Finding out where your chimney is leaking can be complicated, especially if you don’t know where or what to look for. If you don’t repair the leak, it can then cause major damage to your home and family. This is why it’s so important to give the team at Owens Chimney Systems a call at 704-554-9595 to let us inspect and clean your chimney.
Signs That You Have A Leak
Over time, there are signs that your chimney could be leaking. If you notice that the ceiling or the walls around your fireplace has water stains or if they have soft, spongy spots, then you likely have a leak. You should also take special note of the trim boards as well. If they are weak or appear to be moldy, you might have a problem. Another obvious sign of a leak is dampness or water in the firebox. You should also check the dampers and fireplace accessories for rust. These are all signs that you have a water leak in your chimney, and it’s time to call in the professionals.
Causes of Leaks
When our professionals come in to perform an inspection, there are areas that we will look at first to determine where the leak is happening. First, we’ll check out your chimney cap. A chimney cap sits on top of the chimney crown, at the very top of your chimney. While the chimney crown is the top-most constructed piece of your chimney, the cap is a piece that you add to the chimney. It has a great design, with a sloped roof covering the opening of the chimney and direct precipitation to the edges of the chimney crown and down the rain gutters off the roof.
The sides are made of meshed steel to keep critters and debris out. If you don’t have a chimney cap, or if your chimney cap is in a state of disrepair, we’ll start there to help eliminate your chimney leaks. Another area that is susceptible to leaks is the area where the roof meets the chimney. This spot is covered by flashing, thin strips of metal that are layered in a way that keeps precipitation out. If your flashing is rusted, torn, or not there, we’ll replace it so that water can’t penetrate this area.
Call Us For Your Chimney Leaks
Your mortar could also be the problem. Over time, simple weathering can cause mortar to weaken and crack, and the freeze/thaw cycle can also cause cracks to appear. These cracks allow precipitation to come into your chimney, staining the interior and causing the structure to weaken. If we notice structural damage, we’ll make the repairs to keep your chimney sealed up tight and dry. If you’re worried about chimney leaks, give us a call today!