Overview
A homeowner in Northport, NY contacted Zavza Seal after noticing damage to their chimney’s sloped section and upper brick courses. Over time, weather exposure had caused water infiltration, mortar deterioration, and visible cracking. The client wanted to restore the structural integrity and waterproofing of the chimney while preserving its appearance.
The Problem
During inspection, our team identified two main areas of concern:
Sloped Section of the Chimney
The sloped section of the chimney had significant damage to its bricks and mortar. The bricks had loosened over time due to water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles. The mortar was visibly deteriorated, and the sloped design made it vulnerable to continued water damage if not addressed properly.
Top 8 Brick Courses Below the Sloped Section
The bricks and mortar in the upper 8 courses directly below the sloped section also showed signs of wear. There were cracked and broken bricks as well as gaps in the mortar joints that could allow further water penetration and damage.
If left unrepaired, the chimney risked more serious structural problems and ongoing leaks that could compromise the home.
The Solution
Our team implemented a detailed chimney repair and waterproofing plan, addressing both the sloped section and the top 8 brick courses.
Step 1: Repairing the Sloped Section
- Removed all existing bricks from the sloped section carefully to avoid further damage.
- Used diamond blades to grind the surface of the underlying substrate. This removed damaged and foreign materials, exposing a clean base for proper adhesion.
- Applied 7,000 PSI Basecrete waterproofing cement to waterproof the bare substrate and prevent future water infiltration.
- Installed a fresh mortar bed and cleaned the original bricks before reinstalling them.
- Set the bricks back in place, filling the joints with new mortar.
- Finished by applying a high-quality brick sealer to protect against moisture and environmental wear.
Step 2: Restoring the Top 8 Brick Courses
- Inspected and repointed all mortar joints in the top 8 courses below the sloped section.
- Replaced damaged or broken bricks with 52-DD bricks, chosen to closely match the original chimney brick.
- Applied new mortar between the bricks, taking care to blend it as much as possible with the existing mortar.
- Sealed the entire repaired area with a durable brick sealer to complete the restoration.
We explained to the homeowner that the new mortar might appear lighter in color than the existing mortar at first. However, with time and weathering, the mortar color would blend naturally with the older sections, achieving a uniform appearance.
The Result
The homeowner in Northport, NY now has a fully restored and waterproofed chimney. The sloped section is structurally sound and sealed against water intrusion. The top brick courses were repaired and repointed, improving both the chimney’s durability and appearance. The client was pleased with the work and appreciated the care we took to preserve the character of the original chimney while extending its lifespan.
Why Choose Zavza Seal?
At Zavza Seal, we provide professional chimney repair and waterproofing services in Northport and across Long Island. Our experienced team uses proven techniques and high-quality materials to restore your chimney’s functionality and protect your home. Whether you need repointing, brick replacement, or full waterproofing, we deliver solutions that last.