While the water in a fireplace can be easily swept, it shouldn’t be ignored. Even minor chimney leaks can cause severe damages to your home. Every chimney leak, however, doesn’t allow water through. Some leaks are so minor that observing them is a job for professionals. Let’s find out how you can determine if there is a leak in your chimney.
Signs of a Chimney Leak
There are more signs of chimney leaks, but most of them can only be observed by a professional. Here are some signs that you can check for yourself.
- Water, dampness, moisture in the firebox
- Rusted Damper
- Spalling masonry
- Dripping sound from inside the chimney
Causes of Chimney Leak
There are several ways for water to get into your chimney system because of the complexity of the chimney structure. Following are the 3 most common areas for water to get in.
Chimney cap: A chimney cap prevents water, debris, and animals from entering into the chimney flue from the top. Its made of metal with mesh sides. An improper sized, incorrectly installed, or damaged chimney cap can allow water into the chimney.
Chimney crown: The chimney crown is made of cement or stone. It’s a slab that seals and covers the top of your chimney. Chimney crowns are prone to exposure to natural elements due to their position. Cracks and chips from constant exposure can result in chimney leaks
Chimney Flashing: The metal strips that are layered on the joint between your chimney and the roofline are called flashings. The flashing of your chimney is waterproof but can be damaged by overexposure, weather, roof repair, or improper installation. A leaky flashing not only damages the chimney but can also affect ceilings, nearby walls, and building material.
Hazards of a chimney leak
Expensive damages can occur from water penetration in the chimney. Most of these damages occur during the winter season as trapped ice or snow precipates inside the mortar and bricks expands when it gets warmer. When the temperature goes above 0 degrees, the ice thaws and causes spalling damages to the masonry material. The damage can be so severe that bricks and mortar can break, crack, and even fall out.
Keep in mind that a leaky chimney isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It’s best to repair chimney leaks as soon as possible. If you live in Connecticut and are looking for a reliable chimney repair company, CT Chimney Repair is just what you are looking for. We offer many chimney services, including chimney restoration, chimney liner installation, chimney damper installation, chimney repair and restoration, fireplace installation and remodeling, and much more.
Learn more about our services here.
