A leaky chimney at your Midlothian VA home may be a minor annoyance now, but if left unaddressed it can turn into a major issue with a lot of money spent to fix the problem. Chimney Saver Solutions will detect and repair chimney leaks as soon as they’re spotted and save you time, money, and hassle.
How Do I Know if My Chimney Is Leaking?
This is a good question because not all chimney leaks are obvious right away.
But there are some common signs to watch for when the leak has become a little more advanced:
• Water in the firebox
• Damp areas of the interior ceiling or walls near the fireplace/chimney
• Strong musty odors coming from the fireplace
• A damper that’s rusty, squeaky, or hard to operate
• White water stains (known as efflorescence) on the exterior masonry
Our CSIA-certified technicians repair a lot of leaky chimneys for Midlothian homeowners. The signs above often are the reason we’re called out to do a chimney leak inspection.
How a Leaky Chimney Can Damage Your Midlothian Home
Depending on the cause and location of the chimney leak, damage can be done to more than the chimney itself.
Any time water infiltrates a chimney system, there’s the risk of brick decay and chimney liner damage. If the water is allowed to spread beyond the chimney, it can negatively affect wallboards, insulation, electrical wiring, beams, and more.
It’s not uncommon for Midlothian homeowners to experience a serious mold outbreak when water is allowed to get into porous home building materials in unvented, dark spaces that can’t be seen. Mold can be harmful to humans and animals, so this is another reason to quickly address leaky chimney issues.
5 Ways a Chimney Leak Can Begin
Compromises in the chimney masonry, which can be caused by:
- Earthquakes
- Lightning strikes
- Pounding hail
- An improperly built chimney footing
- Poor-quality bricks and mortar used in building the chimney
- Gale-force winds
Cracks in the chimney crown that allow water into the system and onto the bricks beneath the crown.
Missing or damaged chimney flashing that keeps water out of the space between the roof and the chimney.
No chimney cap to protect the flue from rain and snow.
Old age – as chimneys get older, time takes its toll and can lead to crumbling mortar, loose bricks, and more.
Schedule a Chimney Inspection
If you notice signs of a chimney leak at your Midlothian home, your first step should be to schedule a thorough chimney inspection. Chimney Saver Solutions provides CSIA-certified technicians who will examine your chimney, detect the location of any leak, determine how much damage has been caused and recommend the best way to repair the leak (and any other damage). Even if you aren’t seeing signs of a leaky chimney, it’s a smart move to have your chimney inspected once a year. Annual inspections and chimney sweep services to remove flammable creosote from your flue are the best way to ensure that your chimney keeps working correctly and safely.
Midlothian, VA, residents trust our team of chimney professionals to find and fix leaky chimneys and perform general chimney repairs, chimney inspections, expert chimney sweeping, and all levels of chimney rebuilding. Whatever is causing a problem with your chimney, we know how to stop it.
Call (804) 794-6009 today and speak with a Midlothian chimney leak expert.
