A soft, warm springtime rain is such a welcome event, especially on a freshly planted field or garden. There’s nothing more satisfying than getting the seeds in the soil, then hearing the gentle patter of raindrops watering the seeds. If you’re a gardener, you know that the precipitation brings you one step closer to eating those fresh, delicious vegetables, rounding out a healthy summertime meal. But if you’re a chimney owner, that rain might bring some negative repercussions, and that’s where the service people of Alpine Chimney Sweeps can help you out! Precipitation can cause major damage to your chimney, whether in the cold winter months or in the summertime.
Causes of Leaks
One of the major effects of precipitation falling is the freeze-thaw process. Precipitation can collect in the pores of brick and mortar, and when the weather hits freezing, that water freezes and expands, causing bigger spaces for the next round of precipitation to collect in. Over time, this can cause some major cracks and crevices in the structure of your chimney.
Another way that leaks can be caused is through faulty or worn out equipment. There are several chimney parts that protect your chimney from developing leaks. Some are the chimney crown, the chimney cap, and the flashing. The chimney crown and chimney cap sit at the top of your chimney and work together to direct precipitation away from the chimney.
The flashing plays an important protective role. If you look at your chimney, you may notice that there are metal strips at the junction where the chimney meets the roof. These strips are the flashing, and they are layered in a way that keeps the rain out of this area that is particularly susceptible to leaks when it rains or snows. Over time, however, the metal strips can become rusty and worn, or might loosen in strong winds or even begin to tear away. If this is the case, it’s important to call in our professionals to replace the flashing.
Effects of Leaks
A leaky chimney can have several damaging consequences. For one, the very structural integrity of your chimney might be compromised. If your chimney starts to lose durability, you may start to lose bricks or notice a shifting of the chimney itself, which could create a dangerous situation. Also, leaky chimneys won’t direct smoke with its chemical content out of your home as it should, and that can cause health issues for you and your family. Besides these very dangerous effects, you may notice water-stained ceilings and walls around your fireplace or soft or moldy woodwork or trim-boards. The dampers could rust, as could your fireplace accessories.
It’s clear to see how a call to Alpine Chimney Sweeps can save you money from big repair bills, and also leave you with peace of mind. Give us a call soon!
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