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Problems Damp Chimneys Can Cause in Your Home

Damp Chimney RepairThere’s nothing like a crackling fireplace on a cold winter evening to bring the family together and take off the chill.  And there’s nothing like chimney problems, which are unfortunately all too common, to disrupt a life and lead to potentially big damage and expenses down the line.  One chimney problem that shows up a lot is dampness.  Here’s what you need to know about it.

What are clues that you have a damp chimney?

Signs that you may have (or soon will be having) a moisture issue with your chimney include a leaky attic or roof in the general area of the chimney, and/or a flue that has water running down it.  Problems like this won’t go away on their own and must be addressed as soon as possible.

It’s important to remember that excess moisture in a chimney doesn’t just “happen.”  There’s a reason for it, even if you’re not aware of it.  A cracked chimney crown, for example, can let in rain water.  This is a fairly common occurrence in older homes built before the 1980s, but even newer homes are prone to this problem, particularly if the chimney and fireplace system have gone years without regular, thorough inspection by technicians trained in this discipline.

Chimneys operated without a secure, properly functioning chimney cap, which is designed to block water from rain and melting snow, also will lead to trouble.  Protective flashing around the chimney that’s deteriorated with age is yet another way for moisture to get into the chimney.

Be proactive and fix the problem fast

Because water and moisture are destructive forces to chimneys, it’s important to identify the cause of the problem as soon as possible.  You may be able to do this yourself, or you may need the aid of a professional chimney sweep.  Either way, it needs to be done.  Caught early, chimney moisture problems often are fixable without excessive cost.  Allowed to progress, the cost of repair or complete rebuild can be very high.

White Staining on ChimneyMore important than cost of repairing a chimney is the safety of the people who live in your home.  The majority of house fires stem from issues with fireplaces and chimneys.  When a chimney liner or the bricks and mortar used in the chimney’s construction are compromised, intense heat easily can reach adjacent building materials that are not intended to be fire-resistant.  The result isn’t something anyone wants to experience.

If you suspect your chimney has moisture issues, the professionals at Hudson Valley Chimney of Poughkeepsie, New York, are ready to meet with you and find out exactly what the problem is.  Our certified technicians are experts at problem-solving through inspection, maintenance, cleaning and repair.  We want you to have a safe and comfortable winter.  Call us at (845) 471-1071.

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