Breathable, Professional-Grade Protection
Masonry & Chimney Waterproofing in Vermont & New Hampshire
Brick and mortar are porous by nature — they absorb water readily, which is fine until that water freezes. In a typical New England winter, the repeated freeze-thaw cycle is one of the most common causes of chimney deterioration: water gets in, expands when it freezes, and gradually breaks down the brick and mortar from the inside out. Over time, that adds up.
Waterproofing is one of the most straightforward ways to slow that process down and protect what you already have. Chimney Savers applies professional-grade chimney and masonry waterproofing treatments across Vermont and New Hampshire — breathable formulas that keep liquid water out without trapping internal moisture inside the masonry. It's a simple service that makes a real difference in how well your chimney holds up year after year.
Why Professional Chimney Waterproofing Matters
Not all waterproofing products are created equal, and using the wrong one can actually trap moisture inside the masonry and accelerate damage. What we use is specifically formulated for chimneys — penetrating the surface to provide real protection without affecting the way the brick naturally breathes.
Interrupts the Freeze-Thaw Cycle
By keeping water from saturating the brickwork, a quality waterproofing treatment reduces the internal pressure that causes bricks to crack and flake during cold weather — which is one of the most common sources of chimney wear in this climate.
Lets the Masonry Breathe
The formulas we use are vapor-permeable. That means liquid water can't get in from the outside, but moisture from inside the chimney can still escape outward the way it should — which matters for long-term masonry health.
Prevents Salt Staining
Keeping water out of the brick stops it from drawing minerals to the surface — which means less of the white, chalky staining that appears on the exterior of older chimneys.
Extends the Life of Previous Repairs
If you've recently had repointing, crown work, or other masonry repairs done, waterproofing protects that investment by sealing the new work against moisture before it has a chance to wear down.
Trusted by Your Neighbors
I paid for waterproofing on Wednesday. They happened to be in the area and got it done without me ever even noticing on Friday. That's 5 stars. Solid masonry repair too. They'll be replacing my chimney liner and I completely trust it'll be a smooth, professional operation. Great work.
Joshua Rivard
Not sure if your chimney needs waterproofing?
Here are the most common signs your masonry could use some protection.
Bricks That Stay Damp After Rain
If your chimney stays noticeably darker and wetter for days after a storm while the rest of your roof has already dried out, the masonry is absorbing more water than it should.
Moss or Lichen on the Mortar Joints
Moss, mold, or lichen growing in the joints means those areas are staying consistently damp — which speeds up deterioration over time.
Damp Spots on Interior Walls or Ceilings
Water stains or discoloration on the walls or ceiling near your fireplace can sometimes trace back to moisture working its way through the chimney masonry.
White Chalky Staining on the Brick
Those streaky white deposits on the chimney exterior are a reliable indicator that water has been actively moving through the masonry and leaving minerals behind on the surface.
Spalling or Flaking Brick Faces
Thin flakes or small chunks of brick face showing up on your roof or in the yard usually mean freeze-thaw damage is already underway inside the masonry.
Our Masonry and Chimney Waterproofing Process
Waterproofing only performs the way it should when the surface is properly prepared and the right product is applied correctly. We follow a careful process to make sure the treatment bonds effectively and provides lasting protection.
Inspection First
Before we apply anything, we inspect the chimney for open cracks, deteriorated mortar, or damage that should be addressed first. Waterproofing over a compromised surface won't hold up — so we make sure the masonry is in the right condition before we start.
Surface Preparation
We clean the brick and mortar thoroughly — removing dirt, biological growth, and any surface staining — so the waterproofing can penetrate properly into the masonry rather than sitting on top of it.
Fixed-Price Proposal
You'll receive a written proposal with the full scope and cost before we schedule the application. Clear, honest pricing — no surprises.
Professional Application
Using low-pressure equipment, we apply commercial-grade waterproofing from the top of the chimney down, saturating the masonry evenly for consistent coverage throughout.
Final Review & Walkthrough
We inspect the coverage before wrapping up and walk you through what was done. We'll explain what to expect going forward — including how long the treatment is designed to last and what to watch for down the road.
Regional Expertise
Expert Masonry Waterproofing & Chimney Waterproofing Across Vermont & New Hampshire
Our crews apply masonry waterproofing throughout Vermont and New Hampshire, most often as part of a larger chimney repair project or as a standalone protective treatment for chimneys in sound condition. Vermont's climate, with its combination of heavy precipitation and hard winters, makes chimney waterproofing more valuable here than in nearly any other region.
We regularly serve homeowners in Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, Stowe, Randolph, Lebanon, Hanover & Claremont, along with dozens of surrounding towns in both states. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, just reach out.
Ready to protect your chimney before the next winter?
Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vapor-permeable waterproofing and why does it matter?
Vapor-permeable waterproofing keeps liquid water from penetrating the masonry surface while still allowing moisture vapor that's already inside to escape. This matters because masonry chimneys always contain some moisture, and if you seal them with an impermeable product, like exterior paint or a standard concrete sealer, you trap that moisture inside. When it freezes, it expands and causes the same kind of spalling and cracking you were trying to prevent. The right chimney waterproofing product lets the masonry breathe while stopping liquid water at the surface.
Can I waterproof a chimney that already has cracks or mortar erosion?
Not effectively. Waterproofing is a protective treatment for masonry in sound condition, it reduces water absorption, but it doesn't bridge active cracks or compensate for missing mortar. If your chimney has cracked mortar, spalling brick, or a damaged crown, those repairs need to happen first. We assess condition at the estimate stage and won't recommend waterproofing over a chimney that first needs structural repair.
How often does chimney waterproofing need to be reapplied?
Most professional-grade chimney waterproofing products are rated for 10 years of protection under normal conditions. In heavy-weather exposures or on chimneys that see significant moisture load, the protection may need to be renewed sooner. Your annual chimney inspection is a good opportunity to check the waterproofing's effectiveness.
Is chimney waterproofing the same as painting the chimney?
No, and this distinction matters. Exterior latex or masonry paint is not vapor-permeable and should never be used on a chimney. Paint forms a surface film that traps moisture vapor inside the masonry. Over time, this causes spalling, cracking, and accelerated deterioration. Professional chimney waterproofing products penetrate the masonry and repel liquid water while remaining vapor-open.
When is the best time to waterproof a chimney in Vermont or New Hampshire?
After chimney repairs are completed is an ideal time. Waterproofing newly repointed or repaired masonry protects the fresh work and significantly extends the life of the repair. Beyond that, any time the masonry is in sound condition and temperatures are above freezing is a good window. Spring through fall are the most common times we schedule waterproofing projects in this region.