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Charleston Leaky Chimney Repair: Why You Should Fix a Chimney Leak
When it comes to a leaking chimney, we have found that for every day you put off scheduling repairs, it actually costs you more money in the end. The reason is really simple – water is the number one enemy of brick and mortar, as well as metal because of rust. Your chimney is made up of brick, mortar, and metal parts…which means that the longer you wait, the more the entire system deteriorates – and the more expensive those leaky chimney repair services will be.
But don’t go typing “chimney leak repair near me” into your phone’s search bar just yet! If you’re already here, stick around and learn more about what Charleston’s most trusted team of chimney sweeps – that’s us, here at Ashbusters – can do for you.
When you see signs of a chimney leak or any other fireplace damages, don’t wait. Spring into action and schedule an appointment to get it fixed right away. Call Ashbusters Charleston at 843-595-4927 or get in touch with us online, and one of our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney professionals will be out to assess the damage and come up with a gameplan to repair your chimney.
What Causes Chimney Leaks?
Water damage is one of the most common problems we find during a chimney inspection. Why? Because water can attack a chimney system in many ways. If you’re not diligent about maintenance and fireplace repair services, it’ll only be a matter of time before water finds its way in.
You should keep an eye out for the following issues:
- A damaged or missing chimney cap. A chimney cap sits at the top of the chimney opening and is intended to keep out rain, animals, and debris (like leaves and twigs). If the cap is damaged, missing, or isn’t fitted well, water can easily get into the chimney
- The chimney crown is cracked. The chimney crown is the cement slab that covers the top of the chimney and diverts water away from the opening. Since it’s exposed to the elements, it will eventually crack. When this happens, water can seep into the chimney structure.
- The chase cover is missing or rusted. A chase cover is similar to a crown, just mainly used for a prefabricated chimney. They’re made out of metal and can be prone to rust.
- The flashing is compromised. The point where the roof and chimney meet is a weak spot because water can pool there and sit. It also is a typical spot for water to enter the home. Flashing is a metal strip installed in that area to protect from water intrusion.
- Deteriorated brick and mortar. Brick and mortar are constantly exposed to weather, so wear and tear is inevitable. When brick and mortar chip and crack, it’s easier for water to be absorbed. You can protect the exterior of your chimney by waterproofing it.
How Can I Tell if My Chimney Is Leaking?
Most chimney leaks start small and it can be hard to tell when there’s a problem. By the time you see any obvious signs, it’s likely the leak has been present for some time. Chimney inspections are the best way to check for potential issues – and catch them early – but sometimes a leak can happen before it’s time for your next checkup.
Get Ashbusters Charleston on the line if you spot anything listed below:
- Water pooling at the bottom of the firebox
- Water stains on the walls and ceiling near the fireplace
- Spalling or flaking bricks
- Mold or mildew growth
- A sudden musty odor
- Discoloration on the walls of the chimney or its exterior
- Metal parts that are rusted
- Chunks of missing mortar
Is It Normal for a Chimney To Leak During Heavy Rain?
Your chimney shouldn’t leak under any circumstances. It doesn’t matter if we’re in the middle of an ice storm or a hurricane…it shouldn’t happen. Even the tiniest amount of water is a sign that something is wrong. A chimney that’s been maintained properly should be able to hold its own against heavy rain.
If you notice that your chimney leaks after downpours, contact the crew at Ashbusters Charleston. We can come out and find out what’s going on, ensuring your chimney is back in shape in no time. Call us today at 843-595-4927 or book an appointment online.
How Often Should I Have My Chimney Inspected for Leaks?
Ashbusters Charleston follows the recommended guidelines from CSIA and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and advises homeowners to plan at least one chimney inspection per year. Now, if you’re like us and you use your fireplace as much as possible, you may need to bump that up to every six months. Ask your chimney technician what they think is best for your system based on their findings.
In addition to leaks, a chimney inspection can show us other problems that need to be addressed. We check creosote levels and look for potential fire risks, like blockages and cracks in the liner. It’s not uncommon for us to find a few critters from time to time too.
Your Chimney & Leaks: The Unseen Damage
It’s not just the damage done to the chimney appliance that will get you… It’s the walls, ceilings, and mantel that can also be at risk – and that’s not even counting the fact that water can run and damage areas of a home that are in rooms far from the fireplace!
Also, remember that in many homes the fireplaces are built in rooms with the highest ceilings and rafters. If this is the case for you, water can be pulled by gravity down the rafters into those areas that are lower…until it finds a way to drip onto a ceiling or down a wall. Sometimes, it’s down the interior of a wall that you never see – you just smell it as time goes by.
If you are like a lot of people who see water running down a wall or on the ceiling, your first reaction is to call a roofer. While the leak might be a roofing leak, roofing companies do not specialize in chimneys, so they often miss what is obvious to us and never get to the source of the problem. That’s why we recommend you call a professional and certified chimney company – like us – to inspect and evaluate a possible leaking chimney.
Chimney Leaks: The Three Main Areas of Concern
- There are places near your fireplace and chimney where water can “hang out.” These are some areas you should pay special attention to:
- Clear leaves from gutters on a regular basis, and repair any gutters that are broken. Examine your downspout locations in relation to the chimney. Downspout terminations that are uphill of the chimney, or that drain at the chimney base, pose risks and should therefore be diverted.
- Prune trees that hang over or near your chimney. Rain and dew that collect on trees is a frequent cause of masonry deterioration.
- Check for poor drainage and address this problem as soon as possible.
- Repair any leaks in the flashing (or seal) between your roofing material and the chimney.
- Make sure sprinklers are watering plants – not your chimney. Change the sprinkler head or your watering pattern as needed.
- Consider asking us to waterproof your chimney. Or, have a chimney cap installed, or a new crown constructed, to prevent water from collecting in your firebox through the flue or chase.
- Check for cracks in your chimney, deteriorated mortar joints, and weakened masonry. If you find any of the above, call us or schedule an appointment for an evaluation.
Can I Prevent Chimney Leaks?
More often than not, you can stop chimney leaks before they happen. Regular fireplace inspections and maintenance can do a lot to protect your chimney, but there are other preventive measures you can take as well. Here are a few tips:
- Install a chimney cap and make sure it’s fitted properly.
- Repair flashing if it’s damaged.
- Check the crown and have cracks sealed.
- Replace the chase cover if it’s rusting.
- Invest in waterproofing services.
- Install a cricket if your chimney is wider than 30 inches.
- If there’s a problem, don’t delay booking repairs.
You Can Count on Us To Fix Your Leaky Chimney
A leaky chimney is a headache that no one wants to deal with. Fortunately for you, Ashbusters Charleston is here to get your chimney back in working order. When you spot signs of a leak, don’t wait until things get worse. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at 843-595-4927. We want you to enjoy your fireplace worry-free!
We really don’t want to keep adding to our “Chimneys Gone Wild” gallery, so schedule with us today for your chimney repairs.