There are some things in life that just don’t go together, and fire and water are definitely a prime example of this. This is one of the many key reasons why waterproofing your chimney is so important.
If you have an open fire or stove, you need to have a chimney installed. This isn’t just to ensure that the fire draws more efficiently and gives out more heat, it’s also to ensure that it’s safe and is able to exhaust away all of the smoke, carbon monoxide, and toxic fumes, preventing them from making their way into your home.
Chimneys are constantly exposed to the elements, which means that they must be durable and hardwearing. They also need to be waterproof. A leaking chimney could be disastrous and could end up costing you a lot of money, or a whole lot more besides. For health and safety reasons, your chimney must be waterproof! Achieving this yourself, however, is easier said than done.
To help you out, here’s a DIY guide on how to waterproof a chimney.
Understand How Chimney Waterproofing Works
Ultimately, the goal of waterproofing a chimney is pretty self-explanatory. Understanding how chimney waterproofing works, and exactly why we need to go to such extreme lengths, however, is not quite as simple.
Chimneys are basically exhausts for open fires. They take the smoke and harmful fumes up and out of your home when you light a fire. Because of this, they are open-topped and are exposed to the elements. The last thing you want is for rain water, sleet, or snow to make its way into your home via your chimney.
Ultimately, the goal is to make your chimney water repellent and waterproof. To achieve this, you need to use the right tools and materials.
Fit a Chimney Cap
The most obvious way to waterproof a chimney is to fit a chimney cap. A chimney cap sits on the top of the chimney and acts as a protective cover. It’s typically cylindrical or dome-shaped and is designed to allow rainwater to run off it and down your roof, rather than down the actual chimney.
Chimney caps are not only designed to prevent rain from getting inside, they also help to prevent birds, insects, and pests from getting into the chimney and perhaps making nests. They also improve the aesthetics too, which is always a nice touch.
Inspect the Chimney
Before you can begin the waterproofing process, you need to inspect the chimney itself and look for any signs of water damage, or damage and deterioration in general.
You will need the correct ladder, as well as various other pieces of safety equipment, or have a professional carry out the inspection for you.
Inspecting the chimney isn’t only important to ensure that it’s safe and works as it should, it’s also a necessary step before you begin waterproofing. If you notice any cracks in the mortar for example, they will need repairing before you apply any sealant. If there are cracks with moisture inside, sealant over the top will simply trap the moisture inside and make matters worse.
Use the Correct Materials
When you waterproof your chimney, it’s also very important to make sure that you use the correct materials. Some for example, may absorb moisture and actually make matters worse if you fail to apply a sealing agent beforehand.
There are plenty of different sealing agents out there that you can use to waterproof your chimney, though you should try to go with a product with good reviews. Just be aware that many don’t last forever, they may only last a decade, or even less in some conditions, so pay attention to the lifespan.
The climate where you live is also very important. If it rains a lot then waterproofing will obviously need to be prioritized, but the winter months will also play a huge role. If water gets into the chimney, makes its way between the cracks, and freezes, it will expand and make the cracks even bigger. When using a waterproofing agent or sealant, make sure you choose one that is suitable for the climate that you live in.
Install a Chimney Crown
Your chimney crown is located at the top of your chimney and seals off the flue liner from the actual chimney itself. It is usually constructed in a downward-facing design, with a slight slope that again diverts rainwater away, similar to the cap.
As it overlaps the edge of the chimney, it prevents water from getting into the chimney and leaking down into the flue. It also helps to protect the stone/brick/mortar from being damaged by the elements.
A lot of standard chimney crowns are made from poor-quality mortar which breaks down overtime and chips off. This means that water could make its way into your chimney, and you don’t want that.
Inspect your chimney crown, and consider having a high-quality one constructed from the right material. Cement-based mixes are generally very beneficial in this instance. Whether you build it yourself or hire a professional, make sure it has a good overhang to ensure that rainwater is able to be diverted away.
Replace Damaged Flashing
The flashing on your chimney is basically the seal between your roof and the chimney itself. It basically prevents rainwater, melted snow, melted ice, and other detritus from running down your roof and getting into your chimney.
When you inspect your chimney, pay close attention to the flashing. If there are any obvious signs of deterioration, or general wear and tear, make sure you get it replaced with the correct material.
Leave it to the Experts
Finally, when it comes to chimney waterproofing and DIY, if you aren’t confident, or if you are struggling, go ahead and leave it to the experts.
Hiring professionals means that your chimney will be repaired and waterproofed to a professional standard, using the correct materials. It also means you get peace of mind, knowing that nothing was missed, and the job was done correctly. In the unlikely event of a problem, a professional will also offer you a warranty/guarantee, and will come and make it right at no extra cost.