Fix Chimney Leaks Before Fall

Chimneys may look like secure structures, but leaks occur for numerous reasons. You can avoid worries about this common chimney problem if you, first, fix water leaks before fall. Secondly, remember that qualified chimney sweeps are the ones to handle this issue. The certified chimney professionals at Guardian Chimney Sweep have the experience and knowledge to identify the root cause of chimney leaks and provide repairs. Below are among the most common causes of chimney leaks.

Damaged Chimney Crown

The white part at the top of masonry chimneys is the chimney crown. To fix water leaks before fall often means chimney crown repair or a chimney crown rebuild is necessary. What makes chimney crowns vulnerable to damage is that the material they are built with is susceptible to cracking from exposure to harsh outdoor elements. If a chimney crown becomes cracked, moisture can flow directly down into the chimney system. The potential results include chimney leaks and—worst-case scenario—the need for a complete masonry rebuild to avoid a chimney collapse.

The Chimney Cap or Chase Cover is Missing or Damaged

A chimney cap or chimney chase cover is essential for all chimneys, though not every homeowner is aware of this. These chimney accessories keep precipitation out, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Typically, chimney caps and chase covers also keep animals out as well as debris such as leaves and twigs. If you have a masonry chimney, a chimney cap is needed. If you have a manufactured fireplace, a chimney chase cover should be installed as the first line of defense against chimney leaks.

Chimney caps are made with different types of material, and the least expensive styles tend to rust quickly or become damaged in severe weather. Outside-mount custom chimney caps are a good defense against chimney leaks because they cover and protect chimney crowns while also keeping moisture out of the chimney flue.

Chimney chase covers are often made of galvanized steel, which also rusts but cracks, as well, over time. All types of chimney toppers and chase covers need to be checked during chimney inspections since the damage is possible in a variety of circumstances. So, even if you have this vital accessory, it could still be the source of a chimney leak.

Mortar Joints are Deteriorating

The mortar between chimney bricks typically starts to deteriorate at around the 25-year mark. The mortar joints are essential because they create a waterproof seal to help keep water out of the chimney system. It is not unusual for mortar deterioration to be the cause of a chimney leak. If you don’t want to miss out on fireplace time in winter, be sure to fix water leaks before fall.

A money-saving way to address deteriorating mortar is to catch the problem early. A certified chimney sweep can often notice the symptoms during an inspection. If moisture has not entered the bricks, you can schedule tuckpointing. All expired mortar is removed, and new mortar is put in its place during the tuckpointing procedure. This restores a chimney’s structural integrity. For added protection, schedule waterproofing at the same time. The alternative to tuckpointing is to eventually be compelled to schedule a partial or complete chimney masonry rebuild.

Call Guardian Chimney Sweep to Fix Water Leaks Before Fall

Contact Guardian Chimney Sweep to save time and frustration if you need to fix water leaks before fall. Chimney leaks are so ubiquitous, and the potential causes are so varied that it helps to have keen expert help. Our Guardian chimney sweep professionals have the experience and training required to pinpoint the cause of a chimney leak as quickly as possible and fix the problem. Contact Guardian Chimney Sweep online or call us today at any number below.

Toll-free: (888) 306-6069
Conroe: (936) 271-9781
Houston: (713) 401-2011