Springtime means warmer weather, blooming flowers, and frequent rain showers. Is your chimney prepared for the increased precipitation? If not, rain can take a severe toll on your fireplace. Use the tips below to prep your home for the spring weather and prevent any future damage.
Annual Inspection
The first thing you should do to prepare your chimney is have it inspected. Contact a Dallas chimney repair company to perform an annual inspection before the springtime hits. They will check out your chimney and fireplace and look for any signs of damage. You can ask them to pay close attention to the parts of the system that are designed to keep moisture out. If something is amiss, they can repair it. Here are a few of the areas where you may experience leaks if your chimney is broken.
Chimney Cap
The chimney cap plays a significant role in keeping rain out of the flue. If you don’t have one, the flue would be open to the elements, leaving the flue liner, damper, and firebox exposed to moisture. Ensure the chimney cap is not damaged, lost, or improperly sized. Otherwise, you will need chimney repair in Dallas to replace it.
Chase Pan
If the chimney in your home was built in a factory, it might have a chase pan installed at the top of the chase. When it functions properly, it ushers water away from the flue. Chase pans can begin to rust and corrode over time, depending on the material used. In this case, consider replacing it with a more durable one.
Masonry
As brick and mortar get older, they can start to break down and show signs of wear and tear. The materials will draw in more moisture and cause damage to the inside of the chimney and your home. You can avoid this issue by applying a waterproof sealant to add more protection to the fireplace. This will prevent water damage and leaks.