Our Company Blog

Waterproofing Your Chimney

When the temperature drops below freezing in the winter, a lot of damage can happen to your masonry chimney if you are not prepared. Preventing water leaks is the most important thing you can do for the condition of your chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) was not joking when they said that water is the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. Water penetration causes serious and expensive damage, and much of this damage occurs during the winter. If water has leaked into the bricks and mortar of your chimney, it will freeze and expand when the temperature drops. When this water thaws, it can cause the bricks and mortar to crack, break apart, and even fall out of your chimney. Known as spalling, this type of damage can lead to the collapse of your chimney structure if left unrepaired. At Atlas Chimney, we provide several water penetration preventive services that can reduce the risk of spalling each winter, including waterproofing your chimney. We would like to tell you more about this prevention method to keep water from leaking into your chimney to cause expensive damage.

What is waterproofing?

Even when your chimney is properly built, the masonry materials absorb water. Waterproofing creates a barrier that keeps water from penetrating bricks and mortar. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians will apply a coating of a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney. We only use formulas that are 100 percent vapor permeable, and this is essential because it allows any moisture and vapors trapped inside the bricks and mortar to escape yet prevents water from rain or melted snow from being absorbed into the masonry materials. We never use paint or clear sealants because they lead to more damage by trapping in moisture. We will also repair any damage that has occurred due to spalling or other issues before applying the waterproofing formula. We will be sure to fix any gaps, cracks, and missing bricks and mortar so that your chimney will be sound and safe.

What other kinds of damage can water penetration do to my chimney?

When water leaks into your chimney, it can cause extensive damage to every component of your chimney as well as parts of your home. The metal parts of your chimney like the damper, the liner, and the firebox can suffer from rusting damage and other types of corrosion. These parts can also crack and break apart, which causes your chimney to be unsafe to use. It can rot any neighboring wooden structures as well. You can even experience water leak damage inside your home, including water-stained ceilings and walls.

How else can Atlas Chimney protect my chimney from water penetration?

We also provide custom flashing installation services that will prevent water from leaking in between the roof and the chimney as well as chimney cap installation services that keep water from rain and melted snow from entering your chimney at the top. We are happy to consult with you about the best water leak preventive services for your particular chimney.

Keep your chimney from suffering from water penetration damage this winter. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule an appointment for our waterproofing services.

Get Your Chimney Swept for the Holidays

If you mostly use your fireplace during the holiday season, you should schedule an appointment for a professional chimney sweeping and inspection before the holidays begin. Many fire safety organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend having chimneys professionally swept and inspected annually before you light the first fire of the year. This maintenance service is essential to be sure every part of your fireplace and chimney system are working effectively and safely. During the holidays, you do not need to worry about chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks, and Atlas Chimney will clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney to find any potential problems and hazards.

Why is it so important to have my chimney cleaned and inspected every year?

The main reason your chimney needs to be swept regularly is to have all of the accumulated creosote removed from the inside of your chimney. Creosote forms naturally as a result of the combustion process of burning wood. Creosote can vary in color and texture, but no matter if it is black or brown or hard and shiny, flaky and brittle, or sticky and gummy, this natural compound is extremely flammable. The number one cause of chimney fires, creosote ignites easily if the internal flue temperature reaches a high enough point. Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will guarantee the removal of every deposit of creosote from your chimney when cleaning your chimney.

Your chimney should also be inspected every year to be sure there is no damage that could make your fireplace unsafe to use. If we find any damage during our inspection, we will make recommendations for repairs that are necessary for the safety of your fireplace and chimney. We also look for any debris, such as bird or animal nests and leaves, that could be blocking the flue. When your flue is blocked, carbon monoxide can be forced back into your home, which is a very dangerous situation.

What can I expect from a chimney sweeping and inspection from Atlas Chimney?

Our CSIA-certified chimney sweeps will begin by covering the area around your fireplace with tarps to protect your home from getting dirty during the sweeping process. We also set up special vacuums to keep any soot and dust from getting into your home at all. We will loosen up the dirt and accumulations of creosote from the walls of your chimney and then vacuum up all of the residue. We will then inspect the accessible areas of the inside and outside of your chimney to look for damage and blockages. You will receive a written report of the findings of our inspection.

Get your fireplace ready for the holidays. Contact us at 512-CHIMNEY (512-244-6639) to make an appointment to get your chimney swept and inspected today.