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Chimney Leaks This Winter

Although we may not get a lot of snow here in the Austin area, we can get heavy amounts of rainfall. You may think your chimney can tolerate all of this rain, but, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), water can adversely affect masonry chimneys by causing expensive damage and deterioration. The bricks and mortar of your chimney are porous and easily absorb water. Once water has begun to penetrate into your chimney, you could end up with serious water leak problems. Atlas Chimney takes water very seriously, and we offer several repair and preventive methods to keep your chimney working safely and efficiently. We have years of experience in inspecting chimneys for water leaks, and we would like to tell you the most common reasons of how water gets into your chimney.

You do not have a chimney cap installed on top of your chimney.

no chimney cap - Austin TX - Atlas Chimney

Without a cap, your chimney is a wide open door for water from rain and melted snow. Even if you do have a chimney cap, it could be damaged if it is older, and water can easily get through any cracks or gaps. Atlas Chimney sells and installs a wide variety of chimney caps, and we can help you pick out the best type of cap for your chimney if you do not have one or your existing cap is damaged. Not only do these caps keep water out of your chimney, but they also prevent birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals from entering to nest inside your chimney.

Your chimney crown has been cracked.

Most masonry chimneys are equipped with a crown at the top, but the constant exposure to the elements of weather can damage these crowns. When the crown is cracked, water leaks into your chimney through these cracks. Atlas Chimney can repair cracked chimney crowns to prevent chimney water leaks, and we can also construct brand new crowns if your existing crown is damaged beyond repair. We know how to properly design chimney crowns so that they have a slight angle that allows water to run off instead of accumulating to cause erosion damage.

You do not have a flashing system, or your existing flashing has been damaged.

The area where your chimney meets your roof is one of the most common locations for chimney water leaks, which is why you need a flashing system to protect this vulnerable area. If your flashing is damaged, it cannot do a good job of keeping water out of your chimney. In fact, it can cause water from rain to rush into your home. Atlas Chimney can create and repair flashing systems to effectively seal out water. We take sheets of metal that have been cut according to the measurements around your chimney where it meets the roof and wrap them around your chimney in layers to prevent water penetration.

Even if you have these chimney components installed on your chimney, water can still leak inside through the bricks and mortar joints. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule a water leak inspection and to find out how our waterproofing services can give even more protection to your chimney against water penetration.

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?

Waterproofing Your Chimney - Austin TX - Atlas ChimneyEven 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.

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