It may be the middle of the summer and you most likely do not want to think about snow, however you are probably dealing with a little bit of rain and humidity right now. All three of these things can damage your chimney and you need to prevent this damage before you find any problems. The chimney, whether metal or masonry, takes damage from wind, rain, and other elements. It needs to be maintained just like any other part of your home.

Here are 4 ways to prepare your chimney for rain, snow, and humidity:

  1. You will want to look for rust on your flue, firebox, chimney cap and flashing around your chimney. If you see rust in any of these places, you will want to hire someone to fix those areas. A rusting chimney cap and flashing can allow water to seep into the chimney, which will cause the bricks and mortar to crack and become loose. Rust on the flue or firebox can make these items crack and cause a massive chimney fire.
  2. Creosote can buildup inside your chimney at any time, but it happens even more when it is exposed to moisture. You need to have the creosote buildup cleaned out before it can cause a chimney fire.
  3. If you notice any moss growing on your chimney or any loose or cracking bricks, you will want to have a professional look at your chimney. All of these issues are caused from moisture and water getting into the bricks and mortar. A professional can repair or replace the bricks and then weatherproof the outside of the chimney to prevent additional moisture and water from getting inside.
  4. It is not always easy to know when your chimney is leaking, but if you hear water dripping down or feel air that is musty entering your house on a humid day, you will want to have a professional inspect your chimney. A leaking chimney can cause severe damage and if you ignore the leak, the chimney may eventually collapse.

A little bit of preparation and preventative work now will keep your chimney in perfect working order during those rainy or snowy days when you need a warm fire to sit by while you relax.

We perform all types of chimney inspections, cleanings, and minor repairs here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service. Our Chimney Sweeps are CSIA Certified and participate in continued education programs throughout the year. Give us a call at 610-626-2439 to discuss any chimney problems you may be experiencing or to schedule an appointment for a consultation, inspection, or cleaning.