Prevent Water Damage To Your Raleigh Home
Waterproofing is the act of preventing water from damaging or deteriorating your chimney. If your Chimney masonry already has gaps, voids, cracks or missing mortar then the Chimney should be repaired first before waterproofing. The exterior of the chimney always needs to be cleaned before waterproofing as any particles or dirt will not allow the waterproofing material to bind correctly.
Water damage can have a powerful negative effect on a masonry chimney. Over time water penetrates your chimney and can cause two major types of damage. If water damage is not prevented it can lead to more costly Masonry Repairs or require Flue Repairs internally.
External Chimney Water Damage
External chimney water damage caused by water freezing and thawing against your chimney structure. As water expands when freezing, tiny ice crystals begin cracking the mortar and bricks. The more water penetration the faster the deterioration. Bricks may start to flake and mortar joints become weakened.
Internal Chimney Water Damage
Internal chimney water damage is seen when water enters your chimney and mixes with creosote and soot inside the chimney flue and smoke chamber. These materials combine to create a caustic mix that eats away at the lime in the mortar. Over time the mortar erodes and can leave gaps in flue lining joints and weaken the structure.
Signs of Chimney Leaks
A leaking chimney can make itself known in a number of ways. Look for these signs of a leaking chimney
Odors and moldy smell around your fireplace.
Poor burning fires.
Ceiling leaks around your chimney.
Cracked or fallen bricks.
Missing or cracked mortar.
Spalling of bricks or debris in your fireplace.
Signs of Chimney Leaks
A leaking chimney can make itself known in a number of ways. Look for these signs of a leaking chimney
