lay drop cloths, seal the firebox and protect the roof and landscaping before any work begins.
We sweep, repair or install with the right tools and materials, checking our work as we go.
We clean up, show you what we did, share tips and set a reminder for your next visit.
Some darken the brick slightly. We test a small area first.
People use the words loosely. A water repellent beads rain but still lets vapor out, which is what you want.
It depends on the paint. We advise after checking it.
Often several years, depending on exposure and the product.
No product does. It reduces absorption. Flashing, crown and joint problems still need repair.
Chimney Crown RepairCracked or crumbling crowns repaired or rebuilt with a sloped, overhanging top that sheds water away from the…Explore 
Tuckpointing and RepointingOld mortar joints ground out and refilled with matched mortar, so water stays out of the chimney and…Explore 
Chimney Flashing and LeaksLeaks around the chimney traced and fixed with step flashing, counterflashing and sealed masonry joints, so ceilings stay…Explore 
Brick and Stone Chimney RepairCracked, spalling and loose bricks and stones replaced and reset with matched materials, so the chimney looks original…Explore Tell us about the project and we will call you back to talk it through.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
