4 Common Causes of Chimney Leaks

Cozy fires in the fireplace are among the joys of winter, and those blazes make chimney care worth the trouble. Knowing the four common causes of chimney leaks can help you keep ahead of maintenance costs. There’s no way around the fact that chimney masonry is susceptible to moisture infiltration and leaks.

When you start seeing evidence of moisture problems, such as chimney leaks, quick action will help reduce the costs of repair. Signs that you may have a leaky chimney are listed below. The CSIA-certified chimney experts at Chimney Saver Solutions can be depended on to determine the root cause of your chimney leak and provide the solution needed for your best benefit.

Four Causes of Chimney Leaks

Because water can get into a chimney system in many ways, the following are just the four most common causes of chimney leaks.

One-Leaky Flashing

The metal part of your chimney is intended to create a waterproof seal between the chimney stack and the roof. Unfortunately, chimney flashing is difficult to install correctly. Metal chimney flashing is prone to be the cause of moisture infiltration leading to chimney leaks because the metal will pull away from the chimney.

Two-A Cracked Chimney Crown

The white part of the chimney at the top is the chimney crown. There is a tendency for cracks to develop in the chimney crown, which allows water to enter the masonry system. Annual chimney inspections are recommended by leading fire safety experts, and the scrutiny helps by getting the needed professional birds-eye view of the chimney system, especially the crown.

Three-Eroding Mortar

Chimney masonry typically lasts for at least a century or more, but the mortar that holds the bricks together only has about a 25-year life span at best. When mortar begins to erode and flake off, the masonry becomes more vulnerable to destructive moisture intrusion. If the problem of eroding mortar is caught early, a cost-saving procedure called “tuckpointing” can be performed that will seal off the chimney and renew its structural integrity.

Four-No Chimney Cap or Chimney Chase Cover

After chimneys are built, chimney caps are essential accessories that must be added. Chimney caps keep water from falling directly into the chimney system. Whether you have a masonry fireplace or a manufactured chimney with a chimney chase and top pan, the covering at the top should be installed and in good condition to help prevent chimney leaks.

Signs that You May Have a Chimney Leak

Getting to the diagnosis about the cause of a chimney leak starts by realizing that there is a problem. The following, in brief, are among the things that could be indications that you have a leaky chimney:

*White, brown, red, green, or black stains on your chimney
*Water is dripping into your firebox
*A mildewy smell is emanating from your fireplace
*Water stains are on the walls or ceilings near your fireplace
*Masonry debris can be seen on the roof or ground below your chimney
*Large cracks have developed in your chimney stack

Be sure to call qualified chimney sweeps if you need help with a leaky chimney. In the Richmond VA, area, the professionals at Chimney Saver Solutions are the ones to trust. This is valuable information in our unregulated industry, which is much infiltrated by scammers.

Contact the Pros to Find the Cause of Your Chimney Leak—and the Right Fix

Chimney Saver Solutions’ chimney experts have CSIA certifications. This means they have the training, experience, and expertise to help you address the four common causes of chimney leaks and much more. Homeowners throughout the Richmond area have learned about the dependability of our services. We offer comprehensive services, including chimney inspections, chimney cleaning, flashing repair, masonry rebuilds, new fireplace installations, chimney crown repairs, and complete or partial masonry rebuilds. And, of course, we have the skills to flush out the cause of a chimney leak and provide the right fix.

Chimney leaks are problems that only become more costly if they are ignored. So, don’t hesitate! Call us or fill out our online form today.