Have you noticed that your living room smells like an ashtray? Are there water stains on the ceiling around the chimney? Does it drip down inside when it rains? If so, you’re probably dealing with a leaky chimney, which is more common and more dangerous than you might think.
Let’s break down what causes chimney leaks, how to spot the signs, why it matters, and what you can do to prevent them.
Chimney leaks typically start at the top and work their way down. Here are the most common culprits.
Missing or Damaged Chimney Cap
This little piece of metal on top of the chimney might not seem important, but it’s indispensable. It keeps our rain, snow, debris, and even animals. If it’s cracked, rusted, or missing, water will go straight down the flue.
Cracked Chimney Crown
The crown is the cement slab that sits atop the chimney. Over time, it can crack due to harsh weather, the freeze/thaw cycle, and old age. If the cracks aren’t repaired quickly, they’ll widen, allowing more water in, leading to leaks.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the metal seal that bridges the gap where the roofing materials meet the chimney. If it’s bent, rusted, or pulling away, rainwater can sneak right through the gap and drip into your attic or walls.
Worn-out Bricks and Mortar
Bricks and mortar joints are porous. They absorb water like a sponge. When water seeps in and freezes, it causes cracks, which can weaken the mortar joints, causing them to crumble. Once the mortar and bricks begin deteriorating, water can get into the chimney and eventually your house.
No Chimney Liner or a Damaged One
The flue liner protects the chimney. If it’s cracked, broken, or missing, water can seep in and wreak havoc.
The good news is that chimney leaks are easy to spot. Here’s what to watch for.
If it looks, smells, or feels wet around the chimney, pay attention. These are signs that you have a leaky chimney.
As a homeowner, you know that besides a fire, water damage is one of the worst things that can happen. While a chimney leak might not seem as dangerous as a basement flood, it’s not something you want to ignore. Here’s how destructive it can be.
Structural Damage: Water weakens the mortar, erodes bricks, and rusts metal parts. Over time, the chimney can literally start falling apart.
Mold and Mildew: Dampness in the walls or attic around the chimney creates a perfect breeding ground for mold, which can cause health problems and expensive cleanup.
Fire Risk: Moisture can corrode the chimney liner and other components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Interior Damage: Leaky chimneys can ruin drywall, ceilings, paint, and flooring—not to mention your peace of mind.
Thankfully, most chimney leaks are preventable. Here’s how to stay ahead of them.
Get a Chimney Cap Installed (or replaced)
If you don’t have one—or if yours is beat up—get a new one. Chimney caps are an inexpensive and easy fix to keep water from getting in.
Repair or Replace the Flashing
If the flashing is loose, missing, or corroded, a professional can reseal it properly so water can’t seep in between the gaps.
Fix the Crown
Hire a professional chimney contractor to inspect the crown. If it’s damaged, have them repair it and then seal it with a waterproofing product. If it’s too far gone, replace it.
Waterproof the Masonry
Speaking of waterproofing, it’s wise to apply a special breathable waterproofing sealant to keep bricks and mortar from soaking up water.
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Schedule Regular Inspections
Call a certified chimney sweep for an inspection at least once a year. They can catch minor issues before they turn into major headaches.
A leaky chimney might not seem like a major issue at first, but if left alone, it can cause serious and expensive-to-repair damage. The good news, however, is that with a little forethought and some help from the pros, you can keep your fireplace dry and cozy.
Call Chimney Solutions in Chattanooga today. We’ve proudly served our customers for over 20 years. Our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America and are members of the National Chimney Sweep Guild. You can be confident that you’ll get high-quality work on every job. Contact us today!
