Winston’s Chimney Service has been serving the area for decades, and what most people think is the number one issue with chimneys (fire) is not. The number one problem that will take a chimney down over time is water entry. And it’s normally a slow water leak somewhere that no one sees… Why? Because the owner doesn’t think it’s important to get anyone to look at the entire system.
We’ve seen families try to patch up ceilings in a kitchen 20 feet from their fireplace thinking the leak is in a roof or window sill right above. Or they call out a roofer who patches it all up telling the people, “That should do it!” …only to do it all over again once another rainstorm comes through.
We saw this specific instance for ourselves during an annual chimney sweep and inspection. Turns out, the leak was from the brick on the chimney that had taken on so much water it leaked through the chimney – and then ran down a rafter all the way to the kitchen. Unfortunately, in this instance, the brick was so bad we had to rebuild a part of the chimney. Had they had the chimney sealed – or waterproofed – this could have been avoided.
What Does It Mean to Seal (Waterproof) a Chimney?
First things first, let’s talk about what it means to seal a chimney. Sealing a chimney is when we apply a special coating on the outside surface of the surface. This coating from SaverSystems “prevents water molecules from penetrating, while allowing free migration of water vapors” and acts like a permeable shield – protecting the chimney from water, which can cause damage over time.
What it doesn’t do (and something you don’t want it to do) is seal the brick so it can’t breathe. Brick is designed to breathe and that is why it’s so perfect for chimney systems. You want the trapped water vapor to move through the brick, as well as out the top of the chimney. Making sure there is ample airflow also allows out any water that is trapped to move through the brick and be expelled into the outside. The sealant Winston’s Chimney Service uses keeps water out, while letting air in for proper ventilation.
Why Do We Need to Seal a Chimney?
Now, you might be wondering why we need to seal a chimney in the first place. Well, as discussed above, water is not a chimney’s best friend. Here are just a few things that can happen when water gets into the chimney:
- Bricks and mortar can start to break down. This can lead to anything from crown issues to spalling and flaking bricks to chimneys that break down and start to lean over – and even fall onto roofs.
- The metal parts of the chimney can rust. Stoves, furnaces, dampers, and the smoke shelf can rust out, dampers will stick over time, and if it’s a prefabricated unit, even the firebox can rust.
- Water can get into your home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, and floors.
So, sealing a chimney helps to keep water out and protects your home from these problems and more.
Is It Worth Sealing a Chimney?
Now we come to the big question: Is it worth waterproofing a chimney? Our hope is you see that the short answer is yes! Sealing a chimney can be a smart investment for several reasons:
It Protects Your Chimney & Home
As mentioned earlier, waterproofing a chimney helps to keep water out, which then protects your chimney (and your home) from damage. In the long run, this can save you a lot of money on repairs – and headaches, if dealing with the repairs and sometimes insurance.
It Can Extend the Life of Your Chimney
When you keep water out of your chimney, it can last longer. If you have a factory-built or prefabricated appliance, this means that you won’t need to replace your system as often, which can also save you money. (These units are appliances and will need to be replaced about every 20 years or so.)
If it’s a masonry chimney, this will help it last longer by strengthening the brick’s ability to repel water and keep it out of the system.
It Can Improve the Look of Your Chimney
Sealing or waterproofing a chimney can also make it look better. Over time, chimneys can become dirty and stained from water, pollution, bird droppings, and other things. When you waterproof your chimney, it can help to keep it looking good.
How Do I Get My Chimney Sealed?
Now that you know it’s worth sealing a chimney, you might be wondering how to get it done. That’s where Winston’s Chimney Service comes in. We are a professional chimney service company here in the Northern VA, Washington, DC, and Maryland areas, and we are ready to help get that chimney protected from damaging water.
Call us at 703-379-5006 or schedule right here online.
