How to Waterproof Your Chimney
Did you know that when water starts to seep into your chimney, it could open doors to bigger, more frustrating problems? Would you be content to wait for these things to happen or do you want to prevent them and save a whole lot of time, energy, and money for repairs? Investing time and expense now might be the best decision you could ever make for your chimney. It’s hassle-free, convenient and it adds safety for you, your family and your home.
Water in Chimneys
Yes, water can, in many ways, help and nurture the human body—a well-known fact. But for chimneys, they do the complete opposite. Your chimney is made out of strong bricks and masonry materials that were designed for heavy-duty use, but once it comes in contact with water for a longer period of time the result can be devastating.
Installing a Chimney Cap
First of all, a chimney cap should be properly installed at the chimney opening. This can prevent most moisture (and other blocking materials) from entering the inside of the chimney. I’m referring to bird nests, falling debris and spider webs that accumulate inside and block the chimney. This nifty accessory is your chimney’s first line of defence to prevent water from getting in and destroying it from the inside out.
Fix Your Chimney Crown
Another way to prevent water from seeping in is to hire a professional chimney sweep to check the chimney crown if it is still functioning well and to repair it if ever it no longer serves its purpose. Although it doesn’t directly cover the interior of the chimney, this serves as the protector of the chimney flue. It slightly protrudes from the edge of the chimney so that rain falls directly on the roof and doesn’t run down the side of the chimney. This can absolutely be of great help in waterproofing your chimney.
Apply a Sealant to the Bricks
Lastly, the mortar bricks used in the overall structure of the chimney should be checked every once in a while to see if water has started its invasion and if the bricks are starting to deteriorate. This normally happens when the chimney has been there for years already. We usually apply a special solution that will harden the bricks and restore it back to its original set-up and seals all areas that can be filled with water.
These are the top three things we would do to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your chimney. After our work is done, rest assured that there are no more options left for water to cause damage to your chimney. So give us a call at Ace Chimney Sweeps and we’ll make it worth your while.