CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
CHIMNEY LEAKS
There are many areas of the home that homeowners don’t typically pay much attention to, like the roof. This may be a simple case of out of sight out of mind. This lack of attention could also be because these are parts of the house that don’t usually require or need much attention. That is until there is a problem that demands attention such as a roof leaking around the chimney.
Nothing else can quite match the feeling of a warm fire during the winter months. While maintaining your chimney, you might run into problems such as chimney leaks. Chimney leaks are a common occurrence and there are many reasons why your chimney can be leaking. It’s important to catch any chimney leaking early on so it doesn’t snowball into something worse down the road.
If the roof is leaking around the chimney, the most common reason is a problem with the flashing. To fix the leak, the base flashing (also referred to as step flashing) will need inspecting and sealed with a polyurethane sealant. Additionally, cracks in the brick or mortar can also be why the roof leaks around the chimney.
No Cover On Top of Your Chimney
One of the biggest causes for leaking chimneys is that you don’t have anything covering the top. With no cap, your chimney has no way of protecting against rain and snow from entering it. Not only can moisture enter your chimney with no cover, but birds and other animals have a free passageway into your home.
Plus, if your chimney gets backed up from moisture and other debris, smoke can billow back into your home. Smoke and carbon monoxide can quickly take over your home which we all know is extremely dangerous.
Damaged Chimney Crown
Another very common cause for chimney leaking is a damaged or cracked chimney crown. Your chimney crown is the concrete slab on the top that protects your chimney from the weather. Over time, the concrete can become brittle and crack due to the excessive amount of moisture and temperature changes. Fixing chimney leaks caused by a damaged chimney crown can be repaired by filling the cracks or completely replacing the crown.
Worn Out Brick and Mortar Joints
Perhaps the most vulnerable area of your chimney are the brick and mortar joints which undergo a lot of stress from excessive exposure to weather. When the joints get damaged and split, chimney leaks become a common problem. If you notice water leaking through your chimney but you know everything else is in good condition, then your brick and mortar joints are most likely the culprit. You will need to have them repaired as soon as possible because if the leaking continues, your chimney’s structural integrity is at stake. Chimney tuckpointing and waterproofing will get your mortar joints back to new and your chimney will be moisture free.
Faulty Flashing
Your chimney flashing is the area where your chimney comes through the roof, or close to the roof, and prevents moisture and other debris from getting in between the chimney and roof. Flashing is usually aluminum and is sealed down with tar or another waterproof sealant. Over time, the sealant can erode and create an entryway for water.
It’s important to get any damaged flashing repaired right away because both your roof and home are in danger of water damage if not taken care of. When you do get your flashing repaired, it’s important to have it waterproofed so it can stay intact for many years to come.
What to do about a leaky chimney
Inspection is the first step in dealing with a chimney leak. A professional will evaluate your system and provide a report showing exactly what was found. In most cases, they will be able to make needed repairs including:
Brick replacement
Tuckpointing to replace decayed mortar joints
Chimney crown rebuilding
Chimney cap repair or replacement
Chimney flashing repair or installation
A leaking chimney isn’t something you want to ignore. Leak issues don’t resolve themselves; rather, they progress to unsafe conditions.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
No Cover On Top of Your Chimney
Perhaps the most vulnerable area of your chimney are the brick and mortar joints which undergo a lot of stress from excessive exposure to weather. When the joints get damaged and split, chimney leaks become a common problem. If you notice water leaking through your chimney but you know everything else is in good condition, then your brick and mortar joints are most likely the culprit. You will need to have them repaired as soon as possible because if the leaking continues, your chimney’s structural integrity is at stake. Chimney tuckpointing and waterproofing will get your mortar joints back to new and your chimney will be moisture free.