Though you may put a lot of time and energy into maintaining your roof, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the chimney. Chimney inspection and repair is just as important as fixing your shingles or cleaning your gutters. The experts at Charlie's Chimney Sweeps and Masonry in New Richmond, OH, would like to explain one of the most vital parts of chimney maintenance: waterproofing.

Like your roof, your chimney is situated at the very top of your house, unprotected and exposed to the elements. Because of this, it actually receives more damage from water than it ever does from fire. The materials that make up a chimney are highly vulnerable to water, so prolonged contact will cause it to rapidly deteriorate.

There are many ways that rain and snow can prompt the need for chimney repair. When it rains, water can drip down through your chimney into your stove or fireplace, creating rust if it's steel or cast iron. Freezing and thawing cycles will also seep through the chimney materials and put stress on them. From broken brickwork to rotten adjacent wood, a wet chimney is not a happy chimney.

If these circumstances sound familiar, you should start by scheduling a chimney inspection to determine how bad the deterioration has become. From there, you'll know how you should tackle your chimney repair. More than likely, the best course of action is to have your chimney crown and flashing repaired or replaced. These two components play a huge role in keeping water out of your chimney and home. If you don't already have one, you should install a chimney cap as well. Not only do they prevent animals from climbing in, but they shield your chimney from the rain.

Planning your chimney inspection with Charlie's Chimney Sweeps and Masonry will save your home from interior and exterior water damage. These Ohio specialists have a background in chimney repair and chimney cleaning, so you can trust their skill and expertise. Give them a call today at (513) 553-0229, or visit their website to learn more.