In the lower Hudson Valley area, summer can be a very rainy season. Protecting your chimney from water penetration is one of the most important chimney maintenance tasks you should do. For over 25 years, All Seasons Chimney has been helping residents of the Hudson Valley prevent damaging chimney water leaks, and our sweeps have all been certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) to inspect and repair any water damage that may have occurred to your chimney. Water can cause expensive and dangerous damage to chimneys; the CSIA even warns that water is the biggest enemy to masonry chimneys. We would like to tell you more about how water damages your chimney as well as how we can best protect your chimney from the dangers of water leaks.
How Water Damages Masonry Chimneys
The bricks and mortar on the exterior of your chimney are always exposed to water from rain and melted ice and snow. Because these masonry materials are porous, water gets absorbed into the bricks and mortar joints. The biggest damage happens in the winter when that water freezes inside the materials every time the temperature drops. Since water expands when it freezes, it causes the bricks and mortar joints to crack and break apart as the water thaws. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles can lead to devastating structural damage. Cracked bricks and mortar joints also allow water to easily enter the flue, where it can cause rust corrosion of metal components, like dampers and liners. Water can even leak into your home and create stains on the ceilings and walls.
How All Seasons Chimney Protects Masonry Chimneys
Our staff specializes in leaky chimneys, and you can trust us to find and repair leaks and to keep water from ever getting inside the flue. If you have a leaky chimney, we provide several repair services. Whether you need your flashing system repaired, your chimney relined, or your chimney cap or crown replaced, we can do it all. We also have experienced masonry technicians who can repair any brick damage your chimney may have suffered. Once your chimney leak problem has been solved, we can protect your chimney from future water penetration damage by waterproofing your chimney. We use a formula that is 100% vapor permeable, so vapors can pass through while water is kept out. Our waterproofing service comes with a 10-year warranty, so you will enjoy protection from water damage for a decade.
Keep water out of your chimney this summer. Contact us at All Seasons Chimney today to schedule an appointment for a water leak chimney inspection.