As we head into the new year, we expect to see the temperature drop and stay below freezing. When this happens, your chimney can suffer spalling damage, which can lead to the collapse of the structure of the chimney. If you have noticed cracked or missing bricks or pieces of mortar from the exterior of your chimney, you are seeing the results of spalling damage. To protect your chimney during the upcoming cold weather, Ashbusters offers several different services. We want to keep your chimney from crumbling this winter and would like to tell you more about preparing your chimney for the coming cold weather.
What exactly is spalling?
Masonry materials like bricks and mortar absorb water very easily, and when the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the water trapped inside the bricks and mortar freezes and expands. When the weather warms up and the water thaws, it causes the bricks and mortar to crack and break apart. Each time this process happens, the damage gets worse, and if left unrepaired, the structure of your chimney is compromised.
How can Ashbusters protect my chimney from spalling damage?
We take the prevention of water leaks very seriously because of the amount of damage water penetration can do to your chimney. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), water is the biggest enemy of a masonry chimney. Not only do water leaks cause deterioration to the structure of your chimney, but they can also damage the metal components like the damper and create water stains on the ceilings and walls of your home. To keep water from leaking into your chimney, Ashbusters provides a couple of services:
Chimney Cap Installation
Called the least expensive way to prevent water penetration, chimney caps are installed at the top of a chimney to keep water from entering its interior. Without a chimney cap, your chimney is unprotected from water from rain and melted snow. Our CSIA-certified chimney experts can help you select the perfect chimney cap for your chimney and properly install the cap so that no water can get through. Not only do chimney caps prevent water leaks, but they also keep birds and wild animals out of your chimney and stop sparks and embers from jumping out of the top of the chimney to possibly cause an accidental fire on your roof or in your yard.
Waterproofing
To create a barrier that keeps water from penetrating into the bricks and mortar of your chimney, Ashbusters can apply a waterproofing formula to your chimney. We only use formulas that are 100% vapor permeable so that any moisture that is trapped inside before the waterproofing service will be able to escape. Using sealants that are not made for masonry materials can create more damage since that trapped moisture could crack and break through the bricks and mortar as it tries to escape. You can trust us to protect your chimney with the best waterproofing formulas in the chimney industry.
To get started preparing your chimney for the upcoming winter months, contact us at Ashbusters. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians are ready to protect your chimney from any potential water damage.