Should You Do Chimney Repair Work If It Calls For Rain

A chimney plays a critical role in providing ventilation to your house, as it helps eliminate smoke, fumes, and toxins. In short, having a chimney means a safe and efficient fireplace. Although a chimney can be quite beneficial, it can also have some downsides especially if you do not maintain it on a regular basis. It could cause leaks into your fireplace, leading to damage and potential mold growth.

Since you do not want this to happen, you want to ensure your chimney is functioning optimally, especially during the rainy season. This article gives information on the maintenance actions you need to take to avoid any inconvenience during the rainy season.

Check For Damage Signs

Worker on the roof repairs brick chimney

The first thing you need to do is check for signs of damage on your chimney. Cracks in the chimney crown or mortar joints or gaps in the flashing are one sign of potential damage. You want to fix cracks in your chimney as soon as possible because they are usually culprits for leaks. Another sign you want to look out for is peeling paint or wallpaper around your chimney. This is usually a sign for potential condensation or moisture and is common in old chimneys. This problem can be easily fixed using a chimney liner.

Fix Any Leaks

When you find any leaks in your chimney, you want to fix them as soon as possible before the rain starts. You will need to first identify the source of the leaks. When doing this, it is good to remember that chimney leaks do not necessarily start from the chimney itself. Leaks could also come from the roof. Upon identifying the leaks, you can decide to fix them yourself or call in a professional to help you out. Calling experts is usually better, as they will be more precise in finding the leaks and fixing them altogether.

Place a Cap on It

A chimney without a cap on it means that rainwater is not prevented from getting in. With rainwater getting in the chimney, it will not only damage the chimney, but can also cause structural damage to other parts of your house. The cap not only prevents water from getting in, but also plays a critical role in ensuring animals do not set up house in your chimney. This goes a long way in preventing pests in your house.

It is good to note that having a cap does not mean that your chimney is fully protected from rainwater, as the cap could be cracked. You have to ensure that you get a quality crown installed because with such, you are sure that it will properly divert water from getting into your chimney. You need a cap able to withstand thermal stress and adverse weather conditions.

Analyze Chimney For Weak Flashing

Flashing is the structure where the roofline meets the chimney. If designed correctly, flashing can go a long way in preventing rainwater from getting into the chimney. However, if it is improperly installed, corroded, or worn, it provides a perfect space for water to get into your chimney. This leads to leakage problems.

If you happen to see some issues with the flashing such as corrosion or cracks, you can fix these issues by applying a sealant over the flashing to seal the area where the flashing encounters the bricks. You should also apply it at the area where the flashing meets the roof. The sealant is quite effective because it forms a waterproof membrane, which is similar to having a custom fit rain boot around your chimney. Doing this works greatly to prevent any leaks from getting into your chimney through the flashing region.

As seen in this article, you should definitely ensure to do your chimney repair before the rainy season. This is important, as it will ensure your chimney functions optimally during these harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, it can be quite hard to do those repairs when it is raining. Additionally, having rainwater pour down into your house is not a good experience. It has the potential to cause structural damage to your house, which can end up being quite expensive to repair. This is something you do not want to experience. Since chimney repair can be quite hard, especially for non-experts, you want to get the assistance of a professional to do the task for you. They have years of experience and will thus be in a better position to do a good job safely than you.