While a brick and mortar chimney is one of the most durable structures in your home, it is under the constant threat of water damage. Water is the enemy of masonry. It can seep into the porous surface of brick work, causing it to crack, crumble, and in extreme cases, even collapse. This is why it is essential to waterproof your chimney and home masonry.
What Is Waterproofing?
Waterproofing is the process of making a surface or structure impervious to water. This is achieved by applying a water-resistant barrier to the surface, which then prevents water from penetrating it. This service is a must for masonry chimneys as they are very porous and constantly exposed to the elements.
The methods we use at Clean Sweep 317 include using vapor-permeable solutions that create a barrier to prevent water from penetrating the masonry – while still allowing any moisture that’s inside to eventually evaporate out. Our professionals have the equipment and training needed to make sure every exposed brick and mortar surface on your property is given the necessary treatments to keep water out for the long haul.
Why Is It Important to Waterproof My Chimney & Home Masonry?
There are lots of reasons why waterproofing is so important, but here are some of the biggest issues we hope to avoid with this service.
Water damage can cause mold and mildew to grow on the masonry. This can be unsightly and can also lead to health problems, as mold and mildew can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues.- Water can cause metal components throughout the home and the chimney to rust. This invites inefficiency and can cause more damage to occur throughout the entire system.
- A common consequence of water damage is cracking and crumbling, which then weakens other parts of the structure, like the crown, chimney liner, and more.
- As water collects in the cracks and gaps of the brick and mortar it kicks starts something known as the freeze/thaw process, which triggers a whole slew of other issues.
What is the freeze/thaw process?
The freeze/thaw process happens when the moisture trapped in the pores and cracks of your masonry freezes. As water freezes it expands, putting pressure on the cracks it is trapped in and forcing them to open wider and deeper. When it warms up and the water melts, this water remains in the cracks and more water is able to collect, as well. The cycle then continues, forming even more damage in the process, the next time a cold snap comes through.
Not only does the freeze/thaw process cause the masonry to crack and crumble, it greatly increases the risk of your structure collapsing. This can be dangerous for your home, posing a threat to both the structure of it and the safety of those living inside of it.
How Can Chimney Caps Protect My Masonry?
Chimney caps are an essential part of a chimney and play a big role in protecting your masonry from water damage. A chimney cap is a metal cover that is installed over the top of your chimney. The cap creates a barrier that prevents water from entering the inside of your chimney exhaust opening, where it can then cause significant damage through the rest of your system.
What else can chimney caps do?
In addition to helping protect your masonry, chimney caps also offer many other benefits.
-
They prevent animals from entering your chimney. Birds, squirrels, and other animals often try to build nests inside chimneys, which can then cause significant problems, like clogging, bad odors, and more. A chimney cap can prevent animals from entering your home – which is better for both you and for them. - They block out leaves, twigs, and more. Another advantage of a chimney cap is its ability to prevent debris from entering your chimney. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can accumulate inside your chimney and create a fire hazard, as well as clog things up and invite damage.
- They improve efficiency. Chimney caps can help improve the overall efficiency of your chimney by blocking downdrafts and keeping everything in tip-top shape.
Now, not all chimney caps are created equal. Different materials and styles can mean different things for your home. A poorly-crafted chimney cap will be made out of thin, lightweight metals that easily bend and flex. And if not installed and fitted correctly, a chimney cap could collect water and rust quickly.
Reach Out to Our Experts
At Clean Sweep 317 we install the strongest and most durable chimney caps possible, meaning they will last longer and save you money over time. Not only that, our professionals have the training and experience required to know the proper fitting you need for your chimney’s unique needs, so that you can enjoy your fireplace to the fullest.
Remember that it’s important to have regular chimney inspections completed to keep water from damaging your masonry and trigger cracks and crumbling to occur. The technicians here at Clean Sweep 317 are experts at spotting this type of trouble early, allowing us to work with you to make appropriate repairs.
Call us at 317-643-1128 today or book online to get your next service set – whether it be waterproofing services, an inspection, a sweeping, or something else. Our team is ready to serve you with quality, excellence, and precision.