Keep reading to learn more about the impact of winter weather on your chimney and how to protect it.
Cold weather signals impending snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and moisture. These are your chimney’s main enemies, and knowing how weather impacts the chimney, the types of damage it can do, and how to protect it can help you avoid costly repairs or a complete chimney rebuild. Keep reading to learn more about the impact of winter weather on your chimney and how to protect it.
Freeze/Thaw Cycle
The freeze/ thaw cycle is one of the most common ways winter weather affects chimneys. Bricks and mortar are porous and absorb water from rain and melting snow and ice. As temperatures drop, the moisture freezes inside the bricks and mortar, causing them to expand. When ice melts, there’s contraction. This constant expansion and contraction weaken the structure, leading to cracked bricks and decaying mortar joints.
Condensation
Chimneys without proper insulation or a liner are in danger of condensation. Warm air from the home contacts the cold surface of the chimney’s interior, leading to condensation buildup.
Snow & Ice Accumulation
Snow and ice can pile up on the chimney cap, blocking airflow and messing with proper venting. When the snow melts, water can get into the flue and soak into the masonry. This extra moisture can lead to brick damage, mold and mildew, worsening allergies and respiratory issues.
Salt & De-Icing Products
Many use de-icing products to melt snow on the roof. Unfortunately, these salts can speed up deterioration when they contact the chimney.
How to Minimize Winter Chimney Damage
The best way to avoid significant damage and costly repairs is to be proactive to stop chimney damage from getting out of hand. Here are a few tips.
Install a Chimney Cap
A chimney cap acts as a shield, keeping rain, snow, and debris out of the flue. It also prevents animals from settling in and making nests, leading to clogs and increasing the fire risk. If you have a cap, get the chimney contractor to give it a once-over to ensure it’s in good shape before winter begins.
Get a Professional Cleaning & Inspection
A thorough inspection and cleaning by a certified chimney professional will identify and address existing issues that could compromise chimney performance and safety. Pros check for cracks, loose bricks, and other vulnerabilities that could worsen in cold weather. Cleaning the chimney also removes creosote, reducing the risk of a fire.
Waterproof Your Chimney
After an inspection and cleaning, adding a waterproofing product is a good idea. Chimney contractors have special water-repellent sealants that keep water out but let trapped moisture escape. This helps reduce water absorption, making spalling and masonry damage less likely.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for Chimney Cleaning Today!
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.