The Effects of Chimney Water Damage
Since 1986, Ace Chimney Sweeps has specialized in taking care of the leaky chimneys here in the Elkton, MD area. Over the years, we have seen how devastating the effects of water leaks can be on masonry chimneys. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), water is the biggest enemy of your masonry chimney because of the amount of damage it can do. The potential for water leak damage greatly increases in the winter because of how freeze/thaw cycles can accelerate masonry deterioration. As part of our comprehensive professional chimney maintenance and repair services, we provide services to protect your chimney from water. We’re here to tell you more about how we can solve your leaky chimney problems.
How does water cause so much damage to masonry chimneys?
Like all masonry materials, the bricks and mortar joints naturally absorb moisture every time it rains or snows. Whenever the temperature drops below freezing, any water absorbed inside these materials will freeze and expand. As the water thaws, it causes the bricks and mortar joints to crack, crumble. Then, they become loose and fall from the chimney structure. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles over one season can lead to serious chimney issues, including the collapse of the entire structure. If neglected, the damage can become more extensive as more water leaks will occur because of the deteriorated masonry materials. Ace Chimney Sweeps recommends scheduling your annual chimney inspection appointment when spring arrives. This allows us to check for damaged or missing bricks, mortar joint weakness and more. The warm weather is ideal for the products we use to cure.
How can Ace Chimney Sweeps help me prevent chimney water damage?
We have over 30 years of experience working with leaky chimneys and know the best ways to keep water out of your chimney. To protect your chimney from water leaks and animal invasions, we suggest a chimney cap. We can help you select the perfect chimney cap, and our CSIA-certified chimney professionals will install it too.
We also provide customized flashing construction and repair services to stop water leaks at the vulnerable spot where the chimney meets the roof. For the ultimate protection against water penetration damage, we recommend our waterproofing treatment services. We will apply a waterproofing formula to the exterior of your chimney to create a barrier against water penetration. Since we only use formulas that are 100 percent vapor permeable, you will not have to worry about further damage from past trapped water. After we have waterproofed your chimney, it will be protected against water damage for at least a decade, so it is a great investment in your home.
Avoid the effects of water damage to your chimney by contacting us today at Ace Chimney Sweeps to schedule your appointment for our professional chimney water leak inspection services. Our certified and experienced chimney technicians are here to protect your chimney from water penetration damage.