Chimney Sweeping, RestorationRepair, and Inspection. How To Install A Masonry Chimney Cap' title='How To Install A Masonry Chimney Cap' />Water Your Masonry Chimney. In addition, when water mixes with creosote in a wood burning chimney system, it will generate a highly disagreeable odor that can permeate a home. Preventing Water Damage. Chimney caps, also called rain covers, are probably the most inexpensive preventive measure that a homeowner can employ to prevent water penetration and damage to the chimney. Chimney caps have long been recognized as an important chimney safety and damage prevention component. Underwriters Laboratories UL specifies that any chimney lining system that is to be listed to their test standard must include a chimney cap. Chimneys have one or more large openings flues at the top that can collect rainwater and funnel it directly to the chimney interior. Chimney Doctors is a 18 year old family owned chimney sweeping and restoration company. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of professional service. DIYNetwork. com makes it easy to repair a chimney hole and create a sloped crown to prevent water leakage. NFC Services, LLC Attention Chimney Cleaning and Inspection Special. Schedule Your Appointment Today Call 610 8098197. Now through November we are offering our. A commonly sized flue has the potential to allow large amounts of rain or snow into the chimney during just one winter when freezethaw cycles are common. Chimney caps also provide other benefits. A strong, well designed cap will prevent birds and animals from entering and nesting in the chimney. Caps also function as spark arrestors, preventing sparks from landing on the roof or other nearby combustible material. A chimney cap should be easily removable to facilitate inspection and cleaning. For a long and effective service lifetime, a cap should be constructed of sturdy, durable and corrosion resistant material. Caps may be designed to cover a single flue, multiple flues, a large portion of the chimney or the entire chimney top. A full coverage chimney cap usually represents a larger initial investment. However, it is probably the best investment for long term protection because of its ability to protect the entire chimney crown. Repair or Replace a Damaged Chimney Crown. The chimney crown also referred to as the chimney wash is the top element of a masonry chimney. It covers and seals the top of the chimney from the flue liner to the chimney edge. The crown should provide a downward slope that will direct the water from the flue to the edge of the crown. How To Install A Masonry Chimney Cap' title='How To Install A Masonry Chimney Cap' />The overhanging drip edge, by directing the run off from the crown away from the chimney, helps prevent erosion of the brick and mortar in the chimneys vertical surfaces. Most masonry chimneys are built with an inadequate crown constructed from common mortar mix that is designed for years of weather abuse without cracking, chipping or deteriorating. A proper chimney crown should be constructed of a Portland cement based mixture and cast or formed so it provides an overhang projecting beyond all sides of the chimney by a minimum of two inches. The flue liner tile should also project above the crown a minimum of two inches. Repair Deteriorated Mortar Joints. Magic School Bus Has A Heart Activities For Middle School. Deteriorated mortar joints on the chimneys exterior are entry spots for water. Proper mortar joints have no gaps or missing mortar and are shaped in a way that directs water out of the joint. When mortar deteriorates from exposure to weather, it becomes much more absorbent. A common repair for deteriorated mortar joints is called repointing. In this process, the existing mortar joint is cut to an appropriate depth and the joint is repacked with new mortar. The joint is then cut to form a concave surface that will direct water out of the joint. A good repointing job, using proper materials, will give the chimney a much longer life span, and often will enhance its appearance. Repair or Replace Flashing. Caps.jpg' alt='How To Install A Masonry Chimney Cap' title='How To Install A Masonry Chimney Cap' />Flashing is the seal between the roofing material and the chimney. Flashing prevents rainwater or snow melt from running down the chimney into living spaces where it can damage ceilings and walls and cause rot in rafters. The flashing is the expansion joint between two dissimilar materials. It is designed to allow both the roof and the chimney to expand and contract at their own rates without breaking the waterproof seal in either area. Install a Cricket to Stop or Prevent Leaks. If the chimney is located on the low side of the roof where water run off is directed against the chimney, the installation of a cricket will afford additional protection against water leaking into the home. A cricket is a water deflector that serves to direct rainwater away from the chimney. Crickets are recommended on chimneys more than 3. Waterproof Your Chimney. Most masonry materials are porous and will absorb large amounts of water. Common brick is like a sponge, absorbing water and wicking moisture to the chimney interior. Defective mortar joints or the use of improper mortar or brick can greatly increase the tendency to absorb and convey water to the interior of the masonry chimney. Several products have been developed specifically for use as waterproofing agents on masonry chimneys. These formulas are 1. Therefore, water that has penetrated and the vapors produced when the chimney dries out or the water vapors produced during use are allowed to escape, while the waterproofing agent prevents water from entering from the outside. These products usually have a five to ten year warranty. Paint or clear sealers should never be used as a waterproofing agent because they will trap water vapors and moisture inside the chimney causing further deterioration. Waterproofing is a preventive measure. When damage or deterioration gaps, voids, cracks, missing mortar, etc. The chimney exterior may also need to be cleaned before the waterproofing material is applied.