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UNDERSTANDING CHIMNEY LEAKS
When water finds its way into your chimney, it can have larger consequences beyond inconvenience. Chimney leaks can lead to extensive water damage, compromising not only the chimney structure but also adjacent walls, ceilings and even the attic. Ignoring a chimney leak can result in costly repairs and potential health hazards such as mold growth. It’s crucial to promptly identify and address the source of the leak to prevent further damage.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a metal sheet which is installed around the stack of your chimney. It is designed to seal joints and prevent water from leaking into your chimney. However, over time it can become worn and damaged. Signs that the flashing is damaged are the sight of sunlight piercing through any holes or broken elements of the chimney stack and evidence of leaking water in this area of the chimney.
Chimney flashing is the material around the base of the chimney stack, where it joins the roof. If the flashing becomes damaged or has deteriorated, the seal will no longer be watertight and water will be able to penetrate through. The flashing is what keeps water from going into the place where the brick structure comes through the roof (or otherwise comes close to the roof.) There’s a fairly large gap between the bricks and the roof and water will pour through that hole if it’s not sealed up. Flashing is often aluminum that goes in between a couple bricks and bends to go on top of the shingles.
Damaged Bricks and Mortar
Another potential reason for a leaking chimney is damage to the chimney stack mortar or/and bricks. The pointing in the bricks and mortar of the chimney may be damaged allowing water to leak through. If you have noticed evidence of a leak but the chimney is sufficiently capped and has good ventilation, this may suggest that the issue is with the bricks and mortar. A safe close-up view of the chimney stack may also present evidence of damage in a similar way to damaged flashing.
Leaking Bricks
Bricks and mortar both pass water, and often lots of it. The problem here is the same as with the crown- the freezing and thawing all winter long with the resulting damage which causes leaks in the house. You have probably heard of waterproofing a chimney, but you have to be careful about what waterproofing material to use. When water is absorbed into a brick or a mortar joint in the summer time, the water probably dries out after a while. The exceptions might be for a surface in the shade or on the side of the house where the sun never shines; those walls just stay wet.
If you apply a waterproofing material that physically blocks the pores of the brick or mortar, the water is trapped inside the brick. Some bricks actually get soggy, though it’s more likely that the water will just seep to the inside of the house.
Cracked Chimney Crown
A cracked chimney crown can also result in leaks. The chimney crown is positioned atop the chimney and above the brickwork. It is usually made of cement and is designed to stop precipitation from entering the chimney and causing water damage. If the chimney crown is cracked, its ability to prevent leaks will be reduced.
One sign to look out for that a cracked chimney crown is behind a leak is that there is no evidence of other prominent causes such as damaged flashing or damaged bricks and mortar. A close-up view with proper safety precautions taken may allow you to see for yourself whether the chimney crown is damaged.
The chimney crown is the cement part on top of the chimney. The bricks go up around the tile flue liners, but at the top you need something to stop the rain and snow from just falling in around the tiles. You can see that the very purpose of the chimney crown is to keep rain out. Cracks in the chimney crown can occur from shifting of the structure or from shrinkage dating back to the first day the crown was put on. When your crown has cracks, the water goes right through those cracks.
Rain Pouring Through Top of Chimney
If your chimney is not sufficiently capped, this can allow rain to pour straight through the top of the chimney resulting in a significant leakage. If your chimney is open-topped you may notice that once there is heavy precipitation the rain will pour into your chimney. You might also be able to view this directly if you have a safe and appropriate place to take a look.
What Is a Chimney Cap and Why is It Important?
Keeping your chimneys in good shape throughout the year is necessary. The chimney cap plays a major role in ensuring your chimney remains damage-free and clean for use in winters. Chimney caps act as a protective layer on top of your chimney. They’re made using different materials and can be customized according to your home’s exterior. You’ll find them widely available in copper and stainless steel materials. Chimney caps help prevent chimney damage when the chimney’s not in use. It covers the exit point of the chimney, limiting external elements from entering.
Keeps the Moisture Away
Water damage leads to permanent structural issues that require expensive repairs. You can avoid this by investing in a chimney cap for your home. It helps keep away leaks, snow, and water damage to the flue. This is especially helpful for brick and mortar chimneys as they’re more susceptible to water damage.
Limits Access of Small Animals
Chimney caps are highly beneficial for keeping pests out of your homes like bats, squirrels, rats, and small birds.
Chimney leaks can be a frustrating and concerning issue for homeowners, but with the right knowledge and professional assistance, they can be effectively resolved.
