Is Your Chimney Leaking? Call Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, Inc.
When water leaks into your home it can be scary. Damage from water intrusion can be complicated and the source can be hard to identify. Water intrusion and damage are compounding problems that can get out of control.
Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps are skilled at identifying chimney leaks and tracing them back to the source. They know chimney and fireplace systems from top to bottom and can locate any leaks your system may have. Don’t wait until the damage is done and you’ve racked up a hefty repair bill – as soon as you suspect your chimney is leaking, you should get in touch with Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney, Inc. right away.
What Are the Signs of a Chimney Leak?
There are several signs that you may have a chimney leak. These include:
- Visible water stains or streaks on the chimney’s exterior or interior.
- Dampness around the fireplace.
- Pooling water in the firebox.
- A musty odor coming from the chimney.
- Spalling or crumbling bricks.
- Gaps in the mortar joints.
- Efflorescence – a white chalky substance – on the exterior of the chimney.
- Visible mold or mildew growth.
What Are the Most Common Causes of a Leaky Chimney?
It won’t surprise you that many parts of your chimney system are specifically designed to protect it against water intrusion. Often, leaks appear when these parts of the system degrade through weathering and time. Extra effort is put into protecting these areas, but they can often be the weak points of the system as well.
Common causes of chimney leaks include:
- The flashing is damaged. Your chimney should have flashing around the area where it intersects with the roof to protect from water intrusion. The metal that composes flashing can tear, bend, or come loose during strong storms. The caulking that binds it can also loosen up. If there’s a problem with your flashing, we’ll do the custom repairs necessary to restore it to proper functioning.
- The cap is damaged or missing. Is your chimney cap missing or damaged? Since chimney caps go a long way toward protecting your system from water, debris, and animals, you most certainly want a properly installed and sized cap for your chimney system.
- The chimney crown is cracked. It’s not uncommon to see cracks in your chimney’s crown since it is constantly bombarded by sun, rain, snow, or sleet. Crown cracks very commonly lead to chimney leaks, inefficiency, and other problems. We’ll check your crown for any signs of cracks or spalling (chipping or flaking). If we locate any trouble areas, we’ll recommend the right repairs to keep your system protected.
- The chase cover is damaged. The chase cover is part of a factory-built chimney that functions similarly to a chimney crown. Unlike a chimney crown, it is usually made of some type of metal which can rust and corrode as it’s exposed to the elements. A compromised chase cover can allow water to get into the flue.
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How Can I Prevent Chimney Leaks in the Future?
Chimney leaks can cause a lot of damage, but leaks are preventable when homeowners and chimney technicians work together.
Here are a few recommendations:
- Keep up with annual maintenance. A regular maintenance routine that features annual chimney inspections and sweepings allows us to establish a baseline for your chimney system so that we can monitor it for gradual changes over time.
- Don’t delay scheduling repairs. Should we identify a problem during an inspection, try to schedule a follow-up appointment to take care of repairs as soon as possible. Waiting leaves your chimney vulnerable to more damage.
- Reinforce waterproofing components. If you have a damaged crown, cap, flashing, or chase cover, replace them immediately.
Protect Your Home From Water Damage
A leaky chimney can easily grow into a serious issue that leads to devastating damage. Before you get to that point, reach out to Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney. Early intervention is the best way to remedy your chimney leak and prevent further problems. Call us now at 303-679-1601 or contact us online.
Our chimney and fireplace repairs cover anything that could go wrong with your system. Gas fireplace repair is one repair that you can count on our doing right the first time.