Here in Maryland, we can see quite a bit of snow and ice each winter. Heavy amounts of snowfall can lead to some big problems with your chimney, and, if left unrepaired, these problems can get even worse. Have you noticed cracked or loose bricks on the outside of your chimney? This is a sign of winter-related chimney damage that can lead to water leaks. After each snow storm, Ace Chimney Sweeps receives many calls from customers in need of chimney repairs, and we have the years of experience to know exactly how to fix these problems. We consider ourselves experts in repairing leaky chimneys, and we also know how to prevent water leaks in your chimney. We would like to tell you more about what snow and ice can do to your chimney.
Flashing Damage
The area where your chimney meets the roof can be one of the most vulnerable areas for water leaks because water tends to pool there. To protect this area, you need a good flashing system. Constructed from sheets of metal wrapped around the chimney, a flashing system forms a seal that keeps water out of your chimney. Heavy snow can damage your flashing by causing it to bend from the weight of the snow. When this happens, water from melted snow can easily flow into the chimney, and these leaks can cause damage to the wooden structure around the chimney as well as your ceiling and walls. If you have noticed water stains on your ceiling or walls, you may have a damaged flashing system. Ace Chimney Sweeps can repair any damage done to your flashing, and if the system is beyond repair, we can construct a new flashing system that is customized to your chimney where it meets the roof.
Spalling Damage
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has named water as the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys, and spalling damage is one of the main reasons for this claim. What is spalling damage? Ace Chimney Sweeps can explain this to you. Masonry materials are porous and easily absorb water. When the temperature drops below freezing, any water that has been absorbed into the bricks and mortar also freezes and expands. As the temperature warms back up, this water thaws and causes the bricks and mortar to crack and break apart. This is known as spalling damage and also can affect your chimney crown as well as the bricks and mortar. This type of damage can lead to serious structural damage if left unrepaired. Your chimney could even collapse! This is why it is important to have Ace Chimney Sweeps inspect your chimney after a snow storm to look for spalling damage. We can make the necessary repairs, and we can also prevent this damage from occurring again. We offer waterproofing services that keep water from penetrating into the masonry materials of your chimney. Waterproofing your chimney is a great way to prolong its life.
Has snow and ice caused damage to your chimney this winter? Contact us at Ace Chimney Sweeps to schedule a post-winter chimney inspection today.