Addressing Moisture In Your Chimney During Summer

Are you anxiously awaiting the first time you get to light a fire this season? If so, you’re not alone. While we all enjoy summertime, there’s something especially cozy about a fire in the fall and winter. However, there’s also something to keep in mind: the importance of addressing moisture from the summer months. Let’s look at why this is an important end-of-season task for a chimney sweep.

What problems can moisture cause in a chimney?

As any homeowner already knows, moisture within your home can lead to a variety of issues. The biggest — and most dangerous — of these is mold and mildew growth. This is true regardless of the location, from your basement to your walls to your chimney. 

Chimney mold can be hard to find, especially since it’s rare that you’ll see the inside sections of your chimney’s flue. However, this can be an even bigger problem in the summer months.

Why is it an issue in the summer months?

While our region has precipitation all year long, the humidity is much higher in the warmer months. With air conditioning units running at full blast during the dog days of summer, this leads to higher levels of condensation. Together, both of these can create a recipe that’s perfect for mold and mildew growth.

Why is this a problem in the first place?

Addressing moisture from the summer months is important. But it’s also worth noting that mold and mildew problems can arise even in the fall and winter. 

The reason is related to why mold grows. It prefers dark and damp areas. If your chimney has an undiagnosed leak or if our weather has been especially humid, these can contribute to the problem. Simply put, a wet chimney is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.

What are some of the causes of this problem?

So what causes a wet chimney? Our Advance Chimney Sweeps technicians have run across a variety of problems that can contribute to this problem. The first is if you have a cracked or damaged crown, as water isn’t redirected as it should be. The next is if you have a missing cap, which works to keep precipitation from the inside of your flue.

Another common chimney problem is damaged flashing, which can lead to leaks both in your chimney and your home. Airflow problems, whether due to a damaged damper or some kind of blockage, can also contribute to mold and mildew growth.

Finally, masonry is porous. It can also be a source of leaks. Once repaired, our technicians can then apply a layer of waterproofing sealant to prevent this issue.

Addressing moisture for Pennsylvania homeowners since 1996

Preventing mold and mildew growth is vitally important to both the health of your chimney as well as your family. We’ve proudly helped thousands of homeowners across our region since we launched our business and are here to help whenever you need us.

Would you like to schedule an appointment with our team? Then call Advance Chimney Sweeps at 412-729-2446 or get started by sending us a message here.