Chimney Waterproofing
Chimneys are often made from porous materials, think of it as a giant sponge holding water each time it rains, over time the water seeps down the chimney and can start to deteriorate your chimney causing leaks and leading toward larger problems. Deterioration is only made worse with the changing of seasons, when your chimney is holding water and the temperature drops below freezing you have what is commonly referred to as the freeze thaw effect, where water expands as it freezes causing there to be larger and larger pathways for water to move into your chimney system as it thaws.
Having a trained chimney sweep waterproof your chimney is a great way to fight off the encroachment of water, before it gets too far down into your house and starts to create mold, mildew and other very costly repairs. Waterproofing your chimney can help prevent big costly deterioration repairs that will otherwise come about.
This sort of preventable maintenance hasn’t been around that long, in the past there wasn’t a whole lot you could do about your chimney falling apart, but today we can extend the life and beauty of your chimney by applying high quality waterproofing products that will effectively block out water but still allowing your chimney to breathe and function as it should. If your chimney is 5 years old or older, we recommend waterproofing.
Waterproofing a Chimney Isn’t Simple
Waterproofing a chimney isn’t as easy as just sealing the outside of the brick or stone, since the chimney still needs to remain permeable allowing it to breathe to prevent mildew and mold. Just painting the outside of a chimney would keep the water away but it won’t let it breathe properly, we only use the highest quality masonry water repellent products with guaranteed warranties. Completing the waterproofing will protect your masonry chimney and allow it to function properly and extend the life and looks of your chimney for years to come.
Other Preventative Measures
Water Proofing is just one preventative measure that can keep damage from your chimney and your home, there are a few other measures to consider:
- Is your chimney cap missing or ineffective?
A cap can be a simple but effective barrier that keeps rain from entering your chimney, so if its not working correctly, or its not there at all, consider having a ARC Chimney technician repair or replace it. - Is your chimney damper working properly?
The damper is what closes off the flue when the chimney isn’t in use, and also keeps dust water and debris from entering the home. If its not working properly it needs to be repaired or replaced. - Do you have cracks or spalling (crumbling or flaking masonry) on the crown of your chimney?
Your chimney crown is there to help keep water from entering into your chimney. Cracks and spalling can lead to leaking. Have an ARC Chimney technician inspect and repair any crown issues as soon as possible. - Is there any corrosion, loose caulking, or holes in the flashing of your chimney?
The flashing is what protects your chimney where it and the roof-line meet, and its one of the most important lines of defense against water. Call us to repair inspect or replace your flashing if you are having signs of water intrusion.
If you have any concerns on whether or not water is getting into your chimney, or you want to explore preventative measures to make sure it doesn’t happen, Call us today at (850) 760-0123!