Due to new VOC regulations, the sale of regular ChimneySaver Solvent Base has been prohibited in certain states so far including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Washington D.C., Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia (only in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, Stafford and Loudon).

VOC Compliant Solvent Base works the same as the regular ChimneySaver Solvent Base with the following exceptions: it dries faster, it's only available in 1 gallon containers and it has a different smell.

Aside from the above three differences, VOC Compliant Solvent Base is applied in the same manner and has the same lifespan.

ChimneySaver VOC Compliant Solvent Base is 100% vapor permeable, which means it won’t trap water vapors that may pass through the bricks when the chimney is in use, unlike other products found in most hardware or home improvement stores. Those products when applied to a masonry chimney can actually slow down water vapors as they pass through the chimney leading to water damage.

Which Product to Use, Water Base or Solvent Base?

ChimneySaver is available in both solvent (mineral spirits) and water-based formulas. The water-based formula is most popular, however, if a water repellent has previously been applied to the masonry, we recommend this VOC Compliant Solvent Base formula.

Moisture from a variety of sources is always present in masonry and concrete. Sealers and silicone coatings form a water resistant surface film which trap water vapors inside. If these vapors cannot escape, they will contribute to spalling, scaling, deterioration, and freeze-thaw damage. ChimneySaver is 100% vapor permeable - a non film-forming water repellent that penetrates and lines masonry pores.

• ChimneySaver VOC Compliant Solvent-Base Water Repellent can be used on most vertical or horizontal exterior, above-grade masonry surfaces including: adobe, architectural concrete (precast or cast-in-place), clay brick, mortars, natural stone, limestone, granite, sandstone, terra cotta, exposed aggregate products, Portland cement, stuccos and concrete masonry units. Natural substrate color and surface textures are unaffected, with little or no gloss created.
• Coverage rate is approx. 100-150 sq. ft. per gallon, depending on surface porosity
• Slight darkening may occur on some adobe, limestone, or very dense surfaces. Testing is recommended before treating any surface to ensure desired results. ChimneySaver Solvent-Base Water Repellent may be painted with a high quality oil-base paint. Testing is always necessary to ensure adhesion and compatibility. ChimneySaver VOC Compliant Solvent Base can be shipped to all states including areas that have adopted California OTC standards for VOC limits. Areas affected include California, Illinois, Ohio and the Northeast region of the United States. Check with your state's environmental department to see if this applies to you.

Surface and air temperatures should be a minimum of 40°F and a maximum of 100°F for three hours following application. This product is not suitable for use on asphalt surfaces. Do not apply to frozen or frost covered surfaces. Application must be to clean, sound, dry surfaces.

Do not apply to wet or water saturated  substrates and/or when rainfall is expected within 6 hours unless adequate protection with a polyethylene film, or its equivalent, is provided. Do not apply to painted or glazed brick or tiles. This product is not intended for interior use or for resistance to hydrostatic pressures.