Water and wind carved out the Grand Canyon, and if we do nothing to thwart them, the same awesome forces cause slow and persistent damage to our homes year after year.
     Unprotected chimneys and foundations crumble, roofs leak around faulty flashing, gutters clogged with debris overflow, neglected wood siding deteriorates, and wood structure rots.
     The durability of a chimney depends most of all upon its ability to resist water penetration.
     Brick, stone and concrete are not as solid as they look. They expand and contract. Masonry absorbs moisture and heat at different rates, which causes movement. Untreated masonry is very porous, readily soaking up water.
     Movement of the sun across the sky causes differential expansion - as temperatures on the sunny side of the chimney rise, those on the shadow side fall. This can lead to cracking of the mortar joints.
     Even a chimney retired from use can give entry to damaging rain and snow melt off.
     A masonry chimney must be protected from the elements, and serviced yearly.
                  Here are some harbingers of trouble:

     Damp spots inside or near the chimney

     Water running out of the base of the chimney
    
     White powdery stains or black sooty ones on the outside

     A rusted or rusting damper in the fireplace 

     If you see any of these signs, have your chimney inspected by a professional.
     Exterior damage is easy for a practiced eye to spot, but problems inside the flue are a tougher call. Some chimney sweeps do an inspection with a flashlight; others will run a video camera into the flue and and look at it on a closed circuit TV or computer monitor (we use the video camera).
     High efficiency gas or oil fired appliances venting into an unlined chimney or an oversized clay tile liner can result in high volumes of acidic condensation collecting on flue walls and causing severe damage. Mortar and masonry can be eaten away, rendering a chimney unsuitable for use.
     Another common occurrence is for soot and debris to be washed down and plug the flue soon after the installation of a high efficiency appliance. This presents a threat of carbon monoxide poisoning when the colorless, odorless gas enters the home.
    In such cases, the appliance needs its own code compliant vent pipe running up inside the length of the chimney. Many sweep companies offer this installation service.
     A neglected chimney can predispose a house to catching on fire. Flames from a creosote fire can escape to the structure of the house through a cracked flue. Excessive heat radiating through the chimney walls and heat up nearby combustibles to the point of ignition.
     If damage is not too severe, a chimney can be repaired. It will need shielding on the outside from excess moisture and acidic exhaust gas condensation on the inside.
     A coat of a water repellent product made for masonry applications is your best defense against driving rain and snow. Many chimney sweep companies offer repair/protection services (we do).
     Do not, however,allow the use of a waterproofing compound that "seals" the surface. A chimney must "breathe" in order to allow water vapor to pass through. Otherwise, trapped vapor can undergo freeze/thaw cycles that will cause structural damage.
     Installing a chimney cap on the is another smart move. Ask your chimney sweep to show you what style of chimney cap would be appropriate for you situation.
     Because home improvement rip offs abound, it is essential that you check credentials and ask for referrals from anyone you hire for chimney work. I suggest that you check out  CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweep for up to the minute certification listings.

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