Summer Rainfall Can Cause Damage To Your Chimney

We Can Protect Your Chimney Against Summer Storms!

cracked masonrySummer storms can damage your chimney as severely as harsh winter weather. Heavy rainfall alone can cause a wide range of issues if it gets into your chimney system. Rain is dangerous to your chimney because moisture is the root cause of most chimney problems. Water damage can easily spread to other areas of your home resulting in hundreds to thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

Common Types of Water Damage

Often, by the time you notice signs of a chimney leak or water intrusion, damage has already been done. The most common types of water damage that we see are:

  • Peeling paint and water stains on walls or ceilings around the chimney
  • Rotting wooden support beams near the chimney
  • Broken bricks and missing chunks of mortar on the chimney
  • Cracked flue tiles inside the chimney
  • Discoloration of the chimney masonry
  • Mildew or mold growing inside the flue

Severe Signs of Water Damage

  • Slanting chimney
  • Collapsed sections of the chimney
  • Failing chimney liner

How to Protect Your Chimney from Water Damage

It is possible to protect your home from water damage. Here are four ways that we can help you prevent your chimney from letting water in:

1. Chimney Cap Installation or Replacement

chimney leak preventionIf your chimney doesn’t have a metal cap on it, rain and snow are able to fall straight down the flue and into your fireplace. This can create a fertile environment for mold and mildew to grow in the chimney. If the water mixes with creosote, it can produce an unpleasant, pungent odor. A chimney cap is an affordable solution. It acts like an umbrella, covering the opening, and redirecting water to fall down the roof.

2. Flashing Construction
or Repair

Flashing is a metal seal that bridges that gap between the chimney and the roof. It prevents water from falling between them into your attic. Broken and damaged flashing is the leading cause of chimney leaks. We construct and repair flashing so that it is a watertight seal.

3. Masonry Waterproofing

Untreated bricks and mortar act like a sponge and absorb water. When temperatures drop below freezing, the moisture in water-logged masonry will expand then contract when it thaws. This process of freezing and thawing can cause the masonry to flake and crack. This can severely damage the structural integrity of your chimney over time making it lean or collapse. Treating the masonry with a waterproofing sealant will solve this problem. We use a vapor-permeable sealant that’s specially designed for chimneys. It allows your chimney to breath—releasing smoke, gas, and heat—but prevents it from absorbing moisture from rain, sleet, and snow.

4. Chimney Inspection

A chimney inspection is an invaluable tool to protect your chimney. Natural wear and tear on your chimney, damage from high winds or a chimney fire, can all create pathways for water to enter the chimney system. The sooner you catch the problem and repair it, the more money you’ll save on repairs. Most of these problems are impossible to discover early without a trained eye and a thorough inspection.

All the chimney technicians in our service department are NFI Certified. They have the best training and experience to identify potential problems in your chimney and repair them.

Prevent summer storms from wreaking havoc on your chimney and fireplace by contacting our team at Burlington Fireplace & Solar! We serve residents throughout SE Wisconsin.

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