Precipitation. In the spring, it’s a sweet sound, washing away the dirt and grime of a long winter. In the summer, it’s a much needed element to make the crops, gardens, and lawns stay green and fresh. In the fall, when the harvest is out, it replenishes the moisture level of the soil and helps get things ready for the next growing season. And in the winter, precipitation continues to add moisture to the soil, and if it’s snow, can coat the ground in a blanket of beauty. With all of the good that precipitation does, is there a downside? Well, if you own a home with a chimney, there definitely is a downside to all this precipitation. There are several ways that water can cause major damage to a chimney. Fortunately, there are also ways to make sure that this damage has as little effect as possible, and when you hire Chimney Doctors of Colorado, you know that we’ll do everything possible to make sure that your chimney and fireplace are taken care of.
Negative Effects of Precipitation
Although your brick and mortar chimney seems like an indestructible structure, this simple thing, precipitation, can wreak havoc on that structure. First, in a cold Colorado winter, you can count on the freeze-thaw cycle being a problem. Mortar is a porous substance, and when precipitation falls, it gets into those pores. When the cold winter weather hits, this moisture freezes and expands, causing the pores to get bigger. As this cycle continues, the enlarged pores can cause the very structure of your chimney to weaken. This is why we will closely inspect your chimney to make sure that no structural damage is present.
Structural damage is bad, but there are other things to look for when you suspect that water damage is occurring. If you are noticing water stains on the ceiling next to your fireplace, or if the wallpaper or floor boards are soft or weakened, it’s likely that there is a leak somewhere in your chimney. It may be that your dampers or other metal accessories are rusting, or you may just notice that there’s water in the firebox. Any water leaks can cause major damage to your fireplace and to your home.
Water Leakage Solutions
At Chimney Doctors of Colorado, we have several options to take care of your chimney leak problems. We will check out your flashing to make sure they aren’t damaged or loose, and your chimney cap and crown to be sure that no precipitation is able to get in. But for a long-lasting solution, we will also recommend that you have your chimney waterproofed. This process includes applying a solution that will keep water from entering your chimney while allowing moisture that’s already inside the mortar to escape. The best product in the industry is ChimneySaver, and that’s just the product we use to make sure that your home and fireplace are kept dry and strong.
Give Chimney Doctors of Colorado a call today and let us give your chimney a proper waterproofing soon!