Waterproofing Your Chimney
Chimneys are more often than not constructed out of porous materials. Think of it like it’s a giant sponge, retaining more water each time it rains, and over time the water begins to drip down and begins the process of deteriorating your chimney, causing leaks, and usually leading to larger problems. Deterioration is only made worse with the changing seasons, when your chimney is holding excess water and the temperature drops below freezing at night, you have what is known by many as the freeze thaw effect, where water expands in size when it freezes, causing larger and larger pathways for more water to move into the cracks while it thaws.
Having a chimney sweep waterproof your chimney is the most effective way to fight off this issue from becoming more serious, and gets down into your home, creating mold, mildew, and other costly repairs. Waterproofing your chimney is the best way to prevent these issues from ever happening.
Waterproofing is a relatively new technique for chimneys, previously there wasn’t much you were able to do about your chimney falling apart. It was more common place to anticipate large repairs for your chimney instead of using more affordable, preventative measures like waterproofing.
It’s for this reason that we strongly suggest, if your chimney is older than 5 years, and hasn’t previously underwent a waterproofing service, to have it performed as soon as possible to save yourself from future problems.
How We Waterproof
While some may consider waterproofing a chimney to be a simple 1 step operation, we use a very in depth 3 stage method that gives you the assurance you need that your chimney is being properly cared for.
Other Preventative Measures
Waterproofing is just one of many possible procedures to consider when looking at preventative maintenance.
- Do you have a chimney cap? A cap can be a simple but effective barrier that keeps rain from entering into your chimney. So, if yours is either missing or not working appropriately, considering having ARC come out to install or repair it.
- Is your chimney damper functioning properly? The damper is the device that closes access to the flue when your chimney and fireplace isn’t in use. It also helps to keep dust, water, and other debris from falling into your home from the top of your chimney. If it’s not working properly, you should consider having it either repaired or replaced.
- Have you noticed cracks or spalling (flaking masonry) on the top of your chimney? Your chimney crown is there to prevent water from entering into your chimney, and cracks and spalling are almost always a dead give away that there is a problem. Contact us immediately to check and repair the problem before it becomes worse.
If you have any concerns on whether or not water is getting into your chimney, or if you want to discuss more preventative measures for your chimney, give ARC Chimney Sweeps of Mobile, AL a call at (251) 545-4455 today!