Masonry chimneys are built to last a lifetime; however, this does not mean that they do not need routine maintenance services. The bricks and mortar that are used to construct chimneys are porous and can absorb water. Every time it rains or snows, water will penetrate the bricks and mortar, which can eventually lead to damage and deterioration. In fact, the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has claimed that water is the greatest enemy of masonry chimneys. In our years of working on chimneys, Owens Chimney Systems has seen the damage that can be done by water penetration, and we know the best preventive measures to take to protect chimneys from water damage. We would like to tell you more about how water can harm your chimney and how we can prolong the life of your chimney with our maintenance services.
What kinds of damage can water do to my chimney?
Water penetration not only threatens the condition of the bricks and mortar of your chimney. It can also do damage to its metal components, such as the liner and damper, as well as to the interior of your home. Water can leak into the wood that surrounds your chimney, which causes rotting, and it can damage your ceilings and walls. The worst type of water damage that can happen to your chimney, however, is spalling. When the temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water that has been absorbed by the bricks and mortar of your chimney will freeze and expand. As the weather warms up and this water starts thawing, it causes the bricks and mortar to crack and break apart. After repeated cycles of freezing weather, the structure of your chimney can be seriously compromised. Bricks and mortar joints can become loose and fall out, which could lead to the collapse of your chimney.
How can Owens Chimney Systems protect my chimney from water damage?
Our CSIA-certified chimney experts have the training and experience you can trust to prevent water leaks, and we can also repair any water penetration damage you many have. We know where water tends to leak into chimneys, so we can find any water leaks present and make the necessary repairs. After we have fixed those issues, we will then make recommendations on the best ways of keeping water out of your chimney. Our water leak preventive services include:
- CHIMNEY CAP INSTALLATION – Without a cap installed at the top of your chimney, water from rain and melted snow has an open invitation into your home. We can help you choose the best chimney cap for your chimney and install it so that it fits perfectly.
- FLASHING – One of the most common places where water leaks into chimneys is where the chimney meets the roof. We provide customized flashing services to protect that area. Using sheets of metal that have been sized to fit around your chimney, we will layer these sheets to seal off this entryway.
- WATERPROOFING – We can apply a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney that creates a barrier against water penetration. We only use formulas that are 100% vapor permeable because vapors need to be able to escape. A clear sealant can trap these vapors and cause even more spalling damage.
Prolong the life of your chimney by protecting it from water damage. Contact us at Owens Chimney Systems to schedule an appointment for our water leak preventive services.