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Leaking Chimney?
A leaking chimney is not only an inconvenience for homeowners, but can also pose a significant fire hazard. A leaky chimney can create an unpleasant mess but also drastically increases the chance that you will have a leaky roof or water damage in areas surrounding your fireplace. It is very important to have routine chimney inspections done on your home’s chimney at least once per year by a professional.
There are some common leaking issues you need to be aware of and how to fix them properly. This will help ensure that you do not have to worry about damage to your home. This will also allow you to use your fireplace in the cold weather and not have an issue with it working properly.
Types Of Chimney Leaks
Rain is Leaking Through the Roof
This is a common problem and if there is rain getting in this can be a big issue. The most common reason rain is getting in the chimney is due to an issue with the chimney cap. The cap may be cracked. It may have come off. You will need to check the cap to first make sure it is then and then see if there are any issues with this. The chimney cap is designed to cover the opening of the chimney. This will keep the elements from entering the home and getting into the fireplace. If water is getting in this can lead to rust and the chimney will deteriorate. This will need to be repaired. To keep rain from entering the fireplace the cap will need to be repaired or replaced. The cap is an important part of the structure.
Cracks in the Crown of the Chimney
There may be a leak in the chimney due to an issue with the chimney crown. The crown is a piece of cement that is at the top of the chimney. This will help prevent moisture and water from getting into the lining of the flue. This is part of the masonry work. If there is damage to the crown the chimney will not work properly.
This will allow moisture to get in and will lead to more damage. This will make it hard to light the chimney. It can also be a reason while water is getting into the home and causing more damage. If the cracks are not fixed, they will allow moisture into the home. This will damage the entire chimney. The crown and the entire structure should have an annual inspection by a professional and any repairs need to be addressed immediately. The sooner any issues with the crown, the sooner it can be repaired and at less of an expense to the homeowner. The longer these issues are allowed to go the more expensive it will be to repair. The more work it will also be to fix the problem. Not only will the chimney need to be fixed but water damage to the home will need to be taken care of as well.
Damaged Flashing and Leaks
If the chimney is leaking there may be a problem with the flashing. The flashing is where the chimney and the roof meet. If the chimney is not joined with the roof, water can leak in and this will damage the structure. There is a material that is known as flashing and it is used to create a seal between the chimney and the roof. This will keep water from getting into the home.
The flashing is usually made from aluminum but over time there can be damage. This is one of the most common causes of leaks. It is wise to have the flashing inspected often. There may not be enough flashing installed which can also lead to leaks. If there is an issue this needs to be repaired right away to prevent damage. It is best to make sure the flashing is high quality.
Bricks are Absorbing Water
The masonry work of the chimney can be leading to issues. Bricks are mortar are made with water and then allowed to harden. The bricks can take in water over time. As they absorb this water the temperature drops. The water turns to ice and expands. This will cause cracks to form in the bricks. When the ice melts the cracks are still there. The bricks will not be able to stop the water and leaks can happen. Since the bricks are part of the main structure this is a very important area to check. They should be secure and they should not allow water to get into the home.
If the chimney gets a lot of shade after it rains the bricks will not be able to dry. They will get soggy over time. If the water is not able to escape the bricks it will make its way into the home. This will lead to an expensive repair. If the leaks are coming from the bricks, they will need to be replaced or the entire chimney may need to be rebuilt.
The bricks need to be carefully inspected for any signs that they are cracking. If a crack is found it needs to be repaired right away. A professional chimney service should be called before things get worse. This problem needs to be handled immediately.
Chimney Crickets
A chimney cricket or saddle is a triangular ridge similar to a toy roof that transitions horizontally between the peak of the top and the back sidewall of the chimney. The backside wall of the duct creates space for water, snow, and debris to gather, and the saddle solves these problems.
The typical chimney flashing is not enough to avert water from leaking inside the inner roof. When water or snow pools on the higher backside of a chimney, they will misbehave and find a way to break the barriers in place. It is where the cricket or saddle in a chimney comes in.
Ensures No Expensive Repairs Later On
If you are like most homeowners, you probably do not think about your chimney until something goes wrong. By then, it is usually too late. Chimney repairs can be expensive, so it is important to schedule regular maintenance to prevent bigger problems down the road. Chimney repair is a great way to catch small issues before they turn into big ones, and it can help improve the efficiency of your fireplace. S o if you have not had your chimney checked lately, now is the time to do it.
The Risks of Not Servicing Your Chimney Regularly
Did you know that not servicing your chimney regularly could be dangerous? In addition to risking a fire, not having your chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, it is important to make sure you have your chimney serviced regularly.
If you use your chimney regularly, it is important to have it inspected and serviced on a regular basis. A professional chimney sweep can clean the chimney and check for any problems that need to be fixed. Ignoring small problems can lead to bigger and more expensive issues down the road. Poorly maintained chimneys can also be dangerous. They can lead to tons of respiratory and health issues later on. Therefore, it is best to take care of your chimney proactively. Contact a local chimney sweep today to schedule an inspection.