Close-up of brick masonry and mortar joints

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Chimney · Chimney Waterproofing

Chimney Waterproofing in New Jersey

Water-repellent treatment for chimney masonry, applied after any cracks, open joints and damaged brick have been properly repaired.

NJ HIC #13VH12036000 | Serving homeowners across New Jersey from East Rutherford

  • Free inspection & estimateNo-cost first visit
  • NJ HIC #13VH12036000Registered Home Improvement Contractor
  • East Rutherford headquarters168 Humboldt St
  • Convenient online schedulingRequest online, then pick a time
Service Overview

What waterproofing can and cannot do

Brick and mortar are porous. They absorb rain, and in freezing weather that water expands and breaks the masonry down from the inside. A water-repellent treatment reduces how much water the surface takes in, which can help slow that cycle.

Masonry water repellents are generally designed to be vapor-permeable, so moisture already in the brick can still escape. Sealing a chimney with a coating that traps moisture can do more harm than good, which is why the type of product matters. Treatments are general options we can discuss, not a one-size-fits-all step.

Before any treatment, we look at the whole exterior of the chimney: the brick, the mortar joints, the crown and the flashing. Waterproofing is a final protective step, not a repair. In many cases the honest recommendation is to repair the chimney first and decide about treatment afterward.

Underlying damage comes first

A water repellent will not seal open mortar joints, cracked brick, a broken crown or failed flashing. Treating over those problems can hide them while water keeps getting in. If we find damage, we recommend repairing it first, letting new mortar cure, and treating the masonry afterward only if it still makes sense.

Common Problems

Signs water is getting into the masonry

These are the clues that suggest a chimney is absorbing more water than it should.

Efflorescence

White, chalky deposits left behind as water moves through the brick and evaporates.

Spalling brick faces

Brick surfaces flaking or popping off after freeze-thaw cycles.

Dark, damp patches

Areas of brick that stay darker long after rain has stopped.

Softening mortar

Joints that crumble when touched or wash out over time.

Moss or growth

Green growth on shaded faces where the masonry stays wet.

Peeling earlier coatings

Old paints or sealers blistering or peeling as moisture tries to escape.

Treat or Repair First

Ready for waterproofing, or repairs first?

Waterproofing works on sound masonry. Here is how we decide whether a chimney is ready for it.

Ready to treat

When treatment may be appropriate

  • Brick faces intact
  • Mortar joints full and sound
  • Crown and cap in good condition
  • Flashing sealed at the roof
Repair first

When repairs should come first

  • Open or eroded mortar joints
  • Spalling or cracked brick
  • Cracked or failing crown
  • Leaks traced to flashing

Factors that affect the decision

The condition of the brick and joints, whether the crown and flashing are sound, any existing coatings, and how exposed the chimney is to weather.

When further investigation is needed

Water repellents have limits. They reduce absorption at the surface but do not stop water entering through cracks, joints, the crown or flashing, and they wear over time. We explain what to expect from any treatment we discuss.

Our Process

How chimney waterproofing works

  1. Request

    Send the form with photos, or call or text us.

  2. Evaluate

    We look at the brick, joints, crown, cap and flashing.

  3. Repair plan

    If there is damage, we explain the repairs needed before any treatment.

  4. Estimate

    You receive a written estimate for repairs and treatment as applicable.

  5. Prepare & treat

    Once repairs are done and the masonry is suitable, the repellent is applied.

  6. Review

    We go over what was done and what to watch for.

Treatments need suitable dry weather and temperatures. Repairs may need time to cure first.

Materials & Options

Types of masonry water repellents

This is general information about common product types. Which, if any, suits your chimney depends on its condition.

Penetrating repellents

Products such as silane and siloxane types that soak into the masonry rather than forming a surface film.

Vapor permeability

The ability to let moisture vapor escape from the brick, which matters for avoiding trapped water.

Film-forming coatings

Paints and surface sealers that can trap moisture in masonry and are generally not suited to chimneys.

Crown sealants

Separate products meant for the top surface of the crown, used where the crown is sound.

Brick chimney on a home
Top of a chimney with a cap

We have not yet received Google reviews about chimney waterproofing specifically. These are genuine Google reviews about our work in general, including a roof leak repair.

“Monarch Construction did an excellent job repairing my roof. Since the work was completed, there hasn’t been a single leak—even after heavy rain.”

Excerpt
Klevi SeminiGoogle review · a year ago · Roof repair

“He was professional, honest, and explained the whole process clearly. The work was done efficiently and with great attention to detail.”

Excerpt
Christina MucollariGoogle review · 6 months ago · Roof repair

“They respond quickly. arrive on time, keep you informed and leave everything as they found it (maybe even better).”

Excerpt
Kathy B.Google review · a year ago · Repeat customer
Read More Google Reviews

Quoted from our Google Business Profile. Rating and count as of October 28, 2026.

Service Area

Chimney waterproofing in New Jersey

From East Rutherford we serve homeowners in all 21 New Jersey counties, depending on availability. Select your county or view our full list of service areas.

Headquarters

168 Humboldt St, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
(551) 241-0470 · monarchroofingnj@gmail.com

Service availability can vary by location and schedule. See all service areas.

FAQ

Chimney waterproofing FAQs

Will waterproofing stop my chimney leak?

Not on its own if the water is coming through cracks, open joints, the crown or flashing. Those need repair. Waterproofing reduces how much water the brick surface absorbs.

Why not just seal the whole chimney?

Some sealers form a film that traps moisture inside the masonry, which can make freeze-thaw damage worse. Breathable products are generally preferred for chimneys.

Can you waterproof a chimney with crumbling mortar?

We recommend repointing first. A repellent will not fill open joints, and treating over them can hide ongoing water entry.

How long does a water-repellent treatment last?

It depends on the product, exposure and conditions. We do not promise a specific lifespan; treatments wear over time and may need reapplying.

Will the treatment change how my brick looks?

Penetrating repellents are generally intended to have little visible effect, though results vary with the masonry. We discuss this before treatment.

Is waterproofing needed on every chimney?

No. It is an option, not a requirement. We tell you whether it makes sense once we have seen the condition of the chimney.

What about the crown?

The crown takes water directly and needs to be sound. Cracks are repaired first; a separate crown sealant may be an option on a crown in good shape.

Is the estimate free?

Yes. Evaluations and estimates are free.

Free Inspection & Estimate

Request Your Free Chimney Evaluation

Tell us about your project, upload photos if available, and choose your preferred inspection date and time.

Please note: preferred dates and times are requests until your booking is confirmed.

Prefer to talk? Call or text (551) 241-0470 or email monarchroofingnj@gmail.com.

Get Your FREE Inspection & Estimate

Get Your FREE Inspection & Estimate

Tell us about your project, and our team will contact you to discuss your free inspection and estimate.

Add a few pictures of the damage or area you need inspected. Photos help us understand your project before our visit. Up to 5 photos.

Safety first: Please do not climb onto your roof or enter unsafe areas to take photos.

Your preferred date and time are requests only. We will confirm availability before scheduling your inspection. For urgent emergencies, call or text (551) 241-0470.

We use your information only to respond to your request. Submitting this form does not sign you up for marketing emails or text messages.

Want to Protect Your Chimney Masonry?

Tell us about your chimney and send a few photos. We will check its condition first and give you an honest recommendation and a free estimate.