After a long winter, spring is a welcome change in season. Unfortunately, the same spring weather that brings warmer temperatures and longer days also leads to lots and lots of rain, which can be extremely damaging to your chimney system.
Whether your chimney is currently in good condition or has experienced some previous water damage, consider waterproofing your chimney this spring. Waterproofing your chimney is an excellent way to extend the life of your masonry chimney and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
How water damages chimneys
Although they are designed to be exposed to the elements, water is still one of the most damaging forces for a chimney and can affect many different parts of your fireplace system. However, moisture can be most damaging to your masonry, causing it to chip, crack, spall, and even fall away from the chimney structure.
One of the primary ways that water damages masonry is through the freeze thaw cycle. During this process, small amounts of water are absorbed by the brick, only to freeze and expand. When the water melts, it leaves behind holes that become gradually larger and larger, leading to severe masonry damage.
Because the presence of rain and other moisture is an inevitable part of nature, homeowners should take proactive steps to protect their masonry structures by having them professionally waterproofed. Waterproofing can protect your masonry against water damage, significantly extending its durability.
How waterproofing works
Applying a waterproofing product to your chimney is one of the single greatest things you can do to protect your masonry. The products used by fireplace professionals are specially designed for use on chimneys and other masonry structures. This means that they are able to prevent new moisture from getting in without trapping existing moisture inside; this is extremely important as other sealants, such as paint, trap water in the masonry and can lead to further damage. In addition to not trapping water inside the brick, these products also allow the masonry to retain its naturally porous properties by allowing hot air and gasses to escape.
The products we use
At Jack Pixley Sweeps, we proudly recommend and use the SaverSystems waterproofing products.
- ChimneySaver: The ChimneySaver water repellent is specially formulated for use on the bricks and mortar of your chimney structure. It works by penetrating deep into the brick, forming a lasting seal against water that still allows trapped moisture and gas to escape. ChimneySaver can significantly extend the life of your masonry and offer long term protection against water, even in homes with existing moisture damage.
- CrownCoat: CrownCoat is a flexible, waterproof sealant that is applied to the chimney crown or wash. CrownCoat is an extremely cost effective way to stop water entry in your chimney crown and can be used on chimneys with existing minor cracks and deterioration. When applied correctly, CrownCoat also features a 15 year warranty against further water intrustion.
- FlashSeal: FlashSeal is a rubber membrane that can be applied to existing flashing. This product is especially useful in homes where the flashing has begun to deteriorate, chip, and lose its watertight seal. When applied correctly with reinforcement fabric, FlashSeal is guaranteed to last up to seven years.
Protect your chimney against this year’s April showers – contact Jack Pixley Sweeps today to schedule your waterproofing appointment!