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.
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.