The short answer
Chimney waterproofing seals your masonry chimney against rain and snowmelt with a breathable water repellent, after any cracks, crown or flashing problems are repaired. It helps slow brick spalling, mortar loss and interior leaks, and it works best when the chimney is inspected first so the real source of water is found.
Brick and mortar look solid, but they soak up water like a sponge. Every rain, snowmelt and freeze-thaw cycle pushes moisture into the masonry, and over time that water cracks mortar joints, flakes brick faces, rusts dampers and stains ceilings. Chimney waterproofing from EverHearth Chimney Service stops that cycle. Our certified technicians find where water is getting in, fix what needs fixing first, and apply a vapor-permeable water repellent that keeps rain out while letting trapped moisture escape. We serve homeowners in Staten Island and nearby communities. The work is done from the roof, with a careful check inside your home so we can see what the water has already touched.
Signs you need it
Water damage in a chimney usually shows up slowly, and much of it happens where you can't see it. These are the signs homeowners most often notice before calling us. Any one of them is a good reason to have the chimney looked at before the next wet season.
- White, chalky staining on the outside brick, which is mineral residue left behind as water moves through the masonry
- Small brick flakes, crumbled mortar or debris collecting in the firebox
- Water or damp spots in the firebox, or rust on the damper or fireplace doors
- A musty or strong creosote smell from the fireplace, especially on humid or rainy days
- Brick faces popping off or mortar joints that look sandy or recessed
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall next to the chimney
What's included
Waterproofing only works if the water's way in is dealt with first. A repellent cannot seal an open crack in the crown or loose flashing, so every job starts with a look at the whole chimney. If repairs are needed, we explain them and give you the option before any repellent goes on.
- Inspection of the chimney exterior, crown, cap, flashing and mortar joints
- A check of the firebox, damper and visible flue for signs of water entry
- Camera inspection of the flue when we need to see damage inside it
- Cleaning the brick surface so the repellent can soak in evenly
- Notes and photos of cracks, failed mortar or flashing gaps that need repair
- Application of a vapor-permeable masonry water repellent to the exposed chimney
- A check of the chimney cap so rain and debris stay out of the flue
- A plain written summary of what we found and what we did
How our crew works on the roof and in your home
Most waterproofing happens outside. On the roof, the crew sets up safe access, cleans loose dirt and growth off the brick, and checks the crown for cracks and the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. The repellent goes on only when the masonry is dry enough to take it, so we watch the weather and may reschedule if rain is coming.
Inside, we protect your floors and furniture with drop cloths before we open the fireplace. If the flue needs sweeping before a camera inspection, we use rotary brushes and run HEPA vacuums to keep soot and dust out of your living space. A camera lets us see cracked flue tiles, missing mortar or water staining inside the flue that can't be seen from the firebox. We clean up before we leave.
The standard we follow
We follow the NFPA 211 standard, which calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected once a year. Chimney professionals use three inspection levels. A Level 1 inspection fits when nothing about the system has changed. A Level 2 inspection is used when something changes, such as a new appliance or a switch of fuel, or when the home is sold. A Level 3 inspection is needed when a hidden hazard can only be reached by opening part of the chimney or building.
Water problems sometimes come from inside the flue, not just the rain. When a New York City building converts its boiler from oil to gas, the chimney has to be evaluated as part of the work, and a new liner is often needed because gas exhaust produces acidic condensate that can corrode a masonry flue. If your home has made that switch, we'll check for it.
What affects the price
Every chimney is different, so we quote after we've seen it. The main things that change the scope of the job are listed below.
- Chimney height, roof pitch and how easy it is to reach safely
- The size of the chimney and the number of flues it holds
- The fuel the chimney serves, such as wood, oil or gas
- The condition of the brick, mortar, crown and flashing
- Whether the flue needs sweeping before it can be inspected
- Whether a camera inspection is needed
- Whether repairs like repointing, crown sealing or flashing work come first
How a visit works
You tell us what you've noticed and we set a time, keeping an eye on the forecast since the masonry has to be dry. The technician starts with an inspection, shows you what was found, and explains whether the chimney is ready for waterproofing or needs repairs first. Once you approve the work, the crew cleans and treats the masonry and tidies up. Many homeowners schedule this before New York City's heat season, which runs from October 1 through May 31, so the chimney is ready before winter.