Leaky Chimney? Mason’s Chimney Service Is Here To Help
When you see water leaking into your home in or around your chimney, we know your first thought isn’t a happy one. And your next thought will likely be, “Where is it coming from?”
That’s unfortunately not always the easiest question to answer. Water is tricky, and will take every opportunity to find its way into your chimney system and your home. However, there are some common places where leaks are more likely to spring up. With our decades of experience, Mason’s Chimney Service has an in-depth leak inspection process that ensures that we find the source or sources of your leaks to repair your chimney completely.
We know how frustrating it is to deal with a leak, and we go the extra mile to make sure the process of repairing a chimney leak is as pain-free as it can be. Our goal as a company has always been to provide the kind of service that makes every customer a life-long customer, and you can expect that kind of service the first time we come to your home and every time afterward.
A chimney leak can cause all sorts of damage that can be costly to repair. When you see signs of a leak, don’t wait. Call us immediately at 800-559-6276 or schedule an appointment through our website.
How Do I Know if My Chimney Is Leaking?
A chimney leak can be insidious and you will not know there’s an issue until it’s caused significant damage. The good news is that there are early signs of a leaky chimney that you can keep an eye out for, including:
- Water in the firebox. If you see water pooling in the firebox, it’s a major red flag. Although it may not be immediately clear where the source of the leak is, it’s unquestionable proof that you have a breakdown in your chimney system.
- Mold or mildew growth. Mold and mildew thrive in dark, damp places. A leaky chimney serves as the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow and spread. Some forms of mildew and mold can be dangerous to your health if you breathe them in.
- A musty odor. A sudden musty odor can be an early indicator that mold or mildew is growing in your chimney system. Schedule an inspection if you notice a change in how your fireplace smells.
- Rust or corrosion. When water repeatedly comes into contact with metal, it leads to rust. There are metal components in your chimney, like the damper, that are vulnerable to water exposure. A rusty damper is usually harder to open and close.
- Efflorescence on the masonry. Efflorescence happens when water evaporates and pushes minerals out of the bricks. This leaves behind a white, chalky substance. Efflorescence itself isn’t a big deal, but it is a warning sign that your chimney has a water intrusion problem.
What Are Vulnerable Areas of My Chimney System?
Water is by far your chimney system’s worst enemy, and that’s why the chimney was designed with a variety of parts geared toward keeping water out. Those parts were built to bolster potential trouble zones, so it’s no surprise that they’re often the places that wear out and lead to leaks.
- The chimney cap. The metal cap at the very top of your chimney is there for a variety of reasons, and keeping water, snow, and other precipitation out is a big one. Without it, your flue is directly open to the elements. If your chimney cap is damaged – or if you don’t have one – let our technicians repair or install a cap that will protect your flue for years to come.
- The chimney crown. Below the chimney cap, you’ll generally have a chimney crown made of mortar or cement. It is designed to push water and snow away from your flue. Since it’s getting directly bombarded year-round, your chimney crown can develop cracks, gaps, or spalling. We’ll inspect your chimney crown to see if leaks are springing up there, and if so, repair it to last. In some cases, the crown can sustain extensive damage that can’t be repaired. Don’t worry – we can rebuild it for you.
- The chimney flashing. Seams are always tough spots, and the seam that connects your chimney to your roofline is protected by metal flashing. Flashing can tear or lift, or its caulking can come off or loosen, causing leaks. We’ll check your flashing and if it’s causing a leak, perform the custom work needed to repair it.
How Can I Prevent Chimney Leaks in the Future?
Mason’s Chimney Service can recommend a waterproofing sealant that will help keep water from making its way into your masonry chimney.
We use ChimneySaver Water Repellent, a product that chimney professionals have been using for 25 years. It’s vapor-permeable which means it can seal your masonry and stop the encroachment of water, but still allow the bricks and mortar to “breathe” by expelling harmful gases and small particles from the chimney.
It’s important that you keep up with regular maintenance to monitor your chimney system for changes. We suggest scheduling annual chimney inspections and sweepings to keep your chimney working in peak condition.
Protect Your Home and Chimney From Water Damage
Are you experiencing a leak? Call Mason’s Chimney Service today and schedule an appointment for a chimney inspection. We’ll get to the bottom of the problem, locate the source of the leak, and come up with a long-lasting solution to take care of the issue. Call us now at 800-559-6276 or schedule an appointment online.
Waterproofing and flashing repairs are two of the most common fixes for a leaky chimney, so talk to us about whether you need these specific services to stop the leaks.