Fixing Chimney Leaks
Water is a chimney’s worst enemy. As such, we are often called to repair leaking chimneys and the resulting water damage. Unfortunately, not only is your chimney protruding from your house and exposed to the elements at all times, but both brick and mortar are porous. And then there’s the inside of your chimney (flue liner), which may be made of metal and prone to rust. The Chimney Safety Institute of America warns that most masonry materials will absorb large amounts of water, stating that, “Common brick is like a sponge, absorbing water and wicking moisture to the chimney interior.” Water damage will hurt both the soundness and performance of your chimney, damaging its masonry and causing overall deterioration. During our 20+ years in business, Ace Chimney Sweeps, Inc. has seen leaking chimneys cause some very bad water damage. Putting off repairing your leaking chimney may mean your chimney, fireplace, and the surrounding area will end up requiring major repair work.
The good news is that there are lots of ways to keep water out of your chimney for good. Ace Chimney Sweeps, Inc. installs and repairs faulty flashing, rainhoods and chimney caps, in addition to proudly using Chimney Saver waterproofing products. It is usually pretty easy and affordable to stop water problems and to prevent leaks from happening again—but it all depends how soon you address the problem. The best preventative measure a homeowner can take is to have his chimney professionally waterproofed before he suspects a chimney leak.
Why You Should Call A Chimney Sweep And Not A Roofer
It can appear that your roof is leaking when it’s really your chimney, but that’s just because leaking chimneys often end up leaking onto your ceiling. If you think your chimney may be leaking, don’t call a roofer. Lots of people do just that and thus end up only putting a temporary bandage on a bigger problem. Unlike other areas of your home, which can generally be fixed with the help of a general contractor, fireplaces and wood stove chimneys need a special kind of care. A certified chimney sweep will know just what to do to keep water out of your chimney, and out of your ceilings, walls, and floors. After Ace Chimney Sweeps conduct an inspection of your chimney, we are able to pinpoint the place(s) where water is entering and advise you on the best plan of action for waterproofing your leaking chimney. If you want your leaking chimney to be fixed right the first time, call us the first time.
10 Signs Your Chimney May Be Leaking
A leaking chimney isn’t always obvious. Water is notorious for causing hidden damage that, over time, makes chimneys crumble and even fall down. A chimney professional will inspect your chimney to determine whether or not your chimney is leaking, but you can be pretty sure you have a leak on your hands if you’ve noticed any of the following:
1. Water dripping into your fireplace
2. Water staining on the walls or ceiling near your chimney
3. Rainwater in your furnace thimble
4. Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies or rusted fireplace accessories
5. A dripping noise
6. A musty smell
7. Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings
8. Stained chimney exterior or decaying exterior mortar
9. A cracked or deteriorated flue lining
10. A leaning, collapsed, or settled-looking chimney
If you’ve noticed one or more of these things, schedule a chimney inspection right away to get a professional opinion. By acting now, you may be preventing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in water damage to your home. You can even schedule your appointment online!
Chimney relining is a job for professionals. If your chimney inspection uncovers a need for this chimney service, Ace Chimney Sweeps will discuss your options and help you make a plan.
