Chimney Leaks and How to Help Prevent Water Damage
With a home stove or fireplace, families often enjoy relaxing in the warmth of the living room and the sense of peace it may help create. However, spotting a stain on your ceiling from a chimney leak quickly disrupts such moments of calm and ease. Fortunately, chimney services, such as inspections and repairs, help prevent chimney leaks and associated water damage. In terms of chimney leaks, homeowners often want more information about:
- Causes of Chimney Leaks
- Potential Damage from Chimney Water Leaks
- Chimney Repair and Care for Chimney Leak Prevention
Keep reading to find out about chimney leak causes, as well as how chimney maintenance can help prevent water damage to your chimney and home.
What causes chimney leaks?
Wear and tear on parts of the chimney system often result in chimney leaks. From the topmost chimney cap to the mortar between the bricks to the flashing around the chimney where it meets the roof, these parts and others are continuously exposed to a variety of elements. In areas like Connecticut that experience a wide range of severe weather conditions throughout the year and the potentially increasing freeze-thaw cycles per New Hampshire Public Radio, chimneys are regularly subjected to moisture of many kinds, winds and the strains of temperature changes. While chimneys crafted by expert chimney companies are built to withstand internal and external conditions, their components may still deteriorate, especially as they age.
For example, chimney caps are intended to keep rain and snow, not to mention fallen leaves and animals, out of the chimney. However, they can become corroded over time or even blow off entirely. Similarly, rust or other damage to the flashing around the chimney means that water may be able to seep into these openings and thus the home. Cracks in the mortar that hold the bricks or other materials of your chimney together may also be a source of chimney water leaks. Fortunately, routine chimney inspections help ensure early detection and identification of these concerns and their most immediate repair, such as a chimney repoint to address mortar deterioration.
What damage can chimney water leaks do to a building?
All water leaks can be damaging, but hidden ones may be even more dangerous. A water stain on the ceiling or wall or mold and mildew growth, may be more visible signs of a chimney leak. In the case of the latter issue, chimney leaks may contribute to health problems, including allergic responses, eye and skin irritation and more, as per the EPA. However, the warping of your home’s siding and damage to the exterior and interior structure of your chimney may also result from chimney leaks. Since they cause problems such as chimney stability concerns and functional issues, such as poor ventilation, chimney water leaks are a danger to the chimney and your entire household.
How can I reduce the potential for chimney leaks?
Scheduling a chimney inspection and cleaning each year helps reduce the potential for chimney leaks. Preventing the tropical storm from blowing off a chimney cap or age from breaking down chimney mortar or bricks may not be possible. However, understanding the underlying cause of a chimney water leak helps ensure quick action and lessen the chance of more severe problems. Here are 4 strategies for safeguarding against chimney leaks:
- Monitor your chimney system on your own. For example, check on your chimney cap and look at your chimney to see if any chunks of your mortar are missing or crumbling.
- Investigate using water repellents on your chimney. If you just moved into your home or are otherwise unsure if any waterproofing has been done, contact the chimney company near you or ask about this service during your next inspection. Often, this product will have to be applied on a regular basis to ensure the protection of your chimney, so it’s helpful to have a clear timeline for its application.
- Make sure your chimney’s protective features are in place and in good shape. For example, if you don’t already have a chimney cap, it’s a good idea to install one for chimney leak prevention and other purposes. Your chimney expert’s inspection may further reveal any necessary repairs or beneficial recommendations. At Spotless Chimney, we perform Level 2 inspections which include the use of specialized video equipment to examine the interior of the chimney and other less visible components of your chimney system, as well as the ones that can be seen fairly easily.
- Take action now if a chimney repair or rebuild is needed. Delaying them may result in more serious and more costly consequences of chimney leaks for your home and its inhabitants.
Serving locations across Connecticut, Spotless Chimney offer chimney inspections, chimney repairs and other chimney services. Whether you have an emergency situation such as a chimney water leak or want to request routine chimney maintenance, our team is here to help. Offering 24-hour emergency service as well as scheduled care, contact us today!
