Worried that water damage is going to make your chimney run less efficiently this fall and winter? Water can take a toll on your brick and mortar in a hurry, and putting off necessary repairs will put your home and family
at significant risk, so if you have any concerns, it’s time to call on our team!
An in-depth inspection will reveal any problem areas that need addressing, and our experts know exactly what to do when it comes to both repairing water-related damages and preventing them from reoccurring down the line.
Fall weather and cool winds will be here before you know it, so get in touch with us now to get your appointment on the books. When you’re enjoying a cozy fire on that first brisk evening, you’ll be happy you reached out sooner, rather than later!
Things To Look Out For
So, what are some things that you, as a homeowner, could watch out for? Learn more below! And if you experience any questions, give us a call right away. We are always happy to offer guidance and help!
Visible Puddles Of Water Inside Of Your Fireplace: If you actually see water inside of your fireplace, there is obviously a problem within your system. You likely have a big leak or you could be missing mortar joints, a chimney cap, or something else. Whatever the problem is, getting a professional on the job as soon as possible is the right move to make. The longer you wait, the more damage you’ll end up with, so save yourself time, money, and stress by reaching out today.
Discoloration Inside & Outside Your Chimney: Whether you notice stains that black, brown, green, red, or white, discoloration throughout your structure is never a good thing. White stains are a sign of efflorescence, red stains indicate rust, green coloring could be a sign of mold or mildew, and black/brown stains usually mean soot or creosote is present and wreaking havoc. Regardless, getting an expert’s eye on the situation is a must.
Damaged Flashing, Caps, Or Other Chimney Parts: Is your chimney cap, flashing, chase cover, or any other parts showing signs of damage? Once these components start to fail, water will be able to get in very easily and any present issues will only worsen. Most of these parts provide inexpensive and easy ways to keep water and moisture out for the long haul, so be sure to ask our team about all we offer. You’ll be happy you did!
How Will Water Damage Affect My Structure?
So, you know what to look out for, but just how detrimental is water to your structure? Well, water is actually one of the biggest threats to your chimney, and it can cause significant amounts of damage that make operating your system dangerous to your household. Cracks and gaps that form as a result of excess moisture will allow flames, smoke, hazardous gases, and other harmful things to enter your home, meaning your risk of experiencing a house fire or gas leak will increase significantly.
How Can I Protect My Structure? Is Waterproofing The Best Option?
Your brickwork is as porous as a sponge, and it quickly soaks up moisture when not adequately protected. After a heavy rainfall, the water in your bricks will break things down and create cracks and holes that only get bigger as time goes on. Along with this, moisture will have easy access to your roofing materials and any surrounding woodwork, triggering rotting, rusting, stains, and a lot of other issues that call for time-consuming and expensive repair work.
Waterproofing is a great option for those with vulnerable structures, but it should only be completed once your system is completely fixed up and in good shape. If damages are still present, you’ll continue to face threats. Our waterproofing products are both durable and vapor permeable, so you’ll get the protection you deserve without having water trapped in your masonry for the long haul.
Also, because we’re no strangers to cold weather here in Poughkeepsie and its surrounding towns and neighborhoods, we also recommend investing in crown sealers and/or crown coats to prevent the freeze/thaw process from occurring. When the water inside of a structure freezes and expands, it can cause quite a bit of shifting, and as it thaws and freezes multiple times a season a large amount of damage can occur. When it comes to your chimney, this is definitely something to avoid!
Finally, be sure to ask us about our water repellents. There are numerous ways we can give you the protection you deserve, and our team is eager to help you out soon, especially since snow and ice will be here before we know it.
All in all, remember that, just like you need regular check-ups with your doctor, your chimney needs regular inspections, too! These acts help to prevent problems from occurring down the line and will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Ready to book your appointment? Call now!
strategize your preparation plans so that you remember to follow through on every single thing on your to-do list. For over 25 years, All Seasons Chimney has been helping homeowners across the lower Hudson Valley region with our superior professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services, which include providing the Level 2 chimney inspections that are required for real estate transactions. We would like to take the opportunity to tell you more about what you need to do when you are preparing to sell your home to help you when you are making your checklist.