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 and Chimney Leaks - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Services

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.

By John Pilger on April 26th, 2018 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Waterproofing and Chimney Leaks

Preventing Chimney Water Damage

Spring is in full swing! Now is the best time to assess and prevent water damage. Burning season is busy, and can be long and full of forecasts of heavy rain and snowfall in our area. Over time, even a well-constructed chimney can become damaged if it isn’t properly waterproofed or maintained.Chimney Water Damage Prevention - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney Service

How to Catch Water Damage

It can be difficult to catch chimney water damage. This is because a large portion of the chimney system is out of sight. Consequently, it can often lead to neglect because “what’s out of sight is out of mind.” By the time the average homeowner notices signs of a leak, it’s most likely caused extensive unseen damage.

It’s important to assess your chimney system regularly in order to detect the first hint of a problem. Common indicators of chimney water damage include:

  • Dripping in the chimney or fireplace
  • Stained masonry in firebox, chimney, and on exterior chimney
  • Rust marks and stains on exterior chimney
  • Moldy/mildew-like odors
  • Leaky ceilings and walls

Any indication of a leaky chimney should be addressed as soon as possible! This is in order to keep your family safe, protect your home, and save you repair costs in the future. You can avoid repairs by preventing damage in the first place.

Protect Your Chimney by Hiring a Professional

In order to avoid water damage through the burning season and year round, you should take certain steps. When preparing your chimney and fireplace for winter, you should hire a professional to inspect and properly waterproof it. When it’s time to close it out for the off-season it should be swept and assessed for winter damage. Minor winter damage can lead to serious water damage, if it isn’t corrected before the wet spring season.

Your neighborhood handyman will not have the expertise and training to assess weaknesses in your system! Chief Chimney Services offers the best preventative care for the Suffolk County area and an expert is standing by to discuss your chimney’s future.

Chief Chimney Services offers water damage prevention. This can protect your chimney year-round by installing chimney flashing, a properly-fitted chimney cap, and applying a ChimneySaver waterproofing sealant. This sealant is designed specifically for masonry, allowing vapors out, but keeping water molecules from entering. A ChimneySaver sealant is the best way to keep water out of your masonry year-round. However, only a professional chimney sweep should apply it! When you hire a professional you get guaranteed work, and a detailed report for your insurance provider.

Call Chief Chimney Services at 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

By John Pilger on May 10th, 2017 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Preventing Chimney Water Damage