The chimney is one of the most exposed portions of your home. All year long it is exposed to rain and snow. This can lead to expensive repairs. Masonry is porous and overtime water that soaks in, whether it be through cracks or simply soaking in through the brick and mortar, can cause serious damage to the chimney, fireplace and house framing. Protecting your chimney against water infiltration is a valuable investment in your home.

Sometimes its easy to to know if your chimney has a water leakage issue. You may hear water dripping when it rains or you may even see a puddle on the fireplace floor, but there are other signs to keep an eye out for. White staining, called efflorescence, is created when water soaks into the masonry, dissolves some of the minerals and redeposits them on the surface. This is more than unsightly staining but an indicator that your chimney is not repelling water. Moss growth is another sign of water retention. Moss likes to grow on damp services. As it grows, the roots can cause even more damage to the mortar.

There are several ways to protect your chimney, the first being very simple - install a rain cap. Simple single flue rain caps are inexpensive and very effective at keeping water from pouring into the flue. Some chimneys may benefit from a specialized rain cap that that protects the entire top of the chimney. Treating your chimney with breathable water repellent is a wonderful way to keep water from soaking in through the brick and mortar. If the top surface of the chimney is cracked, there are several resurfacing products available. In some cases were significant damage has already occurred, bricks may need to be replaced and deteriorated mortar joints may need to be ground out and repointed. Once any damaged masonry is repaired, it is very important to treat the chimney exterior with breathable water repellent. This will help keep water from soaking in while still allowing water vapor stuck inside the chimney to escape.

Preventative maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of your fireplace and chimney system. If in doubt, call a chimney professional. They will be able to assist you in deciding the best maintenance and repair options.