Your masonry chimney is a wonderful piece of construction and may seem indestructible. However, even the most expertly constructed chimney can start to deteriorate if it is not properly maintained. This is especially true when it comes to the effects of water on your masonry chimney. At The Chimney Guy, we have seen our fair shares of chimneys that are damaged by water. Let us help you understand what water can do to your masonry chimney, and the best ways to protect against it.
The effects of water on your masonry chimney
is a masonry chimney’s worst enemy. Your brickwork is very porous. If water from rain or snow settle on your chimney, it can seep into these pores of your brickwork to create pools of moisture. During warmer times this moisture will slowly start to dissolve your masonry from the inside out. When it gets cold, moisture can then freeze and expand to create tiny cracks inside your masonry. If you continue to allow moisture in your masonry, it will start to cause major issues for your chimney structure. This could include cracks in your brickwork, crumbling mortar, and even bricks popping out of your chimney. When this starts to happen, your chimney can’t function properly and is also a safety hazard.
Protecting your masonry chimney
Your chimney is designed with a number of components to protect your masonry from water intrusion. Your chimney crown sits on the top of your chimney. It is constructed out of mortar at the same time your chimney was constructed. It is designed to stop water from pooling on top of your chimney. A chimney cap is a cover that sits over your chimney opening. It is designed to prevent water from entering your chimney. Your chimney also has flashing to deflect rain away. If anyone of these devices isn’t functioning properly, your chimney is in danger of being exposed to water.
Let our professionals protect your masonry chimney
The best way to protect your masonry is to have it inspected annually by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified sweep. During an inspection, our experienced chimney sweep will identify any issues with your chimney masonry. At The Chimney Guy, we also recommend having one of our chimney sweeps apply a waterproofing product called ChimneySaver. We love this product’s, and its ability to protect your chimney from moisture.
Keep your chimney protected from water by scheduling an appointment online or calling The Chimney Guy at 920-830-1920 now!
Recent Comments