While enjoying the comfort of a roaring fire on cold winter evenings, the thoughts of rainy spring days may be far from your mind. But anyone whThe importance of Waterporrfing your chimney IMG- Mansfield OH- Chim Cheroo Chimney Service Inc-w800-h597o owns a home that has a chimney needs to be aware of the damage too much moisture can cause to that chimney.

The Make-up of Your Chimney

Chimneys can be made of different materials held together by mortar: stone, brick, or in some cases, even block. Although it seems that these materials would be solid and impenetrable, they aren’t. Bricks and block are porous, and although less porous, even stones can absorb water over time. The mortar which holds these products together is also susceptible to moisture seepage. When water enters the components of your chimney, it causes these components to deteriorate, and that can lead to major expense for chimney repairs.

Chimney Inspections

As a homeowner, keep an eye on your chimney for visible signs of water penetration and damage. According to Chimneys.com, one of the first signs of water damage is spalling. If the surface of the bricks in your chimney appears to be flaking, peeling, or cracking, this means that your bricks are spalling; moisture has entered your bricks and is causing a breakdown. It is important to check the mortar between your bricks, also. If the mortar between the bricks is crumbly or soft, chances are water has penetrated and caused damage. If spalling or crumbling mortar is evident, you may be in for extensive repairs.

Although it is possible for you as a homeowner to inspect the exterior of your chimney, the better option would be to schedule annual inspections by Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified inspectors such as those at Chim-Cheroo Chimney Service. If signs of deterioration are evident, your chimney inspector will be able to give options to bring your chimney up to code and, once repaired, tell you how to keep your chimney safe and functional.

Waterproofing

Once an inspector has given your chimney a thorough inspection and any damage has been repaired, an excellent option to keep it from moisture damage is to have your chimney waterproofed. Be sure to find a qualified chimney service to make sure that waterproofing is done properly and with a quality waterproofing product. CSIA stresses the importance of using a product that will waterproof the exterior of your chimney while allowing the vapors that form from using your fireplace to escape. It is vital that your chimney service uses a product that allows these vapors to escape, because if these vapors remain in your chimney, the interior of your chimney could sustain the water damage that you are trying to prevent.

Waterproofing your chimney is a task best left to the experts. Technicians like those at Chim-Cheroo Chimney Service are specially trained to treat your chimney, and use only the best tools and products when working with your chimney. Be proactive when it comes to the health of your chimney. Call the experts at Chim-Cheroo Chimney Service to have your chimney waterproofed, and the worries of chimney damage from spring rains will be a thing of the past.