25 Mar How to Prevent Water Damage to Your Chimney
As the winter snow begins to melt and the spring showers roll in, protecting your chimney from the incoming water is essential. Water can do extensive damage to your chimney. At the beginning of deterioration, bricks and masonry can begin to loosen. You can experience a tilted or collapsed chimney structure if not caught in the early stages, which leads to expensive repairs. All of this trouble can be avoided by taking proper precautions to protect your chimney from the effects of water damage. Keep reading for our expert tips on how to do it.
What Does a Chimney Cap Do?
We know what you’re thinking: “What does a chimney cap do for water damage?” Installing a chimney cap is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to protect your chimney from water damage. Chimney caps create a barrier between the outdoor elements and your chimney. When your chimney cap is old or damaged, this barrier is no longer effective in keeping water out. A professional chimney inspection can help you determine the state of your chimney cap and if a new one is necessary.
Check Chimney Flashing
Your flue isn’t the only area of your chimney that water can enter. Your chimney flashing, the thing that seals the gap between your roof and chimney, is yet another vulnerable area that needs attention. When flashing is improperly installed, it can allow water to infiltrate, leading to chimney water damage. If you are unsure if your chimney flashing was installed correctly, a professional can look for signs of damage and loosening.
Fix Damaged Bricks
When you take a look at the brick on your chimney, do you see any chips or cracks? Over the years, inclement weather can take a toll on your bricks, leaving them withered, filled with moisture, and prone to water damage. If water has penetrated your bricks, gaps will begin to form and bricks will crack and chip. To prevent chimney water damage, schedule a repair and restoration service for your damaged bricks.
Chimney Inspection
To give your chimney the best defense against water damage, you will need to enlist the help of a professional. Masons have the ability to check the key areas of your chimney that water is an issue for. A chimney inspection will help you determine the next steps in prevention and can even conclude if water damage is already present. Not to mention, professionals can safely access your chimney with the proper tools and equipment.
Expert Chimney Services Near You
If you are interested in hiring a professional for your water damage prevention, allow us to save you from searching “top-rated chimney repair near me” and introduce you to Chimney Cricket. For more than 35 years, our team at Chimney Cricket has been providing our customers with exceptional chimney repair and water damage prevention services. We have a proven process for inspecting, diagnosing and repairing water issues that are guaranteed to work for you and your chimney. If you’re ready to take the first step in protecting your chimney from water damage, then contact us today!
