Why You Shouldn’t Call a Roofer for Chimney Leaks

repairing leaky chimney in cumming gaIt’s raining outside and you happen to notice water dripping down the side of your fireplace. Upon closer inspection it appears to be coming from the ceiling. Since it appears to be a roofing problem, you may be inclined to call a roofer. But when you are experiencing chimney problems like a water leak, you should call a qualified chimney contractor, not a roofer.

While roofers do a great job repairing and replacing roofs, they don’t have the extensive knowledge or experience required for chimney inspections and repairs.In fact, a reputable roofer will often advise the homeowner to contact a chimney specialist to repair chimney leaks.

Why is My Chimney Leaking?

There are several reasons why your chimney may be leaking:

Damaged or missing chimney cap – The chimney cap is a device that’s affixed above the crown at the very top of the chimney. Its purpose is to keep small animals, debris and water out of the flue. If the cap is missing or damaged, water can leak inside the exposed chimney.

Cracked crown – The crown is a cement structure at the top of the chimney (just below the chimney cap). Its purpose is to seal the edges of the flue liner with the chimney to prevent water leaks. The chimney crown deteriorates with age and cracks along its edges can allow water to penetrate inside the chimney.

Spalling or missing bricks – The brickwork at the top of the chimney, especially where it meets the roof line, can become damaged after years of exposure to rain, sleet, snow, wind and even debris. The hard-outer shell becomes porous absorbing moisture causing bricks to decay. This can result in cracked and missing bricks that allow moisture to penetrate through the ceiling above the fireplace.

Damaged flashing – The chimney flashing is a thin metal strip that attaches the chimney to the roof with an airtight seal. When the flashing is damaged or bent, you lose the airtight seal and water can leak through any exposed air pockets.

Repairing Chimney Leaks

leaky chimney repair with flashing in fair oaks gaChimney Solutions is a member of the National Fireplace Institute (NFI). Our NFI certified specialists have extensive training and knowledge of the entire chimney system. They also have the tools and equipment to conduct a thorough inspection of the chimney to identify the source(s) of chimney leaks and make any necessary repairs. We are experts in all chimney repairs including waterproofing, repairing chimney caps and crowns, replacing missing bricks, and rebuilding chimneys.

Many types of chimney leaks can be avoided with an annual chimney inspection. During an annual inspection, our certified specialists visually inspect the entire chimney structure from top to bottom, inside and out. Our specialists will often spot potential problems before they develop into more expensive repairs.

Contacting a qualified chimney contractor first for chimney leaks will not only save you a lot of time and money, but you will avoid the aggravation of replacing a poor chimney repair that was done by an inexperienced or unqualified individual.

Chimney Solutions
1155 McFarland 400 Drive AlpharettaGA30004 USA 
 • (770) 255-1300
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