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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.

 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CHIMNEY LEAKS

Anytime you have a leak, it’s going to be stressful and frustrating.  Some of the most frustrating leaks have to do with chimneys.   Adding to that frustration is wondering if you should call a roofing company or chimney company.  The truth is, there could be multiple reasons your chimney is leaking.

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.  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.

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 crown, cap or damper, 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. It only makes sense to have a chimney cover.  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.

Chase covers are found on prefabricated or factory built chimneys. If your home still has the original chase cover on it, chances are it’s made of galvanized steel which can rust and crack over time.  In such a case, you should replace it as soon as possible with a stainless steel, copper or aluminum chimney cap to make sure it never rusts again.

Damaged Chimney Crown

Another very common cause for chimney leaking is a damaged or cracked chimney crown or chase cover.  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 it experiences.  Fixing chimney leaks caused by a damaged chimney crown can be repaired by filling the cracks or completely replacing the crown.

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.

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 must get 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.

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 you have a brick chimney, bricks and mortar are porous enough to absorb water when it rains.  In a perfect world, the chase top (top of your chimney) would direct the water evenly off of it in all directions.  Unfortunately, this never happens.  What usually happens is the water goes off one corner of the chase top, and after it’s been raining for a long time, it saturates the bricks so much that it drips inside the chimney.

Installing a Chimney Cricket

Many roofs implement the use of a chimney cricket to help with water flow.  This additional structure is a special kind of flashing that diverts the water to prevent it from pooling on your roof. It sits at the back of your chimney, forming a pointed ridge for water to slide down.  You can have a chimney cricket installed using either wooden pieces or metal.  This process will also involve using caulk and sealants to ensure water doesn’t get trapped underneath.

Professionals to Help with Chimney Leak Repair

Above all else, it’s critical to get professional help when something goes wrong with your chimney in any way.