Our Company Blog

Waterproofing and Chimney Leaks

Spring weather usually brings us lots of rain. We all know April showers bring May flowers, so we must all do our best to prepare the chimney system from the rain. If rain gets into your chimney, it can do a great amount of damage to your fireplace and structural integrity of your home as well. You can prevent a chimney leak this season by scheduling our waterproofing services right now.

Waterproofing Explained

As soon as you schedule a waterproofing appointment, we will begin a thorough inspection of your entire chimney system. We must first do necessary repairs for your chimney, and then your technician can proceed with our waterproofing service. Gaps and cracks will be repaired and necessary parts will be replaced, such as chimney cap and flashing. All of these components of the chimney helps to prevent leaks.

At Chief Chimney Services, we not only offer the best services to the Suffolk County area, but we also offer the best products. We trust in the saving power of ChimneySaver products for all of our waterproofing. ChimneySaver water-repellant products are vapor-permeable, meaning that the masonry is protected from moisture getting in, but the vapors are also able to get out.

This is vital to the proper function of your chimney. Silicone-based sealants and those used by homeowners and handymen, are actually working against your masonry. ChimneySaver water-repellant works FOR your chimney’s masonry to protect it completely, and it also comes with a ten-year warranty!  Schedule your chimney to get waterproofed this spring, and your masonry will be protected for years to come!

The Unprotected Chimney

An unprotected chimney not only inefficient and unsafe, but it will cost you lots of money later on if the issues are neglected. Water penetration is one of the worst things that can happen to your masonry and your home. Chimney leaks can cause the following issues.

• Rusted parts (accessories, doors, and hinges)
• Deteriorated parts (wood, walls, ceilings, and floors)
• Water-stained (ruined walls, floors, furniture)
• Dirty, clogged, chimney and clean-out area.
• Damaged heating system
• Decayed and spalling mortar
• Collapsed hearth support and chimney structure

The damages caused by a chimney leak will cost you lots of money and give you plenty of headache. You may have a leak in your guest bathroom three rooms away because of your chimney! If you experience a water leak in your house, then you need to call a chimney sweep. A handyman or contractor can repair your damage, but the root issue from the leak won’t be fixed unless you call a chimney sweep. Make sure your chimney system is ready for spring so you don’t get a leak. Call us at 631-863-2460 to get started.

Chimney Masonry Damage and Repair

Your chimney may be the most important system in your home or business. While the fireplace creates a welcoming ambiance to family, guests, and customers, it is the job of the chimney to keep the building safe, the air unpolluted, and allowing the fire to burn effectively. Your chimney is not only a working system, but it can also be a great cosmetic asset to your property. A long winter can bring lots of damages to the masonry, which will affect the working condition of the chimney and how it looks! If you have masonry damage, it’s time to schedule repairs.

Common Masonry Damage

At Chief Chimney Services, we’ve spent the last three decades serving a large area of Suffolk County, Long Island, and New York. Our customers endure long, harsh winters – mineral corrosion due to proximity to the ocean and more. When spring arrives, we receive multitudes of calls about chimney inspections and visual damages that need to be addressed. We always make these repairs promptly, because a small amount of damage today can develop into a devastating structural damage rather quickly.

• Spalling Masonry – When the mortar of a chimney becomes cracked, it gives space for water to enter and damage the masonry from the inside out. Our solution for spalling masonry is a process called tuckpointing or repointing, in which we remove the affected mortar and bricks, replacing them with new mortar of equal strength, consistency, and color as the existing mortar. This will ensure the repaired masonry is strong and long-lasting. And you will end up with not only a safe but a beautiful chimney!
• Chimney Leaks – Oftentimes, a chimney leak isn’t noticeable until spring when temperatures begin to rise, which causes the water in the chimney to thaw and move through the masonry. A chimney leak can damage more than just the chimney, but it can also cause ruined walls, floors, furniture, and more! At Chief Chimney Services, we are capable of  diagnose your chimney leaks, repair the damage, and stop the leak! Many chimney sweeping companies, general contractors, and handymen will repair the damage, failing to fix the root of the problems. We repair your leak and then waterproof the chimney for good measures.
• Flue Fire, Animal Intrusion, Liner Damage – You may have liner damage if you’ve had a flue fire, if an animal has occupied your chimney, or if you’ve noticed pieces of clay tile in your fireplace. If your masonry feels hot to the touch, you may also have a problem with the liner. At Chief Chimney Services, we specialize in chimney relining. We can either replace your liner completely or reline the flue with HeatShield Cerfractory Flue Sealant, the most innovative method to restore or repair your chimney flue.

Whether your chimney damage is a result of a fire, a storm, an earthquake, or merely wear-and-tear over time, Chief Chimney Services can get it back into top shape this spring. Scheduling in the spring means you’ll have plenty of time for an inspection and necessary repairs to get it ready to go for fall. Don’t let spring showers or summer humidity do further damage to your masonry – call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or make an appointment online!