If we’ve said it once we’ve said it a thousand times, water is the enemy of chimneys. Water is to your chimney what Lord Voldemort is to Harry Potter. The magic and wonder of a cozy fire will be silenced by the destruction that comes from penetrating water. And if measures aren’t taken to keep water out of your chimney then it won’t be long until costly damage is done.
There are a number of reasons your chimney may be leaking. Here are some things to check for that may be the cause of your chimney headaches.
✔️ Chimney Cap Problems
The chimney cap is an extremely important part of your structure. Its main function is to keep water from entering your flue. Perched atop your chimney, the chimney cap provides a shelter for your flue, allowing smoke and fumes to escape while simultaneously keeping your flue dry and free from rain. If your chimney cap is missing or doesn’t fit correctly, water can enter your chimney and wreak havoc.
There are additional benefits to having a properly fitted chimney cap, as well. Not only will it keep water out and your chimney dry, but it will also keep pesky creatures from getting in and finding a home in your chimney. If your chimney cap is missing, bent, broken, loose, or ill-fitting, creatures can add to the damage as they move in and out.
Another perk of a healthy chimney cap installation is its ability to keep unwanted debris from entering your flue. The build-up of leaves, sticks, and other debris that could be flying around your roof can cause damage to your flue and thus more access to water and moisture. A well-installed chimney cap will serve as a defense against the damage that comes from debris.
✔️ Broken Down Chimney Crown
At the top of your chimney there is a slab of concrete called the chimney crown. If your chimney crown has missing chunks or spider cracks, it is likely that your flue is taking on water. While the chimney crown sits on top of your chimney, it acts as a foundation for your chimney cap, and it also helps to direct water away from the sides of your masonry structure. And when the chimney crown deteriorates, it will often lead to the expedited deterioration of the rest of your brick and mortar.
✔️ Missing or Broken Chase Cover
If you have a prefab chimney then you probably have a chase cover. Like a chimney cap, the chase cover keeps unwanted pests, downdrafts, debris, and especially water from entering your chimney. If your chase cover is missing then leaking in your chimney is likely.
✔️ Masonry Damage
While bricks have a long lifespan, your mortar could be the culprit of your leak. The mortar in your masonry is susceptible to the elements and over time small pockets and cracks can form in it. This will allow water to pool up and force more damage throughout your masonry.
It may be time to look into scheduling a tuckpointing job with Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service. Tuckpointing is the process of removing old mortar and replacing it with new mortar, removing cracks and deterioration for a tightly sealed and waterproof chimney. While the process is routine, it requires professional knowledge that includes knowing the correct type of mortar that will best adhere to your previous mortar, as well as how to best maintain the beautiful look that you want in your chimney.
✔️ Rusted or Missing Flashing
Flashing is the material that is positioned around your chimney where it intersects with your roof. Often made of metal, the flashing creates a waterproof barrier directing falling rain away this vulnerable area.
When your flashing deteriorates, water is able to penetrate the seams of the intersection between the chimney and the roof and can be the source of extensive water damage. Often these leaks go unnoticed for a long time because it can happen in unseen places in your attic or roof.
It is always worth having the professionals at Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service check out your flashing to make sure that it is working precisely how it is supposed to be. A quick inspection of your flashing can save you lots of money and lots of damage in the long run.
Give Us a Holler
Finding your leak can be an extremely difficult task, but our team is here to help. Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service will save your chimney from further water damage, repair any issues that have already occurred, and help you make sure you those pesky leaks stay away forever.
We’ve made it our mission at Mr. Smokestack Chimney Service to provide our customers with the best most knowledgeable and well-trained technicians in the area. Our team is just a phone call away. Call 919-747-1859 or reach out online and get rid of your leaks for good.