Water and Your Chimney

While some may be praying for water to cool off during these hot summer days, your chimney may be screaming "ENOUGH"! 


This area has had some pretty strong thunderstorms with torrential downpours, and unlike you, your chimney doesn't have the luxury of shelter, it is left to brave these elements on it's own, on the front lines.
Water can cause a lot of problems in chimney systems, and without intervention, water leaks may cause even greater problems for you.  


Water leaks often occur in the following areas of your chimney:


1. Concrete Crowns
Chimney crowns are simply roofs for your chimney. Water will be kept from entering the chimney and causing deterioration of the brick and masonry. Chimney crowns should be inspected for cracks, which allow water to penetrate the chimney. If cracks are present, a new concrete crown should be relayed and should slope away from the chimney.



2. Flashing 
The flashing is the most common source of leaks in chimneys. The flashing, a thin sheet of metal joins the chimney and the roof and creates a water tight seal between the two. The flashing should be regularly inspected for gaps. If the flashing is loose, it should be resealed with high grade sealant, or replaced, if necessary.


3. Chimney Bricks
Bricks are porous and deteriorate quickly when exposed to the freeze/thaw process in which moisture that has penetrated the bricks periodically freezes and expands, causing undue stress. Chimney bricks should be inspected for cracks and loose mortar joints, and repaired as necessary. If not corrected, the problem will only spread and can cause damage to the interior of your home.


Priddy Clean's trained sweeps will carefully inspect your chimney to pinpoint the source of the water leak in your chimney and make repair recommendations accordingly. We offer a wide variety of services to assist you in whatever water problem you may have in your chimney.


So what are you waiting for? Call Priddy Clean now and save the water for your swimming pool, not your chimney!