The Importance of Waterproofing Your Chimney
Every day of the year, your chimney is exposed to abuse from the sun’s rays. Protracted exposure to the sun will cook your chimney’s bricks, much like a kiln. Baked bricks are more porous and spongelike, leading to higher moisture absorption. It doesn’t matter if it’s rain or fog; your chimney will absorb it. These issues make it obvious why chimney waterproofing is vital. Read on to better understand the crucial reasons your chimney should be waterproofed.
Reasons You Should Have Your Chimney Waterproofed
Water Damage
Obviously, water damage is the chief reason your chimney needs to be waterproofed. When water penetrates your chimney’s bricks, they will expand and contract repeatedly because of the freeze-thaw cycle. Eventually, due to the repeated motion of the freeze-thaw cycle, your chimney’s bricks will start to break or crumble. If your bricks continue to be broken down by water, then there is a high probability that your chimney will collapse.
Chimney Fires
When your chimney’s bricks and mortar begin to break down because of water infiltration, it can cause structural damage that interferes with proper airflow in your chimney. Every time you burn wood in your fireplace, an extremely flammable substance known as creosote is produced. If your chimney has insufficient ventilation, then creosote can stick to your chimney’s walls. If a hot ember glides up your chimney, it can come into contact with creosote and ignite a fire.
Waterproofing and Your Chimney’s Lifespan
It’s not hard to understand: when you have your chimney waterproofed, it will repel water and last much longer than it would without it. It will also save you from expensive repair bills.
The Chimney Waterproofing Process
When a professional chimney sweep service waterproofs your chimney, there are a few crucial steps. Prior to waterproofing, the chimney sweeps will inspect the chimney for signs of damage, and if they find any, they will fix the problem before waterproofing. Here is a more detailed look at the waterproofing process:
Cleaning the Chimney
Dirt, debris, or any other foreign substance will be removed; it could involve pressure washing if the foreign substances are stuck. After the chimney is cleaned, it will let the chimney sweeps examine your chimney and prepare it for the waterproof sealant.
Inspecting the Chimney
As stated above, the chimney will be inspected for damage.
Repairing Chimney Damage
When the chimney sweeps find damage, they will repair it immediately.
Application of the Waterproof Sealant
Once any repairs are performed, the next step will be to apply the waterproof sealant on the exterior of your chimney. It will have a breathable seal made so chimneys seal in moisture. It allows moisture from your chimney’s bricks to vacate while preventing moisture from infiltrating them. Chimney sweeps use special tools to distribute the waterproof sealant, such as sprayers and brushes. After the sealant is applied, it has to cure. Once the waterproof sealant has cured, you need to have your chimney inspected annually by a qualified chimney sweep service.
In Short
As you can tell, chimney waterproofing is a vital process for your home. It will save you money and headaches in the long run.
Chimney Sweeps, Inc. is the Waterproofing Expert
If you live in the greater San Diego area, contact us today. We will inspect and waterproof your chimney so you and your family can enjoy it for years to come.
