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!

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