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!

Advantages of Top-Sealing Dampers

Like an appliance, your chimney requires maintenance and repair as heat, weather, and time take their toll. One of the first elements to give out in a chimney is often the chimney damper. Since most chimney dampers are metal on metal, they don’t form a particularly tight seal to begin with. When they’re hit with heat from your fireplace and moisture from smoke and the outside environment, they’ll begin to rust and warp. A warped chimney damper might be difficult to open or close. It can also fail to form a complete barrier when closed.

When your chimney damper stops operating properly, it’s time for a replacement. Most chimneys are installed with damper located in the throat. However, these dampers are usually replaced with top-sealing chimney dampers. They are placed atop the chimney crown.  Afterwards, they are attached to cables. These cables run down the chimney to a handle or lever that allows you to open and close the damper.

Benefits of a top-sealing damper.

When replacing a chimney damper, top-sealing dampers offer a convenient option. This is because their exterior location makes them easier to fit than a replacement throat damper. Convenience, however, isn’t the only reason to choose a top-sealing damper. This type of damper is fitted with a rubber gasket that forms a tight seal when the damper is closed. That means your new damper will do a more complete job of protecting your chimney from the elements. With a top-sealing damper, water and cold air can’t enter through your chimney when the damper is closed. In addition, warm air from your home can’t rise out and exit through the chimney when the fireplace isn’t in use.

Top-sealing dampers also keep animals, birds, and debris out of your chimney. Many top-sealing dampers attach to their bases with collapsible metal caging. This means even when the damper is open, birds, bats, animals and leaves can’t enter your chimney. When it comes to keeping moisture, animals, birds and debris out of your chimney, nothing works better than a top-sealing chimney damper!

Need a new damper? Call Your Chimney Sweep!

Is your existing chimney damper failing, stuck in place, or letting a draft in? If so, call Your Chimney Sweep to ask about having a top-sealing damper installed! Your Chimney Sweep installs top-of-the-line top-sealing dampers that will restore your chimney’s function. Plus, it protects your chimney from animals and the elements and last for years to come. Our chimney technicians will evaluate your existing chimney and find the right top-sealing damper to fit your flue. We’ll even install it the right way! Call now to schedule an appointment and have your new top-sealing damper ready in time for the burning season!