Our team did a chimney repair recently in North Vancouver. 
The house was a ranch-style, estimated to be around 50 years old. It still had the original chimney, which had developed a leak, leading to water intrusion in the basement at the chimney base.
Causing homeowner health issues
The exposed brick absorbed moisture, making the basement damp and musty, which was particularly concerning due to the homeowner’s respiratory issues.
Major repair
The repair took two days. The team installed a new chimney cap to prevent water from entering the flue and descending to the basement. A “chimney cap” is a protective cover installed above the flue at the very top of the chimney. Its main purpose is to prevent rain, snow, animals, and debris from entering the chimney. The cap also helps reduce downdrafts, keeps smoke and fumes from re-entering the home, and can improve chimney efficiency.
The chimney crown had also degraded, causing water to pool and saturate the bricks, leading to moisture seepage inside. This was repaired. The “chimney crown” is the concrete or mortar slab that sits on top of the chimney structure, covering the bricks but leaving the flue open for ventilation. Its job is to direct water away from the chimney structure, preventing it from soaking into the brick and mortar.
Preventing future problems
Given the potential presence of asbestos in mortar from the early 1980s, the team sealed the brick and mortar above the roofline with a clear sealant and coated the basement area with custom Elastomeric Grey for added moisture protection and aesthetic appeal. Elastomeric Grey is a flexible, waterproof coating often used on masonry surfaces like brick, concrete, and stucco. “Elastomeric” refers to the coating’s ability to expand and contract with temperature changes, which helps prevent cracks and peeling. This type of coating is particularly useful for chimneys because it seals porous materials, such as old brick and mortar, to prevent moisture from seeping through.
Final inspection
Additionally, the team inspected and reinforced the flashing around the chimney to eliminate any water entry points at that location. This comprehensive repair resolved the moisture issue and enhanced the home’s safety and appearance.
Our team is exceptionally skilled in all aspects of roofing, no matter how complex. This is just one example.
