Starke chimney waterproofing, breathable

Test patch first, full coat second. Chimney waterproofing done to the maker's rules in Starke, with a free inspection.

Family owned and run
Free inspection first
100% satisfaction, guaranteed
Locally owned and operated

Call (352) 675-6366 Get a Free Inspection

Request a Free Inspection

Prefer the phone? Call (352) 675-6366

White bloom that returns after rain

Brushed off white powder from the chimney, only to see it return? That bloom is salt that water has dragged out through the masonry. It's a sign water is moving through the wall, and it has to be dealt with before any repellent goes on.

Tracing the water's path leads to the entry, and once that's fixed, the bloom comes off with a dry brush or a method that won't harm the brick. Sealing over it would trap the salts under the surface, where they do more damage. Once the wall is clean and dry, a breathable repellent can go on if it's still needed. Call our pros about the white bloom in Starke: (352) 675-6366.

Starke is one of the Bradford County places our pros cover. The 2020 Census tallied 5,796 residents for Starke.

What's Included

Before and after the repellent goes on

Glass, trim and plants masked and covered
Efflorescence brushed off before treatment
Application scheduled for a dry forecast
Product and date recorded for the warranty in Starke

Call (352) 675-6366 Get a Free Inspection

Local Conditions

Shade, moss and slow drying

A chimney shaded by trees on a home in Starke dries slowly after rain, and moss or algae can grow on the damp face. A repellent won't go on properly over growth or damp brick. Our pros clean the growth off gently, let the brick dry, and then test absorption. Trimming back branches to let in light and air helps the treated face stay dry.

Our Process

Coating your chimney in Starke

Close the gaps

Crown, cap, flashing and joints are repaired first, since a repellent can't seal them.
Test the brick

Absorption is measured on each face and a test patch is checked with you.
Mask and apply

Glass and trim are masked, and the repellent goes on bottom up on dry brick.
Record and recheck

You get the product, faces and date written out, and we check beading on later visits.

Why Choose Us

Waterproofing from a local family business

Locally owned and run
A family-run company
100% satisfaction guarantee
Your inspection is free
Same-day visits available
Arrange a visit, take 10% off

Only breathable, penetrating repellents go on chimney brick, with no surface film.

Free inspection firstA brick absorption test is part of the free inspection, so you know if waterproofing is worth it.
No hidden fees, all upfrontNo hidden fees on waterproofing in Starke; masking, testing and cleanup are in the price.
Family owned and runWe're family owned, and we'll tell you when your chimney doesn't need a coating.

Call (352) 675-6366 Get a Free Inspection

Fix the cracks, then treat the brick

Water gets into a chimney through two kinds of path. Gaps, such as a cracked crown, a missing cap, lifted flashing or open joints, let water pour in. Porous brick lets it soak in slowly across the face.

A repellent only deals with the second kind. The Brick Industry Association notes repellents are most effective at reducing absorption and have limited effect on water entering through cracks and separations. That's why our pros fix every gap first and only then decide whether the brick needs treating. Spraying a repellent over open cracks is money spent on the wrong problem. The repairs are priced first, the repellent second.

Measuring how thirsty the brick is

A RILEM or Karsten tube is a little marked glass cylinder that gets sealed to the brick face and filled with water. The level drops as the brick absorbs it, and timing that drop gives a simple measure of how much water the face is taking in.

A few spots on each face get tested and compared, and the results decide which faces need a repellent. A face that barely absorbs anything doesn't need treating. Testing again after application shows the repellent is working. It's quick, it's done on the free inspection, and it takes the guesswork out.

What changes indoors after waterproofing

When water was soaking through the brick into the chimney breast, a repellent on the outside should reduce the damp inside after the wall has had time to dry. That drying can take weeks, since masonry gives up water slowly.

You'll know what to expect and when it's safe to repair and repaint any damaged plaster inside, and the quote says who handles that work. If damp keeps appearing after the wall should have dried, the cause is probably a gap somewhere else, and our specialists come back to find it. Painting too soon just brings the stain back.

Free Inspection

Tested first, priced second

Crown, cap and flashing checked for gaps a repellent can't fix
Weather side and sheltered faces compared for exposure
Stone or veneer, and what its maker's guidance allows
Cure time left on any recent repointing or new brick

Claim 10% off your first service

Take 10% off your first waterproofing job when you book today.

Call (352) 675-6366 Get a Free Inspection

FAQs

Things to ask before sealing brick in Starke

What if my chimney is painted?

A penetrating repellent can't soak through paint. Our specialists look at what's under the paint and may suggest a breathable masonry coating instead. Talk to us about your painted chimney in Starke at (352) 675-6366.

How will I know when it needs another coat?

Watch the brick after rain. Beading means it's working; brick that darkens and soaks up water means the repellent has worn thin on that face. Our pros check it on every visit.

Our Services