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Fixing a Leaky Chimney Before the Holidays

If you suspect you may have a leaky chimney, you should have it inspected as soon as possible. Neglecting a chimney leak can lead to even more damage that can end up being very expensive. You may think that you could wait until the new year to have the leak repaired. However, Atlas Chimney recommends that you go ahead and contact us now. We can take care of your leaky chimney quickly! This way, you can relax and enjoy the holidays without worrying about the leak getting bigger. Why you should be proactive when it comes to a leaky chimney? Atlas Chimney would like to tell you more about the damage caused by chimney leaks. In addition, how we can fix the problem.

What kind of damage can a chimney leak do?

Water can be so destructive that the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has called it the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. Water leaks can lead to rusting of metal chimney components.

These include:

• the damper and the liner
• the staining and leaking of walls and ceilings near the chimney
• the rotting of wood that is adjacent to the chimney

This rusting causes major damage to the structure of your chimney. Most of this structural damage occurs during the winter. Masonry materials like bricks and mortar are naturally porous. Therefore, any water that is absorbed into these materials will freeze and expand whenever the temperature falls below freezing. As this water thaws, it can cause the bricks and mortar joints to crack and break apart. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles accelerate and worsen this damage. Consequently, the damage can lead to the entire chimney structure collapsing.

How can Atlas Chimney fix my chimney leak?

With over 30 years of experience in working on leaky chimneys, we know where the most common areas for leaks are located. Once we have found the source of the leak, we will provide you with a written estimate of the repairs needed to solve the problem. We provide skilled chimney masonry services, including chimney crown repair and construction, as well as tuckpointing. We can also repair and build customized flashing systems that protect one of the most vulnerable areas, which is where the chimney meets the roof.

How can Atlas Chimney protect my chimney from leaks?

We highly recommend that you have your chimney professionally waterproofed to prevent water penetration. We offer waterproofing services that give your chimney the best protection available. Our trained chimney technicians only use waterproofing formulas that are 100% vapor permeable. This is important because it allows vapors to escape the masonry materials, instead of becoming trapped and causing even more damage.

If you suspect you have a chimney leak, contact us at Atlas Chimney today. We can take care of your leaky chimney before the holidays so that you can relax and enjoy this special time of the year!

Can Your Masonry Chimney Pass A Water Penetration Test?

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has a stern warning for homeowners about the dangers of water penetration to the bricks and mortar of chimneys. They claim that water is the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. They say this because of the amount of damage that water leaks can do to masonry materials like bricks and mortar. Keeping water out of your chimney is one of the most important maintenance tasks you have as a homeowner.

How do you protect your chimney from water leaks?

Atlas Chimney can help you protect your chimney from water penetration. Not only do we sell and install chimney components, such as chimney caps and flashing systems, we also provide chimney waterproofing services. These services will greatly reduce the amount of water damage to your masonry chimney. We are proud to say that the waterproofing formula we use allows masonry materials to pass a water penetration test. We would like to tell you more about this test, the type of damage water can do, and how we can prevent water leaks in your chimney.

What is a water penetration test?

Using a RILEM or Karsten tube, you can test to see exactly how much water is absorbed by masonry materials over a short amount of time. This YouTube video shows you how this quality control test can measure the rate of absorption of bricks and mortar joints. In the video, you will see exactly how a water repellent formula prevents water from being absorbed into a brick. Also, how quickly water absorbs into an untreated masonry material.

How does water penetration damage a chimney?

Since masonry materials like bricks and mortar are porous, moisture can get trapped inside these materials. Erosion damage from water absorption can happen all year long. However, the worst of this damage occurs in the winter. When the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the moisture inside the bricks and mortar freezes and expands. As the weather warms back up, the force of this water thawing can cause the masonry materials to crack and break apart. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles over the winter can lead to serious structural issues for your chimney.

How can Atlas Chimney keep water penetration from damaging my chimney?

Our CSIA certified chimney experts can inspect your chimney and make masonry repairs if we find any damage. Once repaired, we will apply a waterproofing formula that is 100 percent vapor permeable. This feature is important because, while the formula creates a barrier against water penetration, it will allow vapors to pass through. So now, they can no longer become trapped, which causes even more structural damage. After waterproofing your chimney, every brick and mortar joint will be able to successfully pass a RILEM tube water penetration test.

Protect your chimney from water penetration and freeze/thaw damage. Contact us today at Atlas Chimney to schedule an appointment for our waterproofing services!