Spring is here, temps are rising, and we’re getting plenty of rainfall. Which is great for our yards and gardens, but not so great for our chimney and its many components.
In fact, your chimney is subjected to a lot being on the outside of your home. It seems that, no matter the time of year, there’s always something trying to break it down, whether it’s rain in the springtime, snow in the winter, or curious animals in the summer months. Because of this, implementing professional care into your maintenance routine is essential.
Types of Chimney Water Damage
So, your chimney is tough, reliable, and built from one of the sturdiest materials around, so… how is it that something as harmless as water is such a threat? Well, there actually are lots of ways water can break things down.
Damaged/Crumbling Masonry: If you throw a brick, it’s bound to do some damage to anything it comes across, but when it comes to water it’s not so tough. Bricks are actually quite absorbent, so water can easily seep in and cause all types of cracking and crumbling. And your mortar joints are sure to suffer as a result, too. Things get especially bad during the winter when the freeze/thaw process (see below) occurs.- Rusted Metal Components: Your chimney cap, flashing, and chase cover can all quickly become rusted if there are issues throughout your system. If any of these parts are installed incorrectly (or if they were made from cheaper materials to begin with), then water exposure will eventually trigger rust and break them down, leaving your system even more vulnerable overall.
- Interior Home Damage: The more water that enters through your chimney, the more the inside of your home will suffer, too. This could be obvious damage, like staining your walls and ceiling, or it could be more hidden and subtle, like rotted woodwork or mold growth. Regardless, these are all things you want to avoid.
- Deteriorated Chimney Liner: Your chimney liner serves a few very important roles, one of which is keeping your home from starting on fire. But if it’s not protected from water, it will deteriorate and leave pathways for fumes and flames to enter, making your fireplace and home a lot more susceptible to damage in the process.
- Damaged Firebox: Your firebox is where the main show takes place and, while it can take on a lot of heat, water damage can wear it down in a hurry. If water is entering through the top of your flue, it will eventually cause deterioration through the firebox, which will lead to inefficiency and make your home more susceptible to fires and gas leaks.
- Discoloration: Is your chimney not the color it’s supposed to be? If any of your chimney components are showing signs of discoloration, then it’s time to call in a pro. Homeowners most commonly report white efflorescence, green vegetation and mold growth, red rust spots, and black or brown soot stains.
- Clogs: Since water weakens mortar joints, you could be more susceptible to clogs if your system isn’t adequately protected. Basically, your terra cotta flue liner tiles will start breaking off into the chimney, blocking it off and leaving you with poor air flow, smoke in your home, and many other hazards.
- Bad Odors: When water combines with creosote and any other debris in the flue, you’re bound to experience some bad odors. Often, homeowners will report a musty/damp type of odor, but the creosote can trigger some nasty burnt barbecue smells, too.
What is the Freeze/Thaw Process?
We mentioned the freeze/thaw process above, but many don’t know what this actually entails. Well, this is what occurs during the winter months when the water inside of your masonry freezes, expands, and causes cracking and spalling.
Think of it like this… what happens when you put a can of soda in your freezer and forget about it? Well, all too often, the can bursts open because the liquid expands once it freezes and hardens. Since the can was already holding as much as it could, this extra volume puts pressure on it until it inevitably bursts, leaving you with a big mess to clean up.
Something similar happens to your chimney. The frozen water puts pressure on the bricks, causing them to crack. The water eventually melts away when temps rise, but by then the damage is already done… and now you have even more spots for water to enter before the next freeze/thaw cycle begins a short time later.
Now, a soft drink in your freezer can be cleaned up in an afternoon, but masonry repairs aren’t so simple to address. To avoid time-consuming and costly damage, it’s imperative to invest in appropriate preventative measures before damage can occur.
Already spotting some issues? Don’t put off professional care! The longer you wait, the worse things will get, so getting a pro on the job ASAP is a must.
How Can 603 Chimney Help?
If your chimney is leaking, never fear. Whether you need a few quick and simple repairs or some more exhaustive services (like a rebuild) completed, we’ll have your back every step of the way. We offer chimney relining, brick replacement, tuckpointing services, firebox repairs, and more!
And in terms of preventative maintenance, we offer flashing repairs, chimney cap and chase cover replacements, chimney crown repairs, and chimney waterproofing. Once we’re through, you can rest easier knowing your system will be better protected no matter the weather outside.
Don’t wait – reach out to our qualified crew today!
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