The other day, you noticed water stains on the ceiling of your family room. Because the stains are so close to your fireplace, it is clear that you have a leaky chimney. To keep the damage from becoming more extensive, you should contact Ashbusters as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the source of the leak. You can count on us to take care of your leaky chimney because our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney professionals specialize in repairing chimney leaks.
After we have made the necessary repairs, we can help you prevent future leaks with our professional chimney water leak preventive services. One of the most common questions we hear is what causes a leaky chimney. We would like to share with you some of the most common causes of a leaky chimney.
DAMAGED CHIMNEY CAP AND CROWN
The top of your masonry chimney should have both a chimney crown and a chimney cap. If either of these components is damaged or missing, water can easily enter your chimney every time it rains. Our CSIA-certified chimney technicians will inspect the condition of these parts, and if we can make repairs, we will provide you with a fair and honest estimate.
According to the Family Handyman, chimney crowns crack over time. If your crown is damaged beyond repair, we can construct a new crown to properly protect your flue from water penetration. We also carry a wide variety of chimney caps in different sizes to give your chimney the ultimate protection.
DAMAGED BRICKS AND MORTAR JOINTS
When the bricks and mortar joints of your chimney are cracked and crumbled, water can leak into your home through the damaged masonry. Ashbusters will remove the broken bricks and mortar joints and replace them with specialized techniques called tuckpointing. Once we have made the masonry repairs, we can waterproof your chimney to prevent this damage from occurring for as long as a decade.
DAMAGED FLASHING
The most vulnerable spot for water leaks is where your chimney meets the roof. If you do not have a flashing system in place at this location, your chimney is at a much higher risk for water leaks. Our chimney professionals at Ashbusters will take precise measurements of this area to cut metal sheets in the proper sizes to wrap around your chimney. We will layer the metal sheeting so that it protects this area from pooling water. You can count on us to make sure the flashing is sturdy and stable so that it will not be damaged by strong winds.
Dealing with a leaky chimney? Contact us today at Ashbusters to schedule an appointment for our professional chimney water leak repair and preventive services. We want your chimney to work efficiently and safely this winter!