Repair and restoration

Chimney waterproofing

Michigan masonry freezes and thaws all winter, and water is behind a lot of the chimney damage we see. We'll show you what is happening on yours and go over the options.

Chimney crown coated with white sealant, seen from above

How it works

  1. We find where water is getting in

    The crown, the cap, the flashing and the mortar joints come first. Waterproofing won't stop water coming through a cracked crown.

  2. We fix what needs fixing first

    If the joints or the crown need work, that gets quoted before anything else.

  3. We apply the water repellent

    A breathable water repellent made for masonry, applied to clean, dry brick.

What chimney waterproofing is

Chimney waterproofing is applying a water repellent to the chimney masonry to help keep water out of the brick.

When it makes sense

Waterproofing goes on sound masonry. On a chimney with failing mortar joints or a cracked crown, water keeps getting in around them, so those get repaired first.

What it won't do

It won't hide damage that's already there. Applied properly, it doesn't change how the brick looks.

What goes into the price

Every chimney is different, so this work is priced after we have looked at yours.

  • The size and height of the chimney.
  • Whether the brick needs cleaning or repairs before the repellent goes on.

Before and after

  • Split-face block chimney with a lichen-stained, weathered crown and an uncapped square clay flue
    Before
    The same chimney crown coated with white sealant, seen from above
    After

    Before: Stained, weathered crown and no cap. After: Crown coated and sealed.

  • Brick chimney with a lichen-covered crown, two clay flue tiles and rusted flashing
    Before
    The same brick chimney with a coated crown, flue covers and new black flashing
    After

    Before: Lichen on the crown and rusted flashing. After: Coated crown, flue covers and new flashing.

Questions

More in questions and answers.

How do repair quotes work?

Repairs start with an inspection. We show you what we found, go over the options, and send you a written quote. Nothing starts until you've approved the quote.

Can you give me an estimate from pictures?

Yes. Send us pictures of your chimney and we can give you a rough idea of what the work involves. Any estimate from pictures is preliminary and is not a final price until we visit the property and inspect the job in person.

Do you always recommend the biggest repair?

No. Sometimes a chimney needs a major repair. Other times a smaller targeted repair can solve the problem and save the homeowner significant money. Knowing the difference comes from experience.

Related services

  • Yellow scaffolding built up the side of a tall red brick chimney on a two-story house

    Masonry repair and tuckpointing

    Crumbling brick, failed mortar joints, tuckpointing and partial rebuilds, matched to the house.

    Quoted after an inspection

  • Red brick chimney with a smooth mortar crown and a black mesh cap above a wooded backyard

    Chimney crowns

    Cracked and crumbling crowns repaired, or rebuilt when they're too far gone to patch.

    Quoted after an inspection

  • Chimney chase painted brown with a new stainless chase cover and cap on a shingle roof

    Chimney caps and chase covers

    Rusted chase covers replaced with ones that fit, and caps in standard and custom sizes.

    Quoted after an inspection

Book an inspection or cleaning

Pick a day and a 3-hour arrival window online. If you'd rather talk it through, call (248) 266-9991.

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