Water may work wonders on your garden, but it can wreak havoc on your home. It is especially damaging to masonry chimneys, as the freeze/thaw cycle leads to a variety of problems. Fortunately, C&C Chimney is here to educate Tulsa homeowners about the danger of water on their chimneys and homes. Read below to learn more about the freeze/thaw cycle, then call (918)-396-8296 to schedule a chimney appointment!
What is the Freeze/Thaw Cycle?
The freeze/thaw cycle is a naturally occurring event involving water and your masonry chimney. Masonry is porous, meaning that the bricks and mortar absorbs water. During the colder temperatures of winter and late autumn, water freezes and expands within the masonry. The frozen water melts as the temperatures warm in the spring. When this occurs over the course of several years, it can be especially damaging to your masonry, chimney, and your entire home in extreme cases.
The freeze/thaw cycle and subsequent water damage leads to spalling, cracking, crumbling, and deteriorating masonry. In extreme cases, your chimney could tilt or collapse due to water damage. Not only is damaged masonry unsightly, it puts the safety of your home and family at risk. Masonry chimneys are built to last for decades, but their lifespan is shortened severely by water damage.
Water damage
from the freeze/thaw cycle can damage more than your masonry. Creosote is a black tar-like substance that builds up in your flue over time. It is highly flammable, and even the smallest amount in your chimney can cause problems. Water not only contributes to the buildup of creosote, but the combination of these two materials creates a terrible smell that can permeate your entire home. Water also contributes to mold and mildew growth. A dark damp chimney flue is the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow, which can lead to a terrible smell and cause health problems for your entire family. Water can also rust metal chimney components such as the damper and chase cover. Finally, water stains are prominent and unsightly on the ceilings and walls in your home.
Minimizing the Impacts of the Freeze/Thaw Cycle
Even though the freeze/thaw cycle and its resulting water damage can be damaging, there are ways to minimize its impact. Waterproofing services such as ChimneySaver water repellent provided by C&C Chimney help prevent masonry from absorbing any moisture. ChimneySaver coats your masonry chimney in a watertight, flexible membrane designed to keep moisture out without trapping moisture inside. It offers many different benefits for homeowners, as it is vapor permeable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. When applied by one of our professional technicians, it will dry quickly and keep water out for a decade! This also helps deter the growth of mold, mildew, and algae. ChimneySaver is one of the best ways to diminish the impacts of the freeze/thaw cycle.
Additionally, C&C Chimney offers masonry repairs and rebuilds. If your masonry is showing any signs of water damage caused by the freeze/thaw cycle, we can have it looking good as new in no time through our pointing or tuckpointing services. Pointing involves refilling any broken or cracked mortar joints with new matching mortar mix. Tuckpointing is a similar process, but differs slightly in the sense that it uses two different mortars. One mortar matches the brick while the other matches the mortar joints. The main benefit of tuckpointing is the visual appeal, as the two different mortar types do a great job restoring your chimney and masonry to its original look. We can also rebuild your entire chimney or fireplace if needed.
We also install and maintain other chimney components that are crucial to preventing water damage. The crown, cap, and chase cover are susceptible to water damage as a result of the freeze/thaw cycle and help keep your chimney working safely.
Schedule an Appointment With C&C Chimney Today!
C&C Chimney has a team of professionally trained and certified chimney technicians ready to handle any task in the Tulsa area. We want to keep homes safe from the damages of the freeze/thaw cycle so homeowners can comfortably enjoy their fireplaces. Call (918)-396-8296 or schedule an appointment online today!