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Keeping Your Vancouver Home Chimney Protected from Damaging Moisture

Chimneys can be a valuable addition to any home, both from a functional and aesthetic point of view. Few things are more satisfying than going back to a warm and cozy house during a cold and rainy winter day. However, wet and damp weather (just like you would expect from typical B.C. winter weather) can affect your chimney in Vancouver, causing structural problems that can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Because prevention is better than cure, Vancouver homeowners have much to gain from taking a proactive approach to chimney maintenance. Here are a few things to look out for so you can enjoy a warm and cozy home for many years to come.

• Rusty dampers: Inspect your chimney damper regularly and look for signs of rust. Sometimes you will be able to spot a rusting area straight away, but other things to watch out for include cracked tiles and dampers that do not close properly.
• Bubbles and / or peeling in wallpaper or paint: Check the walls near your chimney for bubbles, peeling, or warping, as these are indicate that moisture has affected your chimney's masonry and that is quickly spreading to other areas.
• White stains on the chimney's masonry: White stains on your chimney bricks (also known as efflorescence) are often dismissed as mould or fungi, when in fact these stains are a sign of water damage or of cracks in masonry along the chimney structure.
• Blocked or damaged drains: Stormy weather can damage drains and gutters and eventually cause water to seep into your chimney. Make a point of having your home's guttering and drainage systems checked before and after the winter months to prevent chimney damage.
• Moss, plants, and vegetation: Be quick to remove any kind of vegetation that grows on or between chimney bricks, and treat the surfaces with a moss control solution for roofs and chimneys.

These quick checks can be easily incorporated into your weekly DIY routine and can go a long way in preventing structural damage. However, and in addition to the DIY checks mentioned in the list, it is wise to arrange a preventative maintenance check by a Vancouver chimney specialist such as Consumers Choice Roofing and Drainage, who will be able to identify any problematic areas and ensure that your chimney is in tip top condition ahead of the next Vancouver winter.

Source:

(Chimney Stains, Discoloration, Leak, Diagnosis, Cleaning & Repair Guide, Inspectapedia.com)

(How to Diagnose and Fix a Damp Chimney Breast, DIYDoctor.org.uk)