Services / Chimney Caps & Waterproofing
Chimney Caps and Waterproofing
A properly fitted cap and a breathable water-repellent seal keep rain, animals, and debris out.
- Starts with
- Finding where the water gets in
- Weather
- Masonry must be dry before sealing
- Repairs first
- Cracks are fixed before brick is sealed
Keep the Rain Out Before It Does Damage
A chimney is an open hole in the roof with porous brick around it. Without a cap, rain falls straight down the flue. Without a water repellent, brick and mortar soak it up. Both problems are simple to prevent and much harder to fix once water has reached the inside of the house.
Signs Water Is Getting In
- Water or dampness in the firebox after rain
- Stains on the ceiling or wall near the chimney
- A musty smell from the fireplace
- Rust on the damper or fireplace doors
- Brick that stays dark and wet long after the rain stops
- Birds, squirrels, or nesting debris in the flue
- No cap, or a cap that is rusted or loose
Where Chimney Leaks Start
An open flue takes in rain directly. A fitted cap covers it and keeps animals and debris out.
Cracks in the concrete crown let water into the masonry below.
Where the chimney meets the roof, worn or lifted flashing lets water run down the outside of the chimney into the house.
Masonry absorbs water. A breathable repellent sheds rain while letting moisture inside the brick escape.
On framed chimneys, a rusted or sagging metal cover lets water pool and leak through.
How It Works
- We find the source.Your technician checks each leak point and shows you photos.
- You get a written estimate.It lists what will stop the leak now and what can wait.
- We do the work.Once you approve, we fit the cap, apply the repellent, or repair the leak point.
- We show you the result.You get photos of the finished work.
Before Your Visit
- Note where and when you see water, and whether it follows heavy or wind-driven rain
- Take a photo of any stains so we can compare later
- Move vehicles and plants away from the base of the chimney
- Tell us about any earlier leak repairs
What Affects the Cost
- The size and number of flues
- The cap material
- How much masonry is treated
- Roof height, pitch, and access
- Whether crown or flashing repairs are needed first
Cracks and failed joints have to be repaired before brick is sealed. Your estimate will say so if that applies.
Related Services
If the crown, flashing, or mortar needs repair first, see Chimney Repair & Masonry.
If you aren't sure where the water is coming from, see Chimney Inspections.
Common Questions
- Why does the water repellent need to be breathable?
- Brick holds moisture. A breathable repellent keeps rain out while letting that moisture escape. A sealer that traps it can damage the brick.
- Can waterproofing be applied in wet weather?
- No. The masonry has to be dry, so we schedule it for a dry stretch.
- Will a cap affect how my fireplace draws?
- A cap that is sized correctly for the flue should not hurt the draft.
- My chimney has a metal top, not a brick one. Does this apply?
- Yes. Framed chimneys have a metal chase cover, and a rusted or sagging one is a common source of leaks.
- Will waterproofing fix a leak?
- Only if porous brick is the cause. If the leak comes from the crown, flashing, or a missing cap, that has to be fixed first.
Serving the Greater Seattle and Puget Sound region.