Leaks can feel like a dark looming cloud that can arise at any moment and they tend to put homeowners on edge. Oftentimes when the leak is spotted, many will call their local roofer only to find out they should have called their local chimney company instead.
Water intrusion is a giant enemy of your chimney’s masonry structure, so it’s important to take the proper preventative methods. Yearly chimney inspections and a waterproof chimney repellent should be at the top of your list to avoid water damage and to extend the life of your chimney.
Both will help prolong the life of your masonry and prevent costly repairs down the road.
Almost all chimneys are susceptible to water damage simply because they sit above the roofline. It’s only natural that they are vulnerable to nature’s harsh elements; however, if the structure is sound and you take the proper yearly preventative methods, you can definitely help stop any potential leaks or damage.
Caps and Dampers first step is to inspect your chimney for any water damage and determine the cause. Then we take the proper corrective measures to make sure the problem doesn’t expand. One of the most important things we do is use a product called ChimneySaver Water Repellent. It significantly reduces water penetration into the masonry 99.9%, according to ASTM tests conducted at Wyoming University.
Our professionals have been using this product for years and stay away from chimney sealants. You should know that sealants will form a film on your chimney’s surface and will trap moisture inside. Water repellents do the opposite. Repellents allow the surface to breathe while keeping water out.
ChimneySafe is 100% vapor permeable, which means it won’t trap water vapors that may pass through the bricks when the chimney is in use. If vapors cannot escape, they will contribute to spalling, scaling, deterioration, and freeze-thaw damage. It’s very important to have a repellent on your chimney and we highly recommend getting a treatment before the winter season.
Schedule your appointment now for an inspection and a water repellent treatment.
