How Water Damage Affects Your Masonry Chimney

Rain and snow followed by the deteriorating effects of freeze thaw cycles causes more damage to the chimney than chimney fires. How exactly does water affect your masonry chimney? How can you protect your masonry chimney from such damages? Let’s find out!

When chimneys start spalling it’s a sure sign of severe moisture penetration inside the masonry brick. Characterized by flaking off of a stone or brick surface, spalling is evident when edges of your chimney start turning into powdered form. This is one of the most common issues of chimney masonry damage because of water. 

Let’s take a look at other such damages caused by water on your masonry chimney along with their solutions.

Water penetration can cause severe damages to the interior and exterior of your home and masonry chimney. When suspecting damage, call masonry contractors in Evanston to look out for:

• Decayed mortar
• Spalled and broken brickwork
• Deteriorated central heating system
• Cracked flue liner systems
• Rusted damper assemblies

Preventing Water Damage

The masonry contractors Hinsdale can prevent your masonry chimneys from water damage by adopting any one of the following methods:

1.    Installing a Chimney Cap

This is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to prevent water penetration and protect your chimney from getting damaged.

2.    Repairing or Replacing Damaged Chimney Crown

Chimney crown is generally used for covering and sealing of the top section of the chimney. If damaged ask your brick repair specialists Park Ridge to replace it for you.

3.    Repairing or Replacing Flashing

Flashing is the seal between roofing material and chimney and is used to prevent rain water from running down into the chimney.

4.    Waterproofing Your Chimney

Several waterproofing agents are available in the markets which are specially designed to be used on masonry chimneys.  

Keeping your brickwork and masonry in good shape is the specialty of Fortune Restoration. For a clean, cohesive look with your brickwork, contact our house painting specialists in Chicago at 847-647-2500 today.