Leaky Chimney? Call Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service Today

You’ve stocked up on water and food, the first-aid kit is ready to go, and all of the flashlights have fresh batteries. A big thunderstorm is in the forecast, but you’ve taken all of the necessary precautions. Then it happens – the rain kicks into high gear and you notice water spots around your chimney. Your chimney has sprung a leak.

When water or moisture gets into your chimney, it can cause a wide range of serious problems. Water will bring even the most well-built chimney to its knees, causing cracked mortar and flaking bricks, and compromising its structural integrity.

If you’re a resident of Broadway or Raleigh, Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service is here to help you out. We will pinpoint the origin of your chimney leak and get it patched up in no time. Schedule an appointment with us online or call us at 919-747-1859.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Chimney Leaks?

There isn’t a singular cause of chimney leaks. Chimneys are large, complicated systems and many of their parts can be the source of your problem. The most common causes of leaks that we see in our line of work include:

• There’s an issue with the chimney cap. The chimney cap covers the opening of the flue and plays a vital role in the battle against water entry. If it gets damaged or doesn’t fit right, your chimney is bound to take in the some water, causing your liner, firebox, and more to suffer.
• The crown is cracked. The chimney crown is a block of concrete that slightly overhangs the edges of your chimney and directs water away from the masonry. In the past, crowns were made with mortar or a combination of concrete and mortar – neither option holds up very well. A crown replacement may be needed if there are a lot of cracks or if they’re very large.
• The flashing is damaged. Chimney flashing is the metal sheeting that seals the area between the chimney and the roof. If the flashing is improperly installed or damaged, it can allow water to seep in and cause leaks.
• You need a chimney cricket. The area where the chimney and roof meet is especially vulnerable to water penetration. If your chimney is more than 30 inches wide, you should ask your chimney technician about a chimney cricket – a metal or wood-framed miniature peaked roof that sits behind your chimney.
• There’s a problem with the masonry. Masonry materials, like bricks and mortar, can deteriorate after a while due to exposure to the elements. Cracks in the chimney’s masonry can provide easy routes for water to enter.
• The freeze/thaw cycle. Your chimney sticks up above the roof and is constantly exposed to the elements – wind, snow, rain, and the freezing/thawing cycles of winter. Masonry materials are very porous, so they absorb a large amount of water. The constant cycle of freezing and thawing puts a large amount of stress on the chimney, leading to cracking, chimney leaks, and structural damage.
• The flue liner is missing or damaged. The chimney liner helps direct moisture away from the flue’s interior walls. Chimneys without liners or liners with damage are more susceptible to water penetration.

Is It Normal for Chimneys to Leak During Heavy Rain?

It’s definitely not normal for a chimney to leak during a heavy rainstorm – or at all, for that matter.

A properly built and well-maintained chimney should be able to withstand heavy rain without allowing water to enter your home and cause damage. Even if it only happens once during a particularly bad downpour, you shouldn’t overlook it. Even just a single isolated incident is one too many.

Get in touch with Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service to schedule an appointment. Chimney leaks can be difficult to locate, but our crew of certified chimney technicians is trained to zero in on areas of concern. Call us now at 919-747-1859 or book with us online.

What Are the Signs of a Leaking Chimney?

You could have a water entry problem in your chimney long before you see signs of it. In fact, it’s not out of the ordinary for water damage to be found during a chimney inspection. But if you happen to notice any of the following, there’s a high likelihood that there’s a leak somewhere in your chimney system:

• You can see water stains. Check the ceilings and interior and exterior walls near your chimney for water stains. Stains may be brownish or have a yellowish tinge and may spread over larger areas over time.
• There’s an odor. A musty or damp smell around your fireplace or chimney could be due to the presence of mold and mildew. The growth of mold and mildew is usually a key indicator that there’s a moisture problem.
• Masonry is deteriorating. Crumbling or flaking masonry on the chimney’s exterior can be a sign of water damage. Pay attention to the mortar between the bricks or stones, as gaps in the mortar are a sign that the masonry is taking on too much water.
• You see efflorescence. Efflorescence presents itself as a white, chalky coating on the chimney’s exterior. It happens when water penetrates the masonry and brings minerals to the surface as it evaporates.
• There’s rust and corrosion. There are a lot of parts in your chimney that are made of metal. Rust on the cap, damper, fireplace doors, or flashing suggests water is getting into the system. Rust can also cause red stains to form on the areas around those components.
• There’s water damage inside of your home. Water stains, peeling wallpaper, and disintegrating drywall are often symptoms of a water leak. If this damage is limited to the area around your chimney and fireplace, your chimney is the likely culprit.
• There are dripping sounds. Your chimney shouldn’t make much noise. Keep an ear open for sounds of dripping water that get worse during or after rain.
• You have leaks in your attic or crawlspace. These spaces in your home may not be easy to access, but if you can, check them for signs of water damage near the chimney. This could include damp insulation, wet wood, or mold growth.

Are Chimney Leaks Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

If you have homeowners insurance, you may be eligible for coverage if you have a chimney leak. It ultimately depends on your policy and how the leak was obtained.

More often than not, insurance companies will only pay out on claims for repair costs if you can prove that your chimney leak has been caused by extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods. Why? Because a lot of chimney damage is preventable with proper maintenance.

This is why we go on and on about the importance of annual chimney inspections and cleanings. If you’re not 100% sure about the specifics of your policy, you should inquire with your insurance provider.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Chimney Leak?

This is a tough question to answer without an inspection by one of our chimney technicians. We need a full assessment of the extent of your chimney damage, the cause of the leak, and what type of repair you need. A cracked crown is easier and cheaper to repair than replacing the liner, for instance… and we just won’t know what the problem is until we can complete an inspection.

Keep in mind, though, that we do offer financing through Wisetack Consumer Financing. If you would like to know more about this option, get in touch with us and a member of our customer service team will be happy to answer all of your questions.