How To Fix a Leaking Chimney 

There are a number of damaging things your chimney gets exposed to day after day, but the most destructive of these is water. Leaking chimney’s allow water to penetrate masonry and do extensive damage. The part of your chimney that extends above your roof faces a plethora of elements, including rain, sleet, snow, dew, and fog. Because they are baked in the sun on an almost daily basis, the bricks in your chimney slowly become porous and take in water in much the same way a sponge does. If not dealt with quickly, the leaks in your chimney could result in it crumbling; to make things worse, it could also bring about damage to your roof and ceiling by causing them to rot. Dampness in your fireplace and the ceiling around it will also foster mold growth in your attic and walls near the chimney. If you notice discolored areas around the ceiling and walls by your fireplace, mold has probably already started growing. Don’t fret; there is a solution. Here is a guide on how to fix a leaking chimney.

Clear Signs of Chimney Leaks

As we stated earlier, a leaking chimney can be unstable and must be dealt with immediately. Look for these signs of a leaking chimney:

Water accumulating in the Firebox of Your Fireplace

Mold Growing on the Outside of Your Masonry Chimney.

Discolored Stains on the Ceiling and Walls Surrounding Your Fireplace

If the bricks or stone in your chimney become loose or begin to crumble, this is a condition known as spalling, and it is directly due to water damage.

You almost certainly have a leaky chimney if you notice any of these signs. It must be addressed immediately if you want it to stay upright.

 

The Various Methods to Repair a Leaking Chimney

 

Fix Cracks in the Chimney Crown

Your chimney’s crown is a cement slab at its very top. It encases the area surrounding the flue. Similar to how brick and stone can become fractured and broken by recurring exposure to precipitation, your chimney’s crown can as well. If your chimney’s crown has cracks, there is no doubt water will get inside and cause deterioration during freeze-thaw cycles, expanding the cracks. If there are cracks at the peak of your chimney, it will soak in more water than vertical bricks and the stone on the outside of your chimney. We have experienced, qualified chimney sweeps who can repair cracks in your chimney’s crown quickly and safeguard your home and fireplace against water damage.

Flashing to Fight Chimney Leaks

A vital part of your chimney’s construction is flashing. It defends your roof from moisture, where it joins the chimney. It could be made of galvanized steel, copper, aluminum, or PVC. Flashing is placed around your chimney to shut gaps and stop water from getting in. If your chimney doesn’t have flashing, water can seep between your roof and the chimney’s bricks. Stopping the leak between your chimney and roof is as easy as installing chimney flashing between them.

Repair or Replace Chimney Liners 

When a chimney liner becomes perforated, the results could be disastrous. An impaired chimney liner will let moisture from your chimney’s bricks inside the flue, causing fissures that lead to leaks. A damaged chimney liner also poses additional perils, such as poisonous fumes lofting into your home or sparking a fire in the construction of your house. Installing a new chimney liner will solve the problem quickly.

Let Mercer County Chimney Stop Your Chimney Leaks

If you reside in the Mercer County, Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Chesterfield, or Allentown areas, we can identify the cause of your chimney leaks and will quickly fix the problem. We will treat your home as our own and cause minimal disruption. We will clean up once we are done. Don’t let your chimney leak cause untold damage; get in touch today.