Our Company Blog

The Importance Of Waterproofing Your Chimney

Nothing damages a chimney like water. Since chimneys get little protection from the elements, chimneys are subjected to a seemingly endless barrage of water. Due to rainstorms, snowstorms, sleet and ice. The best way to protect your chimney structure from water is with chimney waterproofing.

How water damages your chimney:

The masonry materials that are used to construct chimneys are highly porous. That means every time water comes into contact with your chimney’s masonry — from the chimney’s bricks and mortar to the masonry chimney crown — the chimney is absorbing that moisture. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, damaging the chimney’s masonry. From there, a cycle of chimney deterioration begins: The weakened masonry lets more water in, and the water causes more and more damage. Water penetrating the chimney leads to crumbling mortar, spalling bricks, damaged flue tiles and an overall weakening of the chimney structure. Water making its way in through the chimney also can cause metal chimney and fireplace components to rust and your home’s structure to rot or mold.

How waterproofing can protect your chimney:

The best way to protect your chimney and your home from water damage is with chimney waterproofing. Waterproofing involves applying a specialized solution to the chimney’s exterior masonry. The solution prevents the masonry from absorbing moisture while still allowing the chimney to “breathe” and exhaust the gases and water that are byproducts of a wood-burning fireplace.

Why you should have your chimney waterproofed now:

Chimney water damage can be an expensive proposition. Cracked or crumbling masonry needs to be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Water damage can compromise the entire chimney structure, meaning that if it’s not addressed, you could be left looking at having your chimney demolished and rebuilt. Having your chimney waterproofed prevents water damage before it starts. That can save you from making major, expensive masonry repairs down the road. And with cold, wet winter weather on the way, now is the best time to have your chimney waterproofed.

Where to find chimney waterproofing services:

If you want to make sure that your chimney is protected from water and the damaging freeze-thaw cycle, call Your Chimney Sweep to schedule your chimney waterproofing today! At Your Chimney Sweep, we rely on Chimney Saver Solution to protect chimneys from water damage. Chimney Saver Solution is the industry’s preferred waterproofing product. It protects your chimney entirely from water intruding while still allowing vapor from your fireplace to evaporate away. It also protects your chimney without altering the look of the masonry whatsoever. Don’t wait to take action until your chimney is showing signs of water damage; call now to have your chimney waterproofed with Chimney Saver Solution from Your Chimney Sweep!

The Significance Of Your Firebox

Homeowners often spend their time worrying about maintaining their chimney. However, they often forget about one crucial element of their fireplace: the firebox! Just like the chimney, the firebox needs to be properly cared for and maintained. In addition, it needs to be monitored for damage or deterioration to keep your home safe. Here’s everything you need to know about your firebox.

The Function of a Firebox

Simply put, your firebox is the portion of the fireplace in which you build your fires. The firebox does more than house burning logs, however. When properly constructed and in good repair, the firebox serves to insulate the surrounding home structure from the heat, flames, and smoke of your fireplace. Ultimately, the firebox is one of the most important elements of your fireplace and chimney system, when it comes to protecting your home from the dangers of a fire.

Types of Fireboxes

There are two types of fireboxes: Masonry and prefabricated. Masonry fireboxes are built of special firebricks that are meant to withstand the intense heat of your fireplace. They sit on a heavy masonry foundation. This foundation supports the weight of the masonry firebox and the entire masonry chimney structure. Prefabricated fireboxes are part of a factory-built fireplace system. These pre-fab systems are installed in the home. They also don’t require the heavy infrastructure of a masonry fireplace. Prefabricated fireboxes generally comprise refractory panels that often mimic the look of masonry firebricks.

Firebox Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining your firebox and the health of your fireplace system, it comes down to two things: Keeping the firebox clean and monitoring the firebox for signs of deterioration. The soot and ash left in your fireplace after you burn a fire is incredibly corrosive. It can damage the bottom of the firebox over time.  A bed of ashes can help to insulate the fire, and is okay during the fire-burning season. However, ashes should be removed from the firebox during the summer months – and when the fireplace isn’t going to be used for an extended period of time. It’s also important to watch for cracks in refractory panels, or cracks, crumbling, and signs of foundation shifting in masonry fireplaces. Your chimney sweep should examine the health of your firebox during your annual chimney sweeping and inspection.

Firebox Repair and Reconstruction

The firebox plays such an important role in protecting your home from the heat of your fires. Due to this, any deterioration should be dealt with as soon as possible! There is another reason to have your firebox reconstructed: Fireboxes impact the overall look of your hearth. If your firebricks or refractory panels look worn or dated, reconstructing the firebricks or replacing refractory panels can instantly improve your hearth and your home.

If you’re worried about the health of your firebox, or if you would like to know your options for improving the look of your hearth with firebox reconstruction, call Your Chimney Sweep today! We specialize in firebox repair and rebuilding to keep your fireplace safe and attractive.