Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

3 Ways Water Damages Chimneys

Water is the source of life, but not for chimneys. It can cause deterioration and different kinds of issues. See to it that water doesn’t seep in and cause problems.

If your chimney springs a leak (or 10), it will quickly respond by beginning to deteriorate. That is why those of us at Clean Sweeps & Air Duct Cleaners of Michigan recommend doing your best to prevent chimney leaks and responding as soon as possible if you or your chimney sweep have detected a leak. Why? Chimney leaks can be very costly to repair because they quickly spread to adjacent areas like walls, ceilings, and floors and because they grow exponentially worse over time.

Unfortunately, even well-built chimneys may eventually leak. The key to preventing this is regular maintenance—we recommend annual inspections and sweepings—which will ensure that your chimney receives regular attention from a C.S.I.A. trained professional. Our chimney sweeps actually utilize a 25-Point Leak Inspection process to identify the source of the leak and locate any damage that may have been done.

There are many ways in which water can attack the efficiency, safety, and performance of your chimney, including the three following:

Water destroys chimney masonry.

We have seen moisture have numerous negative effects on chimney brick and order, including gapping, spalling, cracking, staining, and crumbling. Once needed masonry repairs have been made, we recommend applying a waterproofing agent to your chimney to keep it protected and sealed in future years.

Water cracks or rusts important components.

If a chimney component such as a cap, damper, or flashing was improperly installed or if an inferior material was used, it may have rusted or broken, allowing water into the chimney. Often times we can repair faulty components, though we may need to completely replace a part if the quality is not good.

Water creates mold and/or mildew.

The existence of damp, musty odors is a pretty sure sign that your chimney has become the unwitting home to mold or mildew, which notoriously destroys the surfaces where it takes root. Mold can also be harmful to your health, not to mention foul smelling. Mostly, though, mold in or around your chimney indicates the presence of water, which can only mean that damage is already taking place in your chimney and will likely grow worse.

Our technicians at Clean Sweeps & Air Duct Cleaners of Michigan will be able to quickly and correctly detect the source of your leak and repair it for the long haul so that you can get back to using your chimney with confidence. Have a leaky chimney and live in the Jackson or Ann Arbor area? Call us today at 517-783-4560 if you live in Jackson or 734-668-4780 if you live in Ann Arbor.

Chimney Odor Problem?

A stinky chimney can make your home an unpleasant place to be in. Call us now and we’ll have our certified chimney technicians get rid of the odor.

It is never fun when you have a stink in your home that you cannot get rid of and are having to constantly mask with air fresheners. The worst part is when you are forced to live with the smell, because it has sunk into your home. Chimneys can produce these types of odors when their maintenance is not up to date. If you feel this is a problem in your home, call the professionals at Clean Sweep of Michigan, Inc.

What causes an odor in a chimney?

Creosote is the number one reason that your chimney will stink. Creosotes are released when untreated wood is burned in your fire. They then clump together on the inside of your chimney, and overtime can soak into the structure and leave the odor behind. This can also cause draft problems where air will not be able to properly leave the chimney. As the weather becomes more hot and humid in the summer, the smell will be more obvious. Your annual sweep that you have with your inspection will help with keeping it to a minimum, but it is recommended that if you are a frequent fireplace user you have an additional sweep.

Another reason your chimney will smell is if mold is growing in the unit. This is most common in areas of brick where there are cracks, or where other pieces of the chimney may not be in working order. Your Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified professional will be able to recognize if this is a potential hazard for you during your inspection. Since mold can grow very fast and in a variety of colors and textures, it is important to ask for help if you see something out of the ordinary. Your technician can introduce you to different ideas on how to better protect your chimney from the elements, including waterproofing. This is when they will spray a coat of sealant on the outside of your chimney that will repel water on contact. If you live in an especially wet climate, you may need more than one coat.

How do you get ready for the sweep?

• Let your chimney cool down by not having a fire for more than 24 hours before the sweep.
• Clear the area of anything valuable such as breakables, furniture, etc.
• Make sure pets are safe and out of the way