Winter is coming… Is your chimney ready for it? Here at Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home we have the tools and training necessary to ensure your system stays in tip-top shape for the long haul – no matter what the weather’s doing outside.
The fact of the matter is that water and freezing temperatures can severely damage your system’s structural integrity. Because of this, it’s important to implement preventive measures early on, so that you face less risk. Learn more about your masonry’s relationship with water below, then count on us to set you up right this holiday season!
How Water Affects Your Chimney
So, why is water so bad for your chimney? Well, when moisture penetrates your brickwork, it breaks it down significantly. Your bricks and
mortar will crack and crumble, thus weakening your entire setup. The more damage you experience, the more gaps and openings you’ll have, which gives smoke, carbon monoxide, and other dangerous fumes easy access to your home. And it’ll make it easier for flames to reach your woodwork, too!
Now, come winter things get especially messy due to the freeze/thaw cycle. This is what happens when temps drop below freezing and all of that pre-absorbed water freezes up. As the water hardens and expands, it puts a lot of strain and stress on your system as a whole. And if this happens multiple times a season (which is usually the case), it takes a serious toll.
Other ways water affects your chimney includes the rusting of metal components, mold accumulation, general decay, cracks in your flue liner, damage to the glass doors, rotting of the woodwork surrounding the fireplace, stains on your walls and ceilings, and more. In the end, the best course of action is to keep water away in the first place to avoid any issues.
Invest in Our Waterproofing Services
So, how do you avoid water damage altogether? One of the best ways to do this is by investing in waterproofing services. Waterproofing services ensure your system is protected from rain, snow, sleet, and more, and they give your masonry necessary time to air out any water that’s currently stuck inside.
Here at Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home, we use ChimneySaver which is known for its durability and effectiveness. It’s vapor-permeable, carries a 10-year warranty, and it coats your chimney without affecting the look or aesthetic of it at all. On top of all that, it also protects against things like mold growth, efflorescence, staining, and mildew, and it’s environmentally friendly, too. There really isn’t a better product on the market!
In the end, you’re always better off investing in affordable waterproofing services now, rather than expensive chimney reconstruction work down the line – we’re talking a difference of thousands of dollars! Make the right call by reaching out to our team today. We’d be happy to help you out and answer any questions you face along the way.
Other Preventive Measures
What other ways can we ensure water stays away from your structure? Well, investing in the right products (like flashing and a chimney cap) is a must. Flashing is the metal sheet that seals the area where your roof and chimney meet. As these areas contract and expand at different rates gaps tend to form leaving your home vulnerable. Flashing adds that extra layer of protection you need!
And the chimney cap protects the opening at the top of your chimney. Without this covering, rain, snow, and more could enter your system and cause significant damage to your liner. Along with this, chimney caps keep out debris, animals, and downdrafts, and they even are known for preventing stray sparks from landing on your roof – definitely an important and worthwhile investment!
Your chimney crown plays a big role in blocking water as well. Chimney crowns sit at the top of the chimney and slant downwards towards the edge of the structure. This design ensures water is sent out and away from your brickwork. We offer crown repair and rebuilding services, so no matter what kind of shape your crown is in, we can help.
But before all that, we’ll need to make certain that all damages are adequately addressed! There’s no point in investing in preventive maintenance if your system is going to continue breaking down. Call us in now if you have any concerns about the state of your system. We’ll be there for you every step of the way!
There’s No Crew More Reliable Throughout Asheville & Its Surrounding Cities
Our crew is certified with the NFI, members of both the HPBA and the North Carolina Chimney Sweep Association, licensed, insured, and committed to excellence. You won’t find a more reliable crew in the area. Our long list of positive and five-star reviews speak for themselves. If you need chimney care, we’re the ones to call!
With winter on the way and Christmas just around the corner, there’s no more time to waste. Make your appointment with us today!
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