How the Freeze/Thaw Cycle Affects Your Chimney

With an unseasonably hot September this year, you may wonder when temperatures will start to cool down. Although it may seem like this heat will go on forever, it will get much colder before you know it. In fact, we may even see freezing temperatures before Christmas arrives. Tennessee weather is very volatile, as one day it could snow and the next warm up into the 50s. If you have a masonry chimney, this type of weather can be rough on the bricks and mortar joints. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) warns about the extensive amount of damage and deterioration that occurs quickly during the freeze/thaw process. Fortunately, Ashbusters repairs and prevents freeze/thaw chimney masonry damage in the Nashville area. Trust us to take care of your chimney! We would like to tell you more about the freeze/thaw process and how it affects your chimney.

According to the CSIA, the freeze/thaw process is when the moisture penetrates the bricks and mortar joints of the chimney and freezes and expands within the masonry materials. Masonry materials are naturally porous and absorb water into the bricks and mortar if your chimney is not protected. Whenever the temperature falls below 32 degrees, the freeze/thaw process begins. Spalling damage occurs and compromises the structure of your chimney if repairs are neglected after freezing and thawing cylces. Over our years in the chimney industry, Ashbusters has seen entire chimney structures collapse after a harsh winter season.

We recommend professionally waterproofing your chimney to protect against spalling damage. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians will apply a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney that creates a barrier against water penetration so that the freeze/thaw process will not occur. We only use waterproofing formulas that are 100 percent vapor permeable, which means you will not have to worry about combustion vapors becoming trapped within the bricks and mortar, which could lead to even more cracks and other types of spalling damage. This professional chimney maintenance service is an excellent investment as it comes with a 10-year guarantee.

Ashbusters also provides professional masonry services to repair chimneys that have suffered from freeze/thaw damage. Contact us today to schedule your waterproofing appointment to be sure your chimney is protected from spalling damage this winter.