Spring is here, and in the Brick Chimneys Nashville business that means lots of calls about leaking chimneys. Most leaking Brick Chimneys Nashville can be attributed to a few causes, so it is sensible to become acquainted with a few simple prevention steps.
1. Cover it up!
The simplest way to protect your chimney and your home is to install a Brick Chimneys Nashville or cover on your flue. Most homes already have Brick Chimneys Nashville caps installed, but plenty of homeowners miss this step and it's a crucial one. caps prevent animals from nesting in your flue, water from falling directly down your chimney, and water from soaking the interior of the bricks in the Brick Chimneys Nashville .
2. Seal, baby, seal!
There are a couple different places on your chimney that can develop cracks that lead to leaks. What's the best way to deal with those problems? Seal away! The crown, the cement connector between the flue and the brick Brick Chimneys Nashville , can develop cracks from water freezing and thawing throughout the year. These little cracks grow up into big cracks, which in turn grow into huge problems for you. The best way to prevent these from getting out of hand is to frequently check the cement cap and apply sealant to any cracks that start to develop. Custom Patios in Nashville TN
Another spot that gets cracks pretty frequently is the flashing. Flashing is the metal and tar combination that seals the roof to the Brick Chimneys Nashville , usually with folded aluminum panes that are sealed to the Brick Chimneys Nashville and roof. The tar sealing the panes in can deteriorate, causing water to drip through the crack. New synthetic materials exist that are far superior to the tar used in older Brick Chimneys Nashville , so be sure to use a new material for your sealer.
The last spot that typically gets cracks that allow leakage is the brick of the Brick Chimneys Nashville itself. Just like the crown, water and wind damage the brick over time and cause water to seep into the Brick Chimneys Nashville , wreaking havoc on your home. Although the practice of waterproofing brick is pretty well-known, most homeowners don't realize that there are several different types of sealant and each fits different brick in different situations. Have a professional come do a Mortar Absorption Test to determine what sealing solution might work best.
3. Avoid Condensation Complications
A trickier place that homeowners don't think to look is the actual liner inside of the Brick Chimneys Nashville . Many homes get their fireplaces upgraded from the original floor plan and don't compensate for the lower temperature, higher condensation producing flame and end up causing a lot of internal damage. Since it is pretty uncommon, homeowners also typically end up spending a boatload of money trying to diagnose the problem - to that end, make sure you're using a reputable professional whenever you do start working on your Brick Chimneys Nashville.