April is here, and along with it comes all of the associated April showers that make May flowers so lovely. Did you know that your chimney needs extra care during periods of snow, ice and rain? Depending on your chimney’s material, design and construction, there are numerous precautions you should take to keep unwanted moisture out.

What Problems Can Rain and High Humidity Cause?

• Rust:
  Rust can occur on any metal portion of your chimney and can do major damage if allowed to spread. Look for rust on your chimney cap and chimney flashing. When your chimney inspection is performed, ask them to look for rust within the flue, on the firebox and on any metal accessories.
• Creosote Accumulation:
  Over time, creosote can accumulate on the inside of your chimney flue. Creosote is a dangerous and highly-flammable substance that can build up as moisture levels increase. Cold air outside of the chimney will create condensation inside of the chimney as the warmth of the fire is released through the flue. Creosote build-up is especially common during wet, slightly warm months like April and May.
• Damage to Masonry:
  Does your chimney have a brick exterior? Moisture damage to masonry is very common during months of high humidity and rain. Even in the short term, exposure to moisture can lead to spalling and cracking in bricks. Once a brick is damaged, it is more vulnerable to additional moisture damage. If you do not repair masonry cracks quickly, further damage will occur.
• Leaking:
  In many cases, homeowners do not realize there is a leak in the chimney until a rainy period. If there is dripping water coming from your chimney or musty air leaving your chimney on warmer days, there might be a leak somewhere in the chimney. Chimneys with leaks should be resealed as quickly as possible.

Your annual chimney inspection can identify any of the above problems and recommend repairs to keep your chimney in wonderful shape.

Protect Your Chimney From Wet Weather

Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional chimney sweep services designed to keep your family safe.