Your chimney is designed to last the life of your home. Also, to withstand time and weather. This is why you often see a chimney standing tall despite a natural disaster destroying a home completely. The truth is, even a well-constructed chimney can have a short life if it isn’t properly maintained. Part of caring for your chimney includes routine maintenance.
Professional Care
Your chimney should be inspected and cleaned regularly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends annual chimney inspections to be completed by a CSIA certified professional. The chimney sweep and inspection may be the only time a professional has access to your chimney system. They will assess it for weaknesses and clean away debris, soot, and creosote. You should receive a detailed report following an inspection and sweep for your own records, insurance provider, realtor, or municipal authorities. These important routine appointments are one step toward a long life for your chimney, but there is more you can and should do.
An Ounce of Prevention
The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true as much for chimney health as it does for automobiles, homes, and physical bodies. Preventing an occurrence is far more effective than attempting to quell the damage once a problem has occurred. A large part of this prevention is in the routine maintenance mentioned above, but at Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service we consider waterproofing services just as important! Having your chimney waterproofed can save you in catastrophic costs in repairs, injuries, and possible property damages.
Water and Your Masonry Chimney
It’s strange to think that water can lead to a fire. However, in your chimney system, that’s exactly what it does. When water penetrates the chimney system it leads to structural damage, rust and malfunction of important parts, deterioration of chimney liners and masonry, blockage, and more. When water damage occurs, the chimney works less efficiently, airflow is compromised, and the heat and flames that should rise up the chimney don’t. Instead the creosote inside the chimney can ignite, or building materials around the chimney can ignite when heat is transferred through a damaged liner. Fire risk is not the only threat. Water damage can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning that may not be detected until irreparable damage occurs.
What is Chimney Waterproofing?
Chimney waterproofing services are best done in early spring, before the rainy season comes. However, anytime is better than none to have your chimney waterproofed. Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service uses a breathable agent that is made available to industry professionals. This special sealant allows vapors out the masonry, while keeping water molecules from coming in. Waterproofing your chimney is the first defense against water-intrusion that will preserve the life of your chimney and keep it functioning properly.
Your chimney sweep will check other important components such as the flashing, chimney cap, and crown at your routine service appointments. It’s our first priority to keep our customers safe and comfortable, and that starts with keeping the chimney functional, and keeping water out. Find out how one of our certified chimney sweeps can help you help your chimney work better. Call us today or schedule an appointment online.
