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Schedule Your Chimney’s Waterproofing

Spring can bring a lot of wet weather to the Indianapolis area, and wet weather can definitely cause trouble for your masonry chimney. To protect your chimney and your home from water damages, the most protective measure is to have it waterproofed by a professional.

How water damages your masonry chimney

Masonry materials — such as bricks, natural stone and rocks, as well as the mortar that holds them together — are porous by nature. That means they absorb and retain water. Over time, that water causes damage, either by weakening the masonry or by freezing and expanding when temperatures change. When your chimney is waterlogged, cracks that let water into your home or your chimney’s interior can form, or the entire chimney structure can weaken to the point where it could become dangerous and unstable. You can prevent this by chimney waterproofing.

How chimney waterproofing protects your chimney

Chimney waterproofing solutions, such as industry leader ChimneySaver Solutions, protect your chimney’s masonry by preventing your chimney’s masonry from absorbing water. These solutions prevent nearly 100 percent of water from entering your chimney’s masonry while still allowing your chimney to breath. That means your chimney is protected from water while still being able to exhaust gas, moisture and other byproducts from your fireplace or heating stove. Waterproofing solutions are so successful that the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends chimney waterproofing as a primary way to protect your chimney from water damage.

Why you should waterproof your chimney in the spring

While waterproofing your chimney will provide an added layer of protection any time of year, spring is the perfect time. In part – because there are a lot of wet weather – and waterproofing your chimney now will save it from all the rain, sleet and late-season snow. Waterproofing your chimney in the spring also means that your chimney’s masonry won’t absorb moisture all spring and summer, this will give the masonry the chance to dry out on hot summer days, so your chimney won’t be filled with water that will freeze and expand later on, which might destroy your chimney’s masonry when cold weather hits.

If you’re ready to protect your chimney’s masonry from water damage, call Your Chimney Sweep to schedule an appointment today! We’ll apply the ChimneySaver waterproofing solution for your chimney, and we’ll inspect your chimney to ensure there were no prior water damage that could allow for more serious issues or jeopardizes your chimney’s structure or function.

By Joe Sauter on April 6th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Leave a Comment

Protect Your Chimney With Flashing and Waterproofing

To you, winter means warm and cozy fires in your fireplace. However, for your chimney, winter means something else entirely. It means wet and potentially damaging weather. The water and moisture that comes with winter’s rain, snow, sleet and ice can do major damage to your chimney. In addition, not only your chimney, but through your chimney, and to your home. That’s why the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) cautions homeowners to protect their chimneys from water damage. As you prepare your chimney for winter weather, there are two things you should consider: Your chimney flashing and waterproofing.

Protect Your Chimney With Flashing and Waterproofing - Indianapolis IN - Your Chimney SweepFlashing

Your chimney flashing is the sheet metal material that connects your chimney to your roof-line. This seals off the seam from potential water intrusions. Over time, that flashing can rust and corrode. It can develop cracks and holes that allow water to make its way into your home, along the base of the chimney. Those in the chimney repair industry report that most chimney leaks are in the flashing, around the base of the chimney.

Leaks in the chimney flashing are especially dangerous to your home. This is because leaks in the flashing don’t just let water into your chimney.  They also let water leak into your home’s roof and structure. Leaks through the chimney flashing can cause water rot and damage in your home’s joists and studs. It can cause mold in your attic, and it can cause discoloration and sagging in ceilings and wallboard. So, as you prepare your chimney and your home for winter weather, you should have your chimney flashing inspected.  Have any damage to the chimney flashing repaired before leaks develop.

Waterproofing

Chimney masonry materials are highly porous. Bricks, mortar and stone absorb and retain water. In the winter, the water inside the masonry materials freezes and expands when temperatures drop. That freezing causes bricks to cause spalling and mortar to crumble. That spalling and crumbling degrades the chimney structure over time. Consequently, this leads to chimney leaks or weakness in the chimney structure.

One of the most effective ways to protect your chimney from water damage is with waterproofing. Waterproofing involves applying a solution to your chimney that prevents chimney masonry from drawing in water and moisture, while still allowing your chimney to breathe. Waterproofing can protect your home and chimney from water leaks. In addition, it can save your chimney structure from major damage.

Call Your Chimney Sweep Today!

Make sure your chimney is protected from rain, snow, sleet and ice this winter. Call Your Chimney Sweep to schedule an appointment today! We can inspect and, when needed, repair the flashing around the base of your chimney.  Plus, we can waterproof your chimney to protect your chimney masonry from all of this winter’s wet weather!

By Joe Sauter on November 28th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Leave a Comment