No one wants to start the new year off with a leaky chimney. However, the brutally cold temperatures we have endured here in the Shenandoah Valley can allow water to leak into homes. How does this happen? Through the holes and gaps left behind by damaged chimney masonry due to this winter weather. Nonetheless, this is very common! The expert chimney technicians at Blue Ridge Chimney Services are very experienced in finding these and other sources of chimney leaks. So, you can trust us to take care of your leaky chimney issues. We would like to tell you more about how cold weather damages the bricks and mortar joints of your masonry chimney. In addition, how we can help you deal with the leaks that can result from that damage!
How does winter weather damage my masonry chimney?
According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), cold temperatures can greatly accelerate the masonry damage that occurs from water penetration. The issue is that the bricks and mortar joints naturally absorb any water from rain and melted ice and snow. When it gets below freezing outside, that water freezes and expands inside those masonry materials. As the weather warms up and the water thaws, the bricks and mortar joints can begin to crack and crumble. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles can lead to not only water leaks but also to serious structural damage, including the entire collapse of your chimney!
How can Blue Ridge Chimney Service help me with a leaky chimney problem?
We offer our professional chimney masonry repair services. Our expertise in this area can diagnose the source of the leak, make the necessary repairs, and restore the structure of your chimney. This helps you avoid the possible collapse of your chimney. It is important to check for damaged chimney bricks and mortar joints after a brutal cold spell. Why? Because of the rapid acceleration of deterioration that can occur. We also provide a wide variety of water penetration preventative services. These include professional chimney cap installation, flashing repair and construction, and waterproofing. Services like these can keep this winter weather damage to a bare minimum and help you avoid water leaks all year round!
Preventing water penetration of your masonry chimney is key to keeping water leaks from ruining the new year. Have you noticed any damage to your bricks and mortar joints after a bout of freezing weather? If so, contact us today at Blue Ridge Chimney Services to schedule an appointment for our professional chimney masonry repair services.