Water causes very serious issues that may lead to chimney collapse if they are not taken care of properly. You can, however, prevent water damage to the chimney by ensuring that it is properly waterproofed, inspected, repaired, and cleaned on a regular basis.

  1. Repair or Replace the Chimney Cap: The chimney cap is designed to shield the opening at the top of the chimney from rain, snow, small animals, and birds. A damaged cap may allow water to enter the flue, damage the crown, or allow small animals or birds to nest inside the chimney.
  2. Repair or Replace the Chimney Crown: The chimney crown is designed to catch the water that rolls off of the cap and direct it outward toward the outer edges of the chimney. A properly designed chimney cap extends past the edge of the masonry by roughly two inches to shield the chimney itself from as much rain as possible.
  3. Repair or Replace the Chimney Flashing: Flashing is the seal between the chimney and the roofing material. It’s usually metal and sealed airtight so water cannot work its way between them to damage the roofing material or structure of the home.
  4. Repair Deteriorated Brick and Mortar: Brick and mortar soak up water and hold onto it more than most people realize. Water that has been trapped can create issues with mold, mildew, feed insects, or cause more damage due to the freeze-thaw process during winter. Repair damaged or deteriorated brick and mortar as quickly as possible.
  5. Install a Cricket: A cricket is a small device that is designed to direct water away from the body of the chimney. They’re recommended for chimneys that are more than 30 inches wide.
  6. Waterproof the Chimney: We use and trust ChimneySaver products almost exclusively. Their products are easy to use, provide excellent waterproofing for your chimney, and each waterproofing product in their arsenal comes with a guarantee of up to 15 years.

The chimney is often a defining feature for the overall curb appeal of your home. Every inch of it needs to be protected, inspected, and cleaned. Schedule your yearly chimney inspection and cleaning in advance so you’re more likely to get the date you request. Schedules tend to fill up quickly during the fall months leading up to winter. Try to schedule your post-winter inspection and waterproofing during the spring so your chimney is protected for heavy rains that often accompany summer.

Give us a call at Lou Curley’s Chimney service at 610-626-2439 if you’d like to schedule a full chimney and fireplace inspection, discuss issues you’re having with your chimney, or request our waterproofing service. Both of our chimney inspectors are CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) certified and pursue continued education and additional certifications throughout the year. We’re confident that we’re the solution to all of your chimney needs.