Many chimneys are made of porous materials, which essentially turns the structure into a giant sponge that soaks up water when it rains. Over a period of time, that water can start to damage the chimney, which then leads to leaks that can cause a whole lot of damage.Things get even worse in the winter months when the temperatures dip below freezing, as the water that is trapped inside ends up going through a process known as the freeze thaw effect. This is where the trapped water starts to expand as it freezes, opening up cracks and pathways that will grant access to the water when it begins to thaw.
Water can be kept out of your chimney, and it can be done via waterproofing performed by a chimney technician. This is something that you want to have done before that water starts to seep down into your home and causing damages that can be expensive to repair. Waterproofing is an investment that can save you a whole lot of money over the long haul.
Chimney waterproofing is a process that is still relatively new. It wasn’t so very long ago that you essentially had to submit to the damage that a water would do to your chimney. Nowadays, you have the chance to greatly extend the life of your chimney by having the pros perform a waterproofing product that will keep unwanted water out of your chimney. This process is recommended for anyone who has a chimney that is beyond 5 years old.
The Complex Process of Chimney Waterproofing
It may sound straightforward, but waterproofing a chimney is actually a little more convoluted than you think. It’s certainly not as simple as just applying a seal to the outside of the chimney. Your structure still needs to be able to breathe, and simply using a sealand would do nothing but trap the existing water that is in there. What you have then is a chimney that will start to deteriorate from the inside out.
- Do you have a broken or missing chimney cap? The chimney cap is a simple yet effective way to prevent rain from getting inside your chimney. This should be the first step in waterproofing, and your cap can be added or repaired by a ARC Chimney Sweeps of Metairie, LA technician.
- What state is your chimney damper in? When the chimney isn’t in use, the damper closes off the flue, keeping all sorts of unwanted stuff out of your home. A non-functioning damper needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Is your chimney showing evidence of cracks or spalling (crumbling masonry}? The chimney crown keeps water out, but those cracks and crumbles can undo that work in no time at all. Call ARC Chimney Sweeps of Metairie, LA immediately if you can see that type of damage on your chimney.
- Does the flashing on your chimney have holes, cracks, or loose caulking? The caulking protects the area where the chimney and roofline meet, and does a great job of keeping water out. It cannot do that job properly if it is damaged.
If you have any of these issues, or are just concerned about water getting into your chimney, you need to look at repair and preventative measures. At ARC Chimney Sweeps of Metairie, LA we can help with that, so give us a call at (504) 322-3654.