What are your springtime home maintenance goals? Plant a garden, maybe? Invest in some lawn care? Clean out your gutters? Well, whatever you have planned, don’t forget to add chimney care to the list.
Many assume inspections, sweepings, and any other chimney-related services should be pushed to the fall and winter months (when their system actually sees more use), but many of these things are actually better done in the springtime when temperatures are warmer.
And one thing you definitely shouldn’t put off is waterproofing. Questions? We’ve got the lowdown on it all! And if there’s something we’ve missed don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to address any and all of your concerns.
What types of water damage could I face?
When a chimney isn’t adequately protected, all types of damage could take place. One common thing homeowners experience is rust throughout their metal components (i.e. the flashing, chimney cap, chase cover, and damper). And once these start to deteriorate, many other areas of your system will be compromised, too.
Other issues include crumbling mortar joints, missing bricks, an increased risk of clogging, damage in your firebox, liner decay, and corrosion throughout your fireplace and its accessories.
You may even spot issues inside of your home, such as mold growth, stains on your walls and ceiling, rotted woodwork, or even issues with your central heating system.
Needless to say, chimney leaks and water damage are things you’ll want to do your best to avoid. And waterproofing is a surefire way to do just that.
Uh oh… I already have damage. What now?
If you’re already facing damage throughout your chimney, then you’ll want to have it addressed before having any waterproofing services done. That way you know your system is in peak condition before you put that final layer of protection on. Fortunately for folks in the Charlotte area, we’re here to offer a wide range of chimney repairs including:
Firebox repairs- Repointing
- Flashing repairs
- Brick replacement
- Relining services
- Chimney restorations
- Leak repairs
- Custom chimney cap installation
- Sweeping services
- Top-down damper installation
- …and more!
If you need care, don’t hesitate to reach out. The longer you wait, the worse off your system will be, and the more time-consuming and costly the repairs will likely get.
I actually DON’T have damage. Do I still need waterproofing?
Definitely! In fact, waterproofing is a surefire way to ensure your chimney stays in as good of shape as it is now. Without waterproofing products, your masonry will quickly absorb any water it’s exposed to (be it rain, sleet, or snow), and you’ll notice wear and tear before you know it.
Keep in mind, too, that even though you may not see damage, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Be sure to schedule an inspection before having any preventative measures completed, so that you know for good and sure all damages are spotted and addressed beforehand.
Should my crown be waterproofed, too?
You know it. Assuming your crown is in good shape and made from an appropriate cement-based mixture (as opposed to a weaker mortar mix), a solid coat of waterproofing products will only do it good, ensuring you get that long-lasting protection you deserve.
I’m great at DIY… Can I attempt it?
We get that there are lots of tasks homeowners can easily do themselves, saving quite a bit of money throughout the process. That said, there are some things that should always be left to the pros and chimney waterproofing is one of these.
Why? For one thing, using the right products is essential. Many of the sealer and paints you can buy in the store aren’t vapor permeable (as opposed to the stuff we use), which means they’ll probably do a good enough job keeping water out, but all the moisture already inside will be stuck there. It’s actually quite important that any masonry throughout your home can breathe and vent out necessary fumes, so this is one thing to be wary of.
Another issue with DIY waterproofing is that store-bought products are notorious for leaving behind strange glossy shines or unsightly films across your chimney. If you want the best-looking, longest-lasting results possible, trusting a pro is the only way to go.
Finally, when applied by an expert, the products we use come with a 10-year warranty, which isn’t something you get when you do the job yourself. If you make any mistakes or minor mishaps, you could wind up with a lot of damage down the line, none of which is covered. In the end, you’ll gain peace of mind (and likely save significant dollars) by simply trusting a qualified tech from the very start.
Why is warmer weather best for waterproofing?
Waterproofing is best saved for the warmer months because then it can be done without inclement weather swooping in and undoing all of our work. This also gives the products ample time to dry out before potential rainfall or snow comes back around.
It’s also preferred because oftentimes repairs need to be completed beforehand, and most of the products we use cure better when temps are higher.
Give Our Techs a Call
Don’t wait any longer to get started! Call our techs at 704-850-6761, or you can start an appointment online and we’ll get back to you. Thanks for trusting us!