How To Prevent Water Damage In Your Chimney

Water damage in a chimney is one of the most serious problems that homeowners face. Water damage to your chimney will cause deterioration of the chimney’s masonry. The materials that make up your chimney, such as mortar, stone, and brick, are all water-absorbing, making them easy to damage. It can lead to your chimney falling or your floorboards warping. You can easily avoid these expensive and dangerous problems.

Bricksmith Masonry LLC Services has been dedicated to the safety and function of chimneys for homeowners. Our technicians will provide you with excellent and personalized service for all your chimney concerns. We can help you with any chimney issue, whether it’s water damage in the chimney or a simple annual inspection. Contact us to start the process. Learn how to avoid water damage in your chimney until then.

Check Your Chimney Crown to Make Sure It’s Not Damaged

A chimney crown is the concrete slab that sits on top of a brick stack. The chimney crown’s purpose is to keep moisture out of your fireplace. The crown is your first line of defense against moisture. If it is damaged, snow or water can enter your chimney. Water or snow will be able to exit the chimney through the crown’s edge if the crown is functioning properly. Call us to make sure your chimney crown doesn’t get damaged.

Check to Make Sure Your Chimney cap works (and that you have one)

The chimney cap is also called a rain cover. Its purpose is to protect the flue against rainwater. Imagine an umbrella placed over your chimney crown. Your chimney cap prevents water from entering your flue where it can cause moisture and mold to build up in your home. It is important to use a cap in order to prevent animals or birds from entering the chimney. Learn more about the chimney cap in our guide.

Repair Mortar and Bricks that Have Deteriorated

We’ve already mentioned that when water seeps in your chimney, the mortar and brick absorb it. You can’t stop harsh weather from degrading your chimney for a long time. You can still take steps to ensure that your bricks and mortar are in good condition to prevent costly water damage. Check your mortar joints visually for any unusual gaps or entry points that could hold water. This is a sign your mortar requires repair. Do not hesitate to contact us if you haven’t noticed anything, but still are concerned. We can perform a detailed inspection of the masonry. We provide a variety of masonry services that will ensure the masonry in your chimney has a long lifespan.

Seal Your Chimney

Many homeowners don’t know this recommendation. Water damage is delayed by sealing your chimney. This allows water vapor to escape and not get trapped in the bricks and mortar. Bricksmith Masonry LLC Services uses professional-grade sealers which are 100% vapor permeable. This allows your chimney the freedom to breathe, while still being protected. Anyone with a brick fireplace will love this option!

Book an Annual Chimney Inspection

Now all that is left to do is schedule a chimney inspection. A chimney inspection should be booked at least once per year to ensure that all the items on this list are checked by a certified chimney technician. Our technicians can check if these components are working properly and if repairs are needed. You can also have them identify signs of water damage to avoid costly problems. For comprehensive Chimney Repair in Seattle, trust our expert team.

 Bricksmith Masonry LLC Services Can protect Your Chimney

Do not wait for problems such as water damage to your chimney to worsen! Please book an appointment so we can perform a routine inspection of your chimney to ensure that it is in good working condition. We are interested in your concerns, so we can address any issues before they damage your home.