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Your chimney stands tall against everything Rhode Island weather can throw at it—rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds. But as tough as brick and mortar may seem, your chimney is vulnerable to one of the most damaging elements: moisture . Without proper protection, water can seep in, break down materials, and lead to expensive repairs. That’s where chimney waterproofing comes in.
At Local Chimney Services , we help homeowners across the state protect their chimneys from long-term moisture damage. Whether you’ve noticed signs of leaks or you’re just being proactive, waterproofing your chimney is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home.
Most homeowners don’t realize that bricks and mortar are naturally porous. This means they absorb water—especially during heavy rain or melting snow. Over time, moisture works its way into the structure of your chimney and causes serious damage that’s often hidden until it’s too late.
Here’s what chimney waterproofing helps prevent:
In cold climates like Rhode Island, absorbed water freezes and expands inside the masonry. This process causes bricks and mortar to crack, flake, and eventually fall apart. This cycle repeats with every freeze, accelerating deterioration.
Spalling refers to the visible flaking or crumbling of bricks on the surface. It’s one of the most common signs of water damage, and if ignored, it weakens the entire structure.
When moisture seeps into the chimney and reaches your attic or walls, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. This not only damages your home but also impacts indoor air quality.
Water doesn’t just hurt masonry. It can rust dampers, firebox components, and other metal parts of your chimney system. Over time, these parts become less effective or fail entirely.
If moisture gets into your chimney liner or the surrounding walls, you may start to see water stains on your ceilings or fireplace walls—especially after a storm.
By preventing water entry, waterproofing avoids these problems and extends the life of your chimney system.
Waterproofing doesn’t mean sealing your chimney with plastic or paint. In fact, using the wrong products can trap moisture inside the bricks and make the problem worse. That’s why professional waterproofing uses vapor-permeable sealants that allow your chimney to “breathe” while repelling rain and snow from the outside.
Here’s what the process typically looks like when you hire Local Chimney Services:
This process typically takes just a few hours but offers protection that lasts for years.
If you’re not sure whether your chimney needs to be waterproofed, watch for these signs:
Even if you don’t see any obvious signs of damage, older chimneys or those that haven’t been treated in the last 5–10 years are excellent candidates for waterproofing.
Most high-quality chimney waterproofing products are designed to last between 5 to 10 years, depending on the climate and condition of the masonry. In Rhode Island’s harsh winters and wet seasons, we recommend reapplying waterproofing every 5 years for maximum protection.
If your home is near the coast or exposed to heavy weather, more frequent maintenance may be necessary. An annual chimney inspection helps you stay on top of these needs and spot potential problems early.
While waterproofing your chimney’s exterior is essential, it’s also important to protect the top of the chimney. Two key components help do this:
During our inspection, we check these components and recommend repairs or replacements if needed. Waterproofing works best when your chimney is fully sealed from the top down.
At Local Chimney Services, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that moisture can do to chimneys. We help homeowners across Rhode Island prevent these issues with expert waterproofing solutions that stand up to the local climate.
Whether you live in Providence, Warwick, or one of the many coastal towns in the area, our team brings years of experience, top-quality materials, and trusted service to every job. We treat your home like our own—with respect, honesty, and attention to detail.
Moisture damage doesn’t happen overnight—but once it starts, it can move fast. Waterproofing your chimney is a smart, affordable way to protect your home’s structure, prevent costly repairs, and ensure your chimney lasts for decades.
Contact us today to schedule your chimney inspection and waterproofing service. We’ll make sure your chimney is sealed, secure, and ready for whatever the Rhode Island weather brings.
Chimney waterproofing involves applying a protective sealant to the exterior of your chimney to prevent water from penetrating the masonry. This is crucial for protecting the chimney from moisture damage, which can lead to costly repairs and deterioration over time.
Moisture damage in chimneys is typically caused by rain, snow, and ice entering the chimney structure. This can lead to rusting, cracking, and erosion of the masonry, as well as the growth of mold or mildew inside the chimney system.
Signs that your chimney may need waterproofing include visible cracks in the mortar or bricks, rust on the damper or metal components, water stains around the fireplace, or a musty odor indicating mold growth. If water is seeping into the chimney or home, waterproofing may be necessary.
Waterproofing your chimney helps prevent moisture from causing damage to the masonry, reduces the risk of rust and corrosion, and improves the longevity of your chimney. It also prevents the growth of mold or mildew and protects your home from potential water leaks.
Chimney waterproofing is typically done by applying a breathable sealant to the exterior brickwork and mortar of the chimney. The sealant allows moisture to escape while blocking water from entering, which helps maintain the integrity of the structure.
While some homeowners attempt DIY waterproofing, it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure proper application of the sealant. Professionals can assess the condition of your chimney and apply the waterproofing in the most effective way, reducing the risk of improper application.
The lifespan of chimney waterproofing depends on the quality of the sealant used, weather conditions, and the amount of exposure to the elements. Typically, chimney waterproofing lasts anywhere from 3 to 5 years before needing reapplication.
The cost of chimney waterproofing depends on the size of the chimney and the materials used for the sealant. On average, waterproofing can cost between $200 and $500, with more extensive treatments or larger chimneys costing more.
