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Chimney Waterproofing
Outstanding Chimney Waterproofing Services. For Your More Comfortable New Braunfels, San Antonio & Austin Home
Your chimney plays an important role in your home, and protecting it keeps this vital asset in better condition. Chimney waterproofing is one part of a collection of strategies to keep your chimney operating at peak efficiency. The experienced chimney professionals at Wolfman chimney & fireplace can help you keep your chimney operating properly.
Rather than running the risk of a chimney leak, chimney waterproofing ensures that your entire system is sealed and protected from the issues that moisture can bring. Our San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Austin chimney professionals will deliver peace of mind in knowing that your chimney is safe and sealed from the elements.
If you have concerns about a chimney leak developing in your system, the experienced chimney professionals at Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace are always happy to help. If you’re ready to proactively treat your chimney to prevent leaks, give us a call today or reach out online with any questions!
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Are Chimney Waterproofing & Chimney Leak Repair the Same?
It may not seem as though there is much difference between chimney waterproofing and chimney leak repair, but they are actually different services. Chimney waterproofing is a maintenance issue, where we proactively take steps to seal your chimney system and prevent leaks from occurring.
By comparison, chimney leak repairs deal with an existing leak, rather than preventing one period this leak will need to be repaired, and may include issues such as missing sealant or a loose piece of flashing.
In some situations, our customers will use these terms in place of each other period however, our experienced chimney technicians understand exactly what needs to happen with your chimney system.
Why Is Chimney Waterproofing Important for My Chimney?
Chimney waterproofing is an important proactive step that you can take to prevent leaks in your chimney system. This is important on a number of levels, partially because chimney leaks can cause extensive additional damage to your home and chimney system. But what kind of damage can occur?
- Chimney leaks can lead to mold. When you have chimney leaks, water can flow down the inside or outside of your chimney. When they happen on the outside, they come into contact with drywall and other materials in your home, allowing mold to grow.
- Chimney leaks can lead to other chimney problems. Water in your chimney system can cause additional damage. Your masonry work, bricks, and similar construction can have freeze/thaw damage that can cause your chimney to fail.
- Chimney waterproofing protects indoor air quality. Because today’s homes are sealed tightly to provide improved energy efficiency, indoor air quality is more important than ever before. Chimney waterproofing prevents leaks that can cause mold to form in your home.
- Chimney leaks can corrode metal parts. In any situation where moisture is in your chimney system, metal parts within that system, especially steel or metal, can begin to rust. This can impact your chimney functionality down the road as parts failed to move as they should.
- Chimney leaks damage interior finishes. Finally, if your chimney leaks, it can cause damage to your ceilings and walls surrounding your chimney. These typically appear as stains or water damage on those surfaces, which can keep your home from looking its best.
By waterproofing your chimney, you can avoid these serious issues in your home by preventing chimney leaks from forming in the first place. By proactively having your chimney waterproofed, you can enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your experienced chimney technician whatever good results that will last for many years to come.
Can I Waterproof My Own Chimney?
Chimney systems are complex, and waterproofing them requires specialized tools, techniques, and materials. The process involves multiple portions of your chimney system, which must work together successfully for your chimney to continue to operate properly. For this reason, we recommend you have your chimney waterproofing handled by a chimney professional.
Your certified chimney technician understands how your chimney works. They understand the points where water can enter the system, and are able to treat these areas to ensure that you receive exceptional waterproofing of your system.
Every year, there are thousands of accidents across the country and homeowners have climbed on roofs to undertake home improvements and maintenance. These accidents often cost much more than the expense of having a chimney professional out to take care of your chimney waterproofing project.
When Should I Schedule Chimney Waterproofing?
A chimney waterproofing project can be scheduled at any time period you don’t need to wait until your next inspection or cleaning to have the process done. However, you may find it more time efficient to schedule your waterproofing project at that time.
If you’ve recently had to have a chimney leak repaired, you may want to go ahead and have your chimney waterproofed entirely at the same time period. This may help you avoid this type of repair need in the future.
Can’t Roofers Handle My Chimney Waterproofing?
Roofs and chimneys are two different systems, and unless you understand both sides of the systems in question, it’s very difficult to get the job done properly. You could ask a roofer to handle your chimney waterproofing project. If it’s a friend, you could see this as an opportunity to save money. However, it can actually cost you a lot if it isn’t done properly.
Your chimney is a complex system. Though it does interact with your roofing, they sometimes require particular equipment, techniques, or specialized materials to get the job done right. For this reason, we recommend your chimney waterproofing be handled by a chimney professional.
Because chimneys are made from different materials, the technician may need to use different techniques and materials to create a strong seal. Well first may not be familiar with these types of materials, which means your well-intentioned chimney waterproofing may fail.
Roofers are also familiar with working on roofs, not chimneys. They may seal the edges of your chimney, while missing areas of your chimney that also require waterproofing. Because they’re only handling half of the job, you are still at risk for chimney leaks.
What Happens if My Chimney Isn't Waterproofed?
If you decide to not have your tummy waterproofed, you might be OK, or you may have chimney leaks occur. When chimney leaks happen, they can have a strong impact on your home that can threaten your health, and they can threaten your home structural integrity. Your interior finishes can also suffer as well as your chimney system. But what kind of issues can you expect if you end up with a chimney leak?
- Mold and mildew
- Allergies
- Exacerbated respiratory issues
- Corroded chimney parts
- Ceiling and wall stains
- Cracks in masonry
- Chimney repairs
- …and more
By leaving your chimney unwaterproofed, you’ll have a higher chance of having a chimney leak occur. When this moisture enters your home, it can cause significant health issues, problems with the structural integrity of your home, chimney system issues, and other areas you may not have thought of.
I Just Moved, Do I Need My Chimney Waterproofed?
Generally speaking, a home that is going up for sale will have a CSIA-certified chimney professional do a level 2 chimney inspection. If this inspection was not performed, you’ll want to have one done before using your chimney.
This inspection would include looking for chimney leaks, but may not have looked at waterproofing as a proactive step. Similarly, having a home inspection performed doesn’t mean your chimney has been waterproofed. A home inspector looks at your entire house, and your chimney system is only one small part of that. They will not look as thoroughly at your chimney and fireplace as a chimney technician would.
Beyond the chimney waterproofing, we always recommend that clients have a chimney sweep performed and a level 2 inspection done before the purchase of a property. If there are serious issues, they can be negotiated in price or handled prior to moving in. You don’t want a big expense once you’ve finished covering the costs of closing on your new home.
If you’ve already moved into your new home and an inspection wasn’t performed, the experienced team at Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace are happy to take a look. Don’t use your fireplace until we’ve inspected it!
How Much Does It Cost to Waterproof My Chimney?
There are many factors that can impact the cost of having your chimney waterproofed. How big is your chimney?
As an example, if you have a fairly simple connection through the center of your home with a single roof line to be taken into account, you may have a lower cost for your chimney waterproofing. By comparison, a multi-flue system that goes through an exterior wall may have additional complications that will require a higher charge.
If your chimney system is in good repair, and has been regularly inspected and maintained, having waterproofing performed on it is likely to have a lower bill, because there will not be other issues that need to be repaired in addition to the waterproofing.
However, if chimney maintenance and inspection have not been a priority for you the past few years, you may have additional repairs that need to take place in addition to waterproofing. This can raise your bill.
Schedule Your Chimney Waterproofing Now
A comfortable fireplace is a great place to create family memories while improving the value of your home. Adding chimney waterproofing improves your home value even further. When you have a well-maintained chimney system, with documentation to prove the work that was done, it makes your home more appealing to future buyers while protecting your investment.
When you work with Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace, you’ll receive honesty, accuracy, integrity, and outstanding personal care. Beyond this level of customer service, we are also CSIA and FIRE certified, NGSC members, Better Business Bureau accredited, fully insured, and ADA compliant.
Ease of use of your fireplace and chimney system and peace of mind knowing that you have a system that’s in great condition is our top priority.
If you’re ready to look into chimney waterproofing, why not give us a call or book with us online? We’re always happy to chat about your fireplace and chimney needs.
At Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace, You’ll see our pride in our work at every point of contact, with dedication to quality.