Over time, bricks and mortar of masonry chimney are going to face weather-related troubles, no matter how well-constructed chimneys are. Not only do older chimneys suffer deterioration, newer chimneys can also get damaged if chimney maintenance is avoided. Hiring a licensed chimney company for regular chimney upkeep can definitely help your chimney in surviving the tough weather conditions.

Cold weather and chimney care

Winter has already arrived. Freezing temperature, along with snow and ice can cause a significant amount of damage to your chimney. When water gets trapped inside the structural elements of your chimney, it contract and expand them. This effect is called chimney spalling. Spalling can introduce holes and cracks in bricks and mortar.  Spalling can chip-off surface of your masonry chimney.

Water exposure is the biggest enemy of chimneys. In order to prevent the chimney spalling, you have to protect your chimney from water penetration. There are many methods available to protect the chimney from water damages. The most common methods are:

Chimney cap installation

Chimney caps are installed on the top of the chimney. The caps do not allow water to enter inside the chimney from the top. Snow and water can easily enter inside the chimneys that do not have cap installed because nothing is present to stop the entry of water inside the chimney. Also, chimney cap has to be in good condition and properly installed to resist the water. Otherwise, it will be totally useless to have chimney caps installed.

Chimney caps often get misplaced or damaged because of outdoor conditions. It is your responsibility to keep check on the chimney caps.

Chimney waterproofing

Chimney waterproofing is another precautionary measure available to homeowners. Waterproofing is recommended even if you have chimney caps installed. Chimney caps restrict entry of water only from the top of the chimney, but water can easily enter inside the chimney from the side walls. Waterproofed chimneys do not allow water to enter inside the chimney and damage it.

Chimney waterproofing is a long, complex and exhaustive process. You can ask your chimney contractor to waterproof your chimney in an efficient manner.