Don’t Wait to Have a Chimney Leak Fixed

If you know or suspect that your chimney is leaking, it’s important to have it inspected and then repaired by a qualified chimney technician as soon as possible.

Chimney Saver Solutions of Richmond, VA, would like to share a little about what causes chimney leaks, what they can do to your chimney and home, and several strategies used by professionals to resolve this problem.

Why does a chimney leak?

Here are some common reasons for a chimney leak.

• Missing or damaged chimney cap or flue cover
• Cracked or deteriorated chimney crown
• Cracks or gaps in the masonry
• Dislodged or rusted-out chimney flashing

Signs that your chimney is leaking

Watch for these signs:

• Water on the floor of the firebox
• Musty odors coming from the fireplace, attic or crawl spaces
• Damp patches or water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney
• Decayed chimney bricks and crumbling mortar (This can be a cause and a result of a leak.)
• Fireplace damper that squeaks with rust and is hard to operate

What to expect if you ignore a chimney leak

As with most things in life, chimney leaks don’t get better on their own; rather, they worsen. Once water is allowed into the chimney system, it will start a cycle of interior and exterior damage, some of which can be seen, some of which can’t.

Masonry decay

Over time, water can deteriorate even the sturdiest chimney structures. If ignored, the situation can progress to the point that the chimney begins to lean to one side and eventually collapse.

Chimney liner damage

If water causes damage to the chimney liner, intense heat, flames and dangerous gases can escape the flue. This can lead to a house fire and carbon monoxide moving into your living spaces.

Rotting floors, ceilings and walls

Depending on the extent and location of the chimney leak, the intruding water can cause rotting in various home building materials.

Damage to the attic and roof

Some chimney leaks can seriously affect the roof and attic, causing support beams to weaken and roofing materials to rot. Having this damage resolved can be very expensive and disruptive.

Mold growth

Mold thrives in damp, poorly ventilated spaces. A leaky chimney can start a mold outbreak that spreads to various parts of your home. The problem is compounded if mold spores get into the HVAC system and are distributed throughout the house.

Chimney leak repair

Experienced chimney technicians have the equipment and training to resolve any leaky chimney issue. Do not attempt to repair a chimney leak on your own – you could be injured and make the problem much worse.

Strategies for addressing chimney leaks include:

• Brick replacement
• Tuckpointing to replace crumbling mortar joints
• Partial or complete chimney rebuilding
• Repair or replacement of chimney caps and chimney flashing
• Chimney crown sealing and rebuilding
• Masonry waterproofing

Your technician will perform a thorough inspection before any work begins. He or she will then consult with you as to the optimal methods for resolving the problem.

 

Stop your chimney leaks

Chimney Saver Solutions is ready to put an end to the leak in your chimney. We provide a complete menu of repair and rebuilding services for newer and historic chimneys. Speak with a Virginia chimney expert today at (804) 440-5000 or get in touch with our contact form.