Chimney exposure to moisture is unavoidable due to their location, but this does not mean that leaks are guaranteed. The reason for preventing water intrusion is simple; water can cause damage to the chimney and parts of the home over time. This is why regular inspection is so important for every homeowner. When water damage is detected early, it is easier and cheaper to deal with the problem. Luckily, there are products that can help prevent water intrusion and protect the structure for years.
Features of a good Chimney Sealant
You will have no trouble finding products made for keeping chimneys free from moisture. However, not all of them offer the same level of quality. Here are some good features to look for:
- It should be vapor permeable. This means that it should allow steam coming up from the chimney to evaporate instead of getting trapped in the masonry as well as allowing any existing water to evaporate without issue
- It should restrict the growth of mildew
- It must fill in the pores in the masonry and render them impenetrable
- It should minimize the buildup of salt and calcite on the masonry
- It should protect the masonry from freeze-thaw damage. When trapped moisture freezes in winter, it causes cracks to get wider
- It should have a long warranty period
- It should not contain compounds that are harmful to the environment
A product that has all of these qualities and more does not have to be expensive. Look to your regular chimney sweep for advice in finding the right products for protecting against water damage. Here at Lou Curley Chimney Services, we trust ChimneySaver products because they fulfill the suggested features listed above, and then some.
Buying the Right Product
The first thing you should realize is that there are a number of products out there for protecting chimneys. The one you choose will depend on your specific needs. For example, if your chimney has visible cracks, a sealant alone may not be effective. You will need to purchase a special crack sealant to extend the life of the structure. Some water repellant products also have special stain blocking additives. If you don’t have a recurring stain problem, a regular sealant might be enough. ChimneySaver products fill all of these needs in a non-messy, easy-to-use formula.
If you want to know exactly what your chimney needs to be in the best shape and to last longer, call us at Lou Curley. We have worked with different types of chimneys, performing inspections, cleaning and basic maintenance. Don’t throw your money away on the first product you come across when you can get expert guidance on the right chimney sealants. You wouldn’t, for example, use flashing sealant on the masonry, or vice versa.