subject: What Exactly Are You Applying To Your Chimney? [print this page] Without a doubt, chimneys are the most susceptible masonry surface on your entire home to damage from water. Freeze-thaw damage is magnified since the chimney projects so high above the roof line. There is no shelter for the chimney, so taking steps to prevent damage before you are faced with pricey repairs is absolutely necessary. The Brick Industry Association states that chimneys require special attention and maintenance for such prevention, and ChimneySaver Solvent Base Water Repellent is formulated specifically to battle the elements chimneys face.
This product by ChimneySavers has been used for nearly twenty years by brick and masonry professionals due to the high quality of its formula. The aspect that sets apart this water repellent from the rest is the fact that it is a vapor permeable formula. It will not trap water vapors that are always present in the brick, like other sealants. If the water vapors are trapped inside the brick, as they expand and contract due to freezing and thawing, the face of the brick is likely to pop off or cracks will occur. This solvent based formula is indeed vapor permeable but still provides unmatched protection against water damage for your brick. According to ASTM tests run at the University of Wyoming, it reduces water penetration into the brick by 99.9%.
ChimneySaver Water Base Water Repellent is another version of ChimneySaver water repellent. This water repellent is water based, meaning that it has been specially formulated for use on brick that has never been treated before. Since this formula's base is water, it is less effective on surfaces that have been treated by other water repellents in the past and works at its maximum efficiency on surfaces never before treated. If the surface you are working with has ever been treated before with another sealer or water repellent, the Solvent Base Water Repellent is the best choice for you. This sealant will effectively penetrate brick that has been treated with water repellents in the fast due to its mineral spirit base, but it will work just as effectively as brick that has never been treated before at all. Either one of ChimneySaver's Water Repellents are each formed specifically to prevent the deterioration of your brick on the chimney, meaning it is the most durable formula on the market.
Expect for the product to cover approximately 90-150 sq. ft. per gallon. It is available in 3, 5, 30, and 55 gallon containers giving you flexibility that matches the size of your project. You must apply ChimneySaver Solvent Base Water Repellent in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and allow at least two hours of drying time. Allow for six hours of time to completely cure before rainfall. The recommended application is with a pump sprayer, and cleanup is easy requiring only soap and water.
