Leaking pipes, leaking tires, leaking balloons, internet leaks…all of these are things you want to avoid. In fact, it’s hard to think of any leak that is a welcome leak, and that includes chimney leaks. If you have a reason to think that your chimney is leaking, you’re probably right. At Chimney Sweep Plus, we know that there are many things that can cause a chimney to leak, so if you’re worried that might be the case, just give us a call and let us check it out.
Masonry Deterioration
Probably the first thing you think about when it comes to chimney leaks is that the masonry that is holding the bricks together is deteriorating. If there are gaps in the masonry, that’s a pretty easy spot for precipitation to sneak through. But you may wonder what causes that masonry to deteriorate. The culprit is most likely precipitation itself, and that’s a problem because you can’t do much about rain or other types of precipitation hitting your chimney. If you live in an area that has lots of smog, the precipitation probably has some chemicals in it, and those chemicals can eat away at masonry. More common, however, are the effects from the freeze/thaw cycle. Either way, your masonry can be affected and will need to be repaired before further damage occurs. If the damage is too serious, we may advise you to have tuckpointing done. During this process, we’ll remove the old mortar and replace it with new, working carefully to match the existing mortar.
Faulty Flashing
If you’ve ever built something, you know it’s not always easy to get the joints tight. This is especially true when you’re putting a chimney in a roof. It’s hard to get a waterproof seal there, but so important that it is properly sealed. To solve the problem, flashing is installed. Flashing is metal strips that are layered and bent to cover the area where roof and chimney meet. Just like everything else, flashing can be damaged or can wear out. If this is the case, we’ll recommend that you replace the flashing, as this is an important line of defense in preventing leaks. There are many types of flashing available, and we’ll be able to recommend just the type to suit your needs.
Missing or Damaged Chimney Cap
A chimney cap is another important line of defense against chimney leaks. If your chimney cap is damaged or, worse yet, non-existent, it’s a pretty good bet that this is where the water is getting in. At Chimney Sweep Plus, we can help with this problem, too! We install high-quality chimney caps that are perfect for your chimney needs. We have experience and expertise when it comes to adding just the right chimney cap.
If you suspect that your chimney might be leaking, give us a call as soon as possible, before interior damage occurs. We’ll offer quality service and make sure that all those leaks are sealed!
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