Of all the things that can go wrong with your home during its life, a chimney leak is one of the worst. In fact, if you have a water leak in any part of your house, it’s most likely from the chimney. Water travels through the interior parts of the house to the lowest point before pooling and forming a leak.Reasons to Waterproof Your Chimney - Amarillo TX - West TX Chimney

Once your chimney is penetrated with water, it may require extensive repairs and possibly a rebuild, not to mention replacing portions of building materials in the home including walls and ceilings. The cost can mount quickly, so it’s best to avoid such a headache.

Waterproofing Your Chimney

A certified chimney sweep can waterproof your chimney year round so that it’s ready for winter snow, spring rain, summer humidity, and burning season in the fall. Your chimney expert can apply ChimneySaver water repellent to keep water out, while allowing vapors to escape. During a routine inspection your chimney sweep will also check the essential parts of the chimney designed to prevent water penetration. The chimney cap, chimney crown, and flashing are vital components of the chimney that can either prevent chimney leaks, or allow them. An experienced expert can spot a problem before it becomes a hazard.

Five Reasons to Waterproof

The old saying is true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Routine maintenance and prevention costs money, but is nothing compared with the cost of a leak.

  1. Lengthen the Life of Your Chimney.
    The worst thing you can do for your chimney is to let it fall into disrepair. This can happen over time, or at an accelerated rate when water is allowed to penetrate your chimney.
  2. Preserve Your Property Value.
    A chimney and fireplace brings up property value when it’s maintained and in good condition. When left at the mercy of the weather, though, it can quickly fall into disrepair, bringing down your property value and decrease the beauty and comfort you once had.
  3. Avoid Water Damage.
    Stains, spalling, rust, and more can occur in just a short time of water penetration. Water doesn’t just cause your chimney to malfunction, but can also make it stinky and unsightly.
  4. Burn a Safe Fire.
    Water penetration can cause dampers to malfunction, resulting in obstruction. Moisture can also mingle with soot to create a highly corrosive reaction that damages the flue liner in no time. This type of damage can become a fire hazard that puts your family at risk, not to mention that a damaged liner can allow harmful gases into your home.
  5. Be Prepared for Burning Season.
    If you waterproof now, your chimney will be ready for burn season in the fall. Now is the best time to waterproof the chimney in order to avoid leaks through the heavy precipitation of spring and be prepared for winter weather in the coming year. While you’re at it you can schedule other routine maintenance so you’re ready for fall.

Avoid a water leak. Schedule with West Texas Chimney and Venting Solutions today.