There are countless places where water can penetrate your chimney and home, but many don’t consider safeguarding these areas until after problems arise. We can address and correct chimney leaks, then take measures to ensure they can’t occur again down the line – like installing a chimney cap or waterproofing your masonry.. Call us today.
How Can We Prevent Chimney Water Damage?
When it comes to your chimney and water damage, preventive maintenance is key. That said, if you’re already experiencing chimney water damage in your New Westminster home, that will need to be addressed first. Call on us for chimney repairs, so we can restore your masonry, or offer any other necessary services before getting started on your leak prevention needs.
And once your system is back in tip-top shape? Then, count on us for the following:
Chimney caps & chase covers
If you need a new stainless steel chimney cap or chase cover installed, we’re the experts to call. These both play a significant role in keeping water out of your flue and away from the sides of your chimney.
Crown repairs
If you have a masonry chimney, having a properly built and waterproofed crown is vital to keeping your bricks and mortar in good shape. That said, if it isn’t appropriately sloped or is made from a weaker mortar mix, you can bet it’ll break down fast. Our team can get the job done right.
Flashing repairs
If you’ve recently noticed staining on the ceiling by your chimney, there’s a good chance your flashing is suffering and needs some professional attention. We can look things over, find any weak spots, and provide any necessary repair or installation services.
Chimney waterproofing
Neglecting to waterproof your chimney guarantees damage down the line. You can have every protective measure in place, but without waterproofing, your bricks and mortar will still break down and suffer, leaving the rest of your home vulnerable. Invest in waterproofing now for years of lasting protection.
What Does a Properly Built Chimney Crown Look Like?
The chimney crown sits at the very top of your chimney and, because of this, it tends to face a lot of abuse. This makes it more prone to break down and decay, which then leaves your masonry (and home) vulnerable to water damage and deterioration. Needless to say, a crown that isn’t built to last isn’t going to do much to keep your system standing strong for the long haul.
Fortunately, our sweeps are here to help, ensuring folks through New Westminser and all of its surrounding cities get the quality chimney and fireplace services they deserve.
A properly built crown is…
made from a cement-based mixture
sloped slightly, so that water can easily slide down and off of it
at least 2 inches thick
built to overhang past the edge of the chimney
properly waterproofedA properly built crown is NOT…
made from a basic mortar mix
completely flat, which would cause water to pool
lined up with the end of the chimney
left vulnerable to soak in harmful moisture
What Is Chimney Flashing? How Does It Get Damaged?
Flashing is a series of metal sheets that prevent water from entering a specific area. It covers the more vulnerable areas of a home or building, so that moisture can’t seep in and damage the walls, bricks, ceilings, and more.
Chimney flashing is meant to cover the area where the roof meets up with the sides of your chimney. Your roofing materials and your chimney materials won’t always be expanding and contracting at the same rates, which leaves a perfect area for water to easily enter your home and wreak havoc. Flashing blocks water out completely, ensuring it simply rolls down your roof and away from your home.
That said, it needs to be professionally installed, or else you may find yourself with weak areas that can eventually face rust. And if even a tiny portion of your flashing is suffering, you can bet water will find its way into your home, causing all kinds of issues in the process.
What can cause chimney flashing damage?
Animal tampering
Bad weather
Collisions with flying debris
Rusting or rotting
Old age/wear and tear
Strong winds
Freezing temps, snow & ice