Springtime is finally here, but with the warmer temperatures often comes a lot of rain. Extra moisture throughout your chimney will eventually lead to costly and time-consuming damages. The best option is to take preventative measures beforehand to ensure that any leaks or excess water is stopped before it can soak into the brick and cause issues.
WHAT CAUSES LEAKS?
A chimney leaks when it is not adequately protected. Although brick seems strong, outside elements can easily penetrate it, causing deterioration and cracking. Bad weather can quickly put wear and tear on your chimney and the brickwork will soak up moisture when it rains. Excess moisture breaks down the mortar and causes the chimney to settle when the freeze/thaw process occurs. All of these things contribute to leaks and the more leaks that occur, the higher the chances are of your chimney breaking down and collapsing.
HOW CAN I PREVENT LEAKS?
There are many steps that can be taken to ensure that leaks do not become an issue. Follow these guidelines to ensure the structural soundness of your chimney.
- Maintain Chimney Crown: A chimney cap or crown will help to keep water and animals out. Ensuring that it is kept up and made out of something durable will help a lot in keeping excess moisture out. If you are missing a chimney cap or if yours is damaged beyond repair, be sure to call in an expert to set you up with something sturdy. A professional chimney sweep will know what type you should get, based upon your chimney style, and can ensure that everything is installed properly.
- Waterproof: By waterproofing your chimney before leaks and cracking can occur, you will save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run. There are various techniques and products that can be used to ensure that this job is done right. Knowing the correct process for applying these products can be tricky, so call an expert to be certain everything is addressed correctly. There is little sense in spending the money on these products, only to discover that water can still get through.
- Address The Flashing: The flashing on your chimney can be a huge source of issues. The flashing is where your roof meets your chimney and water can easily enter at this point, should things not be properly sealed. Adding flashing can be a tricky and dangerous job, even for the more experienced do-it-yourselfer. A certified expert will know the best way to approach this situation and can fit the flashing to meet your specific chimney needs.
At SirVent Chimney and Venting Service, we have everything you need to ensure that your chimney is waterproofed and ready to face any type of weather. Give us a call today so that we can prepare your brickwork before it is too late.