If you’ve noticed any cracks, leaks, or growth like mold or mildew in or around your chimney, it’s a sign that water is wreaking havoc on your home.
Water in your home where it’s not supposed to be can cause significant damage, especially to a chimney and any structures around it. If you’ve noticed any cracks, leaks, or growth like mold or mildew in or around your chimney, it’s a sign that water is wreaking havoc on your home. You should consider a chimney inspection to assess any damage and tell you what chimney repairs are needed to prevent considerable structural damage. So, what are some ways water damage can appear in and around your chimney, and when is it time for a chimney repair?
How Can Water Damage Your Chimney and your Home?
Masonry Damage
Damage to the masonry means damage to the very structure of your chimney. Unfortunately, exposure to the weather over time can lead to crumbling and cracking bricks and mortar that make up your chimney. Since it typically manifests on the inside of the chimney, this type of damage can go unnoticed for years without a chimney inspection. Depending on the damage’s severity when caught, you may need to get part of the structure rebuilt, which can be costly.
Deteriorated Flue Lining
The flue lining in your chimney is essential for a good draft. Without it, you’ll notice it’s tough to start a fire; if you get one going, smoke will back up into your house. Flue linings can be made of clay or metal, which can both be damaged by excess water exposure. This structure is also on the interior of your chimney, so without an inspection, it’s hard to catch.
Warped Home Siding
Specifically with wooden siding, water damage in your chimney can cause warping, cracking, and splitting in your home’s siding. This can lead to water leaking through your siding, leading to mold growth behind the walls of your home, which means you may need to replace the drywall in your home to remediate the damage! Warped siding boards can also be very expensive to repair and replace, so regular professional chimney inspections can save you money in the long run.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for a Chimney InspectionToday!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has served customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.