Why Waterproof?
Chimneys can hold water. The porous material that make up their structure are very inviting to each and every droplet. The problem being that water can have a corrosive effect on your masonry. As the seasons change each year, this can be aggravated by a freeze-thaw effect. This means that all of the water absorbed by your chimney may freeze, speeding up the formation and progression of cracks and only worsen as the water thaws and freezes again, over and over as the year progresses.
To prevent this and other issues, you can choose to have a professional seal your chimney against moisture. This holds major deterioration at bay and extends your chimneys life by many years. If you’re looking to be secure down the road, this could be your best bet.
Waterproofing in this way can also keep mold and mildew from forming both in your chimney and other parts of the house that may be exposed if the cracks in your chimney’s structure are allowed to worse.
This is a new development in chimney maintenance, not everyone is up to date on waterproofing technique and installation. This type of multistage sealant allows your chimney to breath and maintain function, even repairing some small damages that may have occurred in the past. If your chimney has been around for 5 years or more, this is a great option for you.
Your Waterproofing Options
Never just paint or install some sort of moisture barrier around your chimney. This prevents it from “breathing” or functioning correctly and can even create a dangerous situation for anyone living inside of the home.
Sealing a chimney in an improper way also speeds up instances of rot and increases your chances or growing mold and mildew. You don’t want to trap moisture inside, and that’s what improper products and techniques can do.
Choosing a professional to install a high-grade sealant is your best option, but there are also several other factors to consider:
Have you checked your chimney cap recently? Does is seem to work effectively? This is an essential component to your chimney’s function. If you happen to be missing a cap, read more about chimney cap benefits here.
Are there any signs of cracks, corrosion or spalling (crumbled or flaky masonry)? Any sort of damage can let more water in. Be especially vigilant when it comes to the crown and flashing of your chimney. These are both essential parts when it comes to function and keeping water and other harmful elements out. Getting an annual inspection from us will find any of these issues (if they exist), so you won’t have to worry.
It’s important to be vigilant for these signs of corrosion in order to maintain the vital functions of your chimney as well as safeguard the structure of your home. WE can do all of the work for you, as well as provide any replacements or repairs your chimney may need. Call us today at (228) 205-4543.