Mr Smokestack Chimney Services

Over 12 Years of Service

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203 North Main Street
Broadway, NC 27505

5201 Fayetteville Rd,
Raleigh NC 27603

919-747-1859

The Importance of Addressing Chimney Leaks

As we’ve stated many times before, water is a chimney’s worst enemy. 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, flaking bricks and compromising its structural integrity. When water gets into the creosote inside your chimney liner, it eats into the mortar, accelerating the damage.

 

Why Is My Chimney Leaking?

Red brick chimney with exposed damaged to flashing

Flashing Problems

Red brick chimney with crown damage

Damaged/Defective Chimney Crowns

Brick chimney with a double flues missing and missing chimney cap

Missing/Defective Chimney Caps

Red brick chimney with extensive damage, cracks, and gaps in masonry

Cracks/Gaps in the Mortar Joints or Chimney Masonry

Because it sticks up above the roof, your chimney is constantly exposed to the elements — wind, snow, rain and the freezing and 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.

 

Protect Yourself Against Chimney Leaks

Brick Chimney with small black chimney cap and exposed chimney crown before more effective cap and chase cover was installed

Before

Brick Chimney after new, larger black metal chimney cap, with screen and chase cover installation

After

Chimney with damaged and decaying chimney crown before crown saver repair

Before

Chimney with refreshed and restored chimney crown after crown saver repair

After

Vinyl Sided Chimney with Rusted Chimney Chase Cover Before Repair

Before

Vinyl Sided Chimney with new stainless steel Chase Cover After Repair

After

Brick Chimney with dirt and green mold around crown Before Power Washing

Before

Brick Chimney with clean and free of mold after power washing

After

Close up view of Brick Chimney with clean and free of mold after power washing

After

If your chimney is leaking, we urge you to have a qualified chimney professional inspect it immediately. We cannot overstress how important this is. Water can quickly cause serious damage to the structure of your chimney. The longer this damage is allowed to continue, the more costly the repairs are likely to be. Water damage can be a slow process that largely goes unnoticed. In many cases, by the time you notice that there is a problem, there could already be serious damage.

There are several ways to protect yourself against chimney leaks:

  • Make sure you have a professional-grade chimney cap installed.
  • Replace or repair a damaged chimney crown.
  • Repair chimney mortar cracks or gaps.
  • Inspect and repair any leaky flashing around your chimney.
  • Waterproof your chimney!

Don’t let a leaky chimney get out of hand. The CSIA-certified professionals at Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service can inspect your chimney and track down the source of any leaks or water problems.

Red brick chimney with newly installed stainless steel, triple flue chimney cap with screen and chimney crown saver treatment

Your dryer vent system is another potential source of fire hazard, so include regular dryer vent inspection and cleaning as part of the chimney and vent services provided by Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service.