Should You Water Seal Your Chimney?

There’s no better way to enjoy a Nashville thunderstorm than at home in front of a cozy fire. If you agree, you probably are already familiar with the basics of chimney maintenance. 

Cleaning built-up creosote, checking for nests, and having an inspection at regular intervals are all excellent practices for homeowners. But there is one critical maintenance task that may have evaded your to-do list: water sealing treatments. But is chimney waterproofing necessary? Learn more about water sealing from Chim Chimney and why it’s vital for protecting your chimney and home in Nashville, Tennessee.

Why Would You Want to Seal a Chimney?

Masonry chimneys are built from bricks bonded together by solid layers of mortar or cement. While well-built masonry chimneys are substantial and can withstand a lot of wind damage — up to and including the occasional tornado — the materials are vulnerable to water damage over time. Rain can seep into the seams and cracks in the mortar. The bricks will absorb moisture. Given enough time, Nashville’s rainy seasons can wear through joints in the chimney, soften the masonry materials, and let rain and snow into the flue. Eventually, this can lead to structural damage, mold, and pests.

Waterproofing your chimney with a professional sealant gives the vulnerable surface layers of your chimney protection against water. It can stop leaks from developing, and water seals can last for years between professional touch-ups and reapplications.

Pro Tip:

Have a professional reapply the sealant at least once every five years. You can also have the sealing coat inspected for wear or damage during its inspection. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends checking your fireplace and chimney once each year. CONTACT

You Have a Chimney Cap – Is Chimney Waterproofing Necessary?

While a chimney cap can help block some water damage, the idea that a chimney cap is all you need is just a myth. Chimney caps are designed to stop rain from getting inside your chimney and flue, but they serve a wide range of purposes, such as blocking drafts, preventing sparks from catching on your roof, and keeping animals out. But chimney caps don’t protect the exterior of your chimney. Water can collect along one side of where your chimney and roof meet, and rain can start to penetrate uncoated brick and mortar.

Why You Should Choose Professional Sealing

A DIY sealant is no guarantee against water damage. Masonry saturation decay causes accelerated damage to chimneys, and even small gaps in the protective coating can be enough to let moisture break through the surface. Chimney maintenance professionals can select the suitable coating material based on your chimney’s materials and conditions, ensure the entire surface is coated correctly, and provide a warranty covering potential water damage after application.

What Should You Do If You Have a Chimney Leak?

As soon as you notice a potential leak in your chimney, call Chim Chimney immediately. We can inspect the interior and exterior of your chimney to find the source of the leak, repair the damage, and stop the leak from growing and causing additional damage or decay.

Need a Chimney Professional to Repair Your Leaky Chimney? We Can Help

At Chim Chimney, we offer comprehensive chimney brick repair, chimney inspections, and general chimney repairs. We can help repair and restore your chimney after years of buildup and once you start to notice signs of water damage. The best way to enjoy your Nashville home’s fireplace year after year is with preventative maintenance and sealing treatments that catch damage early on or stop it entirely in its tracks. We also offer easy financing options so you can afford quality chimney care at any time. Contact our friendly customer service team today to learn more about our services or schedule a service appointment. CONTACT