Worried about the heavy rains of spring taking a toll on your chimney? All that water can certainly do some damage if your system isn’t adequately protected, and here at Sleep Easy Chimney, you can bet we take your safety and wellbeing seriously! That’s why we urge you to be aware of the signs of leaks and water damage, as well as the various ways these issues can be resolved and prevented. Ready to learn more? Great! Please continue reading, then turn to our team with any questions or concerns. We’re always happy to help!
Signs You May Have A Leak
So, how can you know if a leak is present? Well, obviously any signs of water itself or water stains throughout your walls and ceiling is a clear warning that problems exist. Always keep an open eye and be aware of any changes throughout the structure that seem out of the norm.
It’s also important to pay attention to the state of your brickwork. Your masonry is very absorbent, so it doesn’t take long for it to soak in lots of moisture and start breaking down. In the end, you’ll wind up with lots of gaps, cracks, and holes throughout the structure, and the longer you wait to resolve the issue, the more deterioration you will wind up facing. If you see any type of crumbling, get an expert on the job fast!
How are you metal components looking? Spotting signs of rust or damage in your chimney cap, damper, and flashing? These are some of the first lines of defense against water entering your chimney and home, so fixing them up fast is essential for preventing further damage down the line. Don’t waste any time in reaching out – the sooner you do, the better!
Your crown is also essential in keeping water away from your masonry, but many fail to realize that theirs may be constructed incorrectly. All too often, these units are made from a simple mortar mix, which causes them to break down prematurely. If not made from an appropriate cement-based mixture, your crown could quickly become ineffective, and it needs to be sloped just right too, to ensure water moves out and away from the sides of your chimney. If your crown is showing signs of decay and deterioration, it’s time to call in our team.
These are some of the bigger things you can watch out for, but there are lots of other problems that result from excess moisture as well. These include rotting wood, clogs in the flue, a musty/unpleasant odor, rust throughout your glass doors, and deterioration throughout your liner. Keep your eyes peeled! The longer you put off care, the worse all of these issues will become, and your chances of experiencing some dangerous scenarios will increase significantly. Know the signs and get in touch with a qualified sweep if you are at all concerned with the state of your system.
Preventing Leaks & Water Damage Down The Line
So, how can these issues be avoided altogether? First things first, be sure you are scheduling your annual inspections! These ensure your sweeps are able to spot any signs of trouble well before they get out of hand. Avoiding regular care significantly increases your likelihood of experiencing gas leaks, chimney fires, house fires, chimney collapses, and more, so this is one investment you won’t want to skimp on.
Next, be sure to heed the recommendations of your chimney company, and purchase a new cap, damper, flashing, and more, as needed. As long as these are made from strong materials and are installed correctly, you should get the top-notch protection you deserve for the long haul.
Waterproofing is another essential. By having a professional apply specially-formulated, vapor-permeable products to your brickwork, mortar, and crown, you guarantee years of added protection, and water won’t stand a chance of entering your system. These are much more efficient than store-bought options, as they ensure any pre-absorbed moisture can escape, as well – definitely the route to take!
Finally, if your masonry, chimney liner, chimney crown, or another essential piece of chimney anatomy is damaged and in need of repair, don’t hesitate to get the job done right away. Otherwise, decay will only continue to occur, and the longer you wait, the more costly and time-consuming the job will likely become. And don’t use your fireplace until everything is completed! Doing so could put your home and family at serious risk.
How Can Sleep Easy Chimney Help Me?
The team here at Sleep Easy Chimney is certified with the CSIA and members of both the NFPA and the NCSG. We know all there is to know when it comes to the health and efficiency of your appliances, and we would be happy to look things over and advise you on the next best steps to take.
Also, please note that we are taking extra precautions to ensure we stay as clean and as sanitary as possible in the months ahead. If you live in Kansas City or anywhere in its surrounding areas, you can bet that you won’t find a team that is more trustworthy or that takes your safety and health more seriously.
Ready to work with the best? Then, give us a call today! We look forward to serving you!
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