How To Protect Your Chimney From Water Damage

Water and moisture damage is by far the biggest cause for concern in your chimney because it can deteriorate the brick. Protecting your chimney from water damage is vital for the longevity of this structure. Take action and use the suggestions below to thwart moisture and avoid the risk of damage.

Monitor Your Flashing

The flashing on your chimney consists of small metal sheets covering the intersection of your roof and the chimney. This metal helps prevent water or moisture from entering the cavity between your roof and the chimney. Wear and tear on the flashing makes your chimney susceptible to water damage, so you must monitor this component to ensure there are no weak spots in the metal.

Invest in a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is a covering homeowners place on top of their flue to help prevent rainwater, moisture, and melting snow from falling inside the chimney. These caps are affordable, and they’re a simple solution to keeping water damage at bay. Water damage is one of the most common causes of chimney damage, so investing in a chimney cap is an absolute necessity for any homeowner.

Repair Brick Quickly

Once the brick on your chimney becomes worn, the chances of water damage increase drastically. Damaged brick makes it easier for water to seep into the cracks of the masonry and wreak havoc on the whole structure. If you notice any wear and tear to your masonry, you should hire a service to repair the damage as quickly as possible.

Apply Waterproof Sealants

Another solution that protects your chimney from water damage is applying a waterproof sealant to your brick and masonry. However, you cannot apply this sealant once; you will need to reapply this every five to seven years to maintain the water resistance. You should consider hiring a professional service for this task because brick is very porous and can be difficult to seal correctly.

Your chimney’s structural integrity is very important, especially when you regularly use the fireplace to heat your home. Water damage is the Achilles’ heel of chimneys, so homeowners must take the measures above to ensure their structure is safe and sound. Use the suggestions above, perform regular maintenance, and hire a chimney sweep professional annually to catch damage before it can spread.