Prep Your Chimney For The Spring Rains

By George Elias
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30 Mar, 2014
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While Florida’s weather makes our fireplace use and maintenance schedule a little different than it is in some other parts of the country, one thing is pretty universal: Spring rains will take their toll on a chimney system that isn’t prepared to withstand them.

Really no matter where you are, moisture is the most tenacious enemy your chimney system has, and a chimney that doesn’t have the protection it needs against moisture intrusion can quickly become a leaky chimney and the source of damage to the interior of your home.

*Get your chimney ready for the drizzles of spring. Make sure its well-protected so you won’t have problems with repairs later on.*

How Can I Get My Chimney Prepared For Spring?

If you’re looking to go into spring well prepared, the first thing we suggest, at Young’s Chimney Service, is to schedule your annual chimney inspection early, ideally before those April showers roll in. During a chimney inspection, Young’s technicians will check your whole chimney and fireplace, stove or insert to ensure that every part and component is functioning as it should — and that includes every part of the system designed to prevent moisture intrusion.

Some things we’ll look at/questions we’ll ask during that process:

Do You Have A Properly Installed and Sized Chimney Cap?

Chimney caps are a key part of keeping rain out of your flue opening — without one, your flue is wide open to the elements, and moisture can damage everything from the flue liner down to the damper and firebox. If your chimney cap is damaged, missing or improperly sized, Young’s Chimney Service can replace it with a cap that offers the protection you need.

Is Your Chase Pan Failing?

f you have a factory-built chimney system, a chase pan was installed at the top of your chase to usher water away from the flue opening. Depending on the material used to build that pan, it might last for a long, long time — or it might be beginning to rust and corrode, allowing leaks to start. If your chase pan is on its way out, we can install a durable new one that’ll protect you this spring and for many years to come.

Is Your Masonry Degrading?

Masonry materials are naturally porous, so a certain amount of moisture absorption is expected. Unfortunately, as brick and mortar ages, it can start to wear and degrade, sucking in moisture like a sponge and causing damage to the chimney interior and the interior of your home.

One way to prevent that from happening (and/or to halt that masonry degradation): having Young’s Chimney Service apply a waterproofing sealant that keeps water out, and adds a layer of protection to your masonry chimney. We’ve seen this relatively small investment in protection add years and years of service life to a chimney — and in the short term, make masonry leaks far less likely.

Have any more questions about prepping your chimney for spring? Young’s Chimney Service technicians are always glad to help our valued clients. Give us a call!