Advice from the Pros about Chimney Leaks

A leaky chimney is not something you want to ignore, even for a short time. If the chimney is leaking, it means something has been damaged somewhere within the system. Here are some useful tips from chimney professionals on how to address, solve and prevent a leaky chimney.

Why do chimneys leak?

We usually refer to any situation where water is infiltrating the chimney system as a “chimney leak,” even if it’s not a leak caused by damage. The following are four of the most common reasons your chimney could be leaking.

Damaged masonry
Lack of a chimney cap or a damaged chimney cap
Deterioration of the concrete chimney crown
Warped or missing chimney flashing

What happens when leaky chimneys are ignored

One truth that every chimney repair technician will tell you is, water and chimneys don’t mix. When water from rain or snow gets into cracks in a chimney’s bricks or mortar, it will begin to degrade the materials. When the temperature freezes, the moisture also freezes and expands and causes more masonry damage.

Over time, chimney masonry can be damaged to the point that the chimney actually begins to lean to one side or, in the worst-case scenario, collapses entirely.

Internal masonry damage from leak issues can degrade the bricks and mortar that serve to protect adjacent home building materials from acidic smoke damage and fire. Damage in this area may allow harmful combustion gases such as carbon monoxide to seep into areas within your home and be inhaled by people and pets.

The scary part of internal chimney damage is, you can’t see it in its early stages and usually only become aware of it after it has progressed to a dangerous level.

How to spot a chimney leak

If you see any of the following leaky chimney signs, your first step should be to bring out a licensed chimney inspector and repair technician to address the problem before you use your fireplace again.

Water in the firebox – could be coming from an open flue top (i.e., damaged or missing chimney cap) or because of major cracks in the masonry

Damp sections on the ceiling or walls near the fireplace – a common result of deteriorated masonry, water moving past damaged roof flashing or a leak somewhere in the roof

Foul odors coming from the fireplace – excess dampness in the chimney flue will mix with creosote and soot and cause unpleasant, musty smells

Efflorescence on exterior masonry – these white stains happen when bricks absorb water; there may not be a leak presently, but there may be one soon if the problem is ignored

Crumbling mortar on the roof – this also doesn’t mean a leak is happening now, but one could start in the near future

How leaky chimneys are dealt with

A professional chimney inspection is the first step in dealing with a chimney leak. Your inspector will identify the reason for the leak, where the damage is centered and what needs to be done to resolve it. An experienced chimney pro also can advise you on ways to prevent certain types of chimney leaks down the line such as with chimney waterproofing.

Dubuque Fireplace & Patio of Dubuque, Iowa, is ready to help with your leaky chimney. We provide expert chimney leak repair, chimney inspections and all chimney repair and rebuilding services. Speak with a licensed chimney technician by calling (563) 582-5156.

Get the same outstanding service in Highland, WI, from Chimney Specialists at (608) 929-4887.