Leaking chimneys can quickly become costly, not only to your chimney but to your home’s interior. Left untreated, chimney leaks can lead to water damage. That’s why it’s important to have your chimney inspected annually and fix leaks as quickly as possible. Here are several common causes of chimney leaks.
Damaged Chimney Cap
The chimney cap keeps leaves, debris, and animals out of your chimney. It also prevents rain and snow from entering your chimney. Without a chimney cap, rain can fall down the chimney and into your fireplace. If your chimney is leaking, the chimney cap may be damaged or missing. Fortunately, replacing a chimney cap is a fairly simple fix.
Cracks in Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the cement structure at the top of the chimney. Like the chimney cap, the crown prevents rain from entering. The crown may wear, crack, and shrink as it ages. In cold weather, water can freeze in the cracks and cause them to expand, leading to leaks in the chimney. Small cracks may be able to be repaired, but a chimney crown with large cracks will need replacing.
Flashing Problems
Flashing is located at the chimney’s base, where the brick meets the roof. The flashing prevents water from pouring through the gap between the roof and the bricks of the chimney. If the flashing was not installed properly, or if the sealant is cracked, leaks will occur. The flashing will need to be fixed or replaced.
Cracks in Bricks and Mortar
Water can begin to seep into bricks and mortar over time. Changing weather conditions can cause wear and tear on the bricks, and they may begin to deteriorate, resulting in leaks. A qualified chimney service can repair the damage and restore your chimney’s performance.
If your chimney is leaking, don’t wait to have it repaired. Contact us now to request an estimate.
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