Welcome to Family Roofing

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE

 

Outside your chimney is in a battle and Mother Nature almost always wins.  That’s because water is the chimney’s mortal enemy.  Over time moisture will soften the exposed bricks and mortar.  The softened masonry is weakened further during the freeze/thaw cycle.  You may even notice pieces of bricks and mortar on the ground.  In more severe cases, entire bricks can fall from the chimney that can ultimately cause the structure to collapse.  As the porous masonry soaks up the moisture, it expands during freezing.  This process causes tiny cracks in the bricks allowing water to leak inside the chimney when it thaws.  Water leaks can be especially dangerous.  It can damage your flue liner, rust the damper and other metal components and increase the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.  Waterproofing your chimney will help equip it to win the battle against Mother Nature.

Before waterproofing your chimney, it is essential to make any necessary chimney repairs.  Otherwise, you are just preserving its already weakened condition which can lead to more extensive renovations in the future.  An experienced chimney mason will perform tuck pointing to repair spalling and missing bricks. 

There are four primary areas to check on a chimney that can cause leaks.

• The crown – That’s the cement slab at the top of the chimney.  After many years the slab cracks and water leak inside the chimney causing the water to freeze during winter.  The ice will crack the chimney or bricks.

• The face – That’s the brick or stone part of the chimney.  Many times the grouting has cracked, or the stone is coming loose due to the crown that was letting.

• The flashing – This is by far the number one cause of leaks on any roof.  Flashing is for the most part made from metal. The metal flashing is inserted into a slot cut into the chimney. The cement grout does not bond to the metal and therefore causing leaks.

• The stucco or siding – Almost always one can find cracks when a chimney is covered with stucco.

 

 

Cement slab on top of the chimney

Notice the cement slab pulling away from the brick. The crack will allow water in and during winter freezes up causing the grout to crack further.

The crack between the bricks and the cement slab is a common problem.  When water leaks in through these cracks, then the rest of the structure will eventually be damaged.

Flashing on a chimney

The next part to inspect is the flashing on a chimney.  Chimney flashing is one of the major causes for leaks.  This happens when the grouting that is suppose to hold the flashing in position, has come loose and is no longer a seal.

 

 

 

 

WATERPROOFING YOUR CHIMNEY

START WITH A CLEAN CHIMNEY

Once the chimney repairs are completed, the next step is to clean the chimney.  It’s critical to eliminate the dirt, grime, algae, mold, and other contaminants before the water sealant application. Dirt, fungus, and bacteria are not only an eyesore, but they can also damage the masonry. Use low pressure to wash the bricks as high pressure can damage them.  When the masonry is clean and dry, it is ready for the waterproofing application.

CHOOSING AND APPLYING THE WATER REPELLENT

There are a variety of water sealants on the market with different strengths.  But not all consumer products are best for all chimneys.  And if it’s not correctly applied your chimney will still be vulnerable to water damage.  It is highly recommended that you consult with a professional in your area.  It is the best way to ensure you are using the right waterproofing product for your chimney.