Homeowners who routinely have the chimney inspected and professionally cleaned understand that they will receive a repair and protect diagnosis at some point. The chimney is very sturdy, but it is not indestructible. It isn’t an out of sight – out of mind thing that you can just avoid. We always recommend that chimney waterproofing and chimney repair be scheduled during the summer months. This isn’t only because summers can get slow, it’s primarily because the temperatures and weather are more amicable during the summer.

Waterproofing the Chimney

“Why do I need to waterproof the chimney?” We hear that question more often than we expected. Many homeowners don’t realize that brick and mortar are porous materials that are easily penetrated by water. We mention waterproofing the chimney and we often have to explain why.

As was just stated, brick and mortar are porous materials. Water can penetrate it and become trapped inside. We all know that water expands when it freezes, so trapped water freezes during the winter months and begins creating small cracks in the masonry. The following year repeats the process, and so on. Within just a few short years you may notice small cracks that develop into spalling or missing brick.

The waterproofing material we use works best when installed in the summer because it is able to dry and soak into the masonry more easily. We generally coat the chimney with two coats of ChimneySaver waterproofing because it’s easy to use and very effective at repelling water. It allows water to evaporate from the masonry, but does not allow more water to penetrate.

Chimney Repair Tools and Materials

You’ve probably heard the term “the mortar has to set up.” This simply means to harden. The mortar, the white mud-like substance that holds brick in place, needs time to harden. Mortar hardens much easier and more effectively in 70 and 80 degree weather instead of cooler temperatures of spring, fall, and winter.

Chimney Inspections and Cleaning

The chimney needs to be routinely cleaned and inspected by someone who has been trained to know potential problems to look for. Anyone can put a sticker or magnet on their truck and claim to be a chimney sweep, so be sure that you know what to look for and how to protect yourself from chimney sweep scams.

The chimney sweeps here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service are CSIA Certified and we have years of experience under our belts. We strive to continue our education as often as possible so we’re always in the position to offer you the best possible chimney services in Drexel Hill and all along the Main Line. Call us at 610-626-2439 to discuss your chimney needs or to schedule an appointment for a chimney cleaning, chimney inspection, or chimney repair.