There’s nothing quite like relaxing near the fireplace — especially when winter arrives. Your chimney is vital because it provides appropriate ventilation for the fireplace.
However, your chimney can sustain damage throughout the year due to all types of weather. Water leaking from the chimney is a common problem with fireplaces and one that can be tough to catch until it’s too late. If you notice water damage to your ceiling, it’s a sign that your chimney needs repairing.
Davis Brothers Chimney Sweep and Masonry is your team for masonry and stucco chimney repair in the South Jersey area. We can perform a chimney inspection and know where to search for the leak and how to fix it.
Why Is My Chimney Leaking?
There are several reasons your chimney may be leaking. Here are some of the most common ones.
No Chimney Cap
Rain seeping through the top is the most common problem associated with a leaky chimney. There are a few reasons this may happen, but the most common one is that there’s no chimney cap.
A chimney with a damaged cap or topper is vulnerable to various natural elements. On the other hand, your chimney also might be missing its cap altogether. Either way, this may be one reason your chimney may be experiencing leakage issues.
Moisture can cause all types of damage, from deterioration in the chimney flue to a rusted damper. In addition to rain or snow, leaves can become stuck and cause a chimney obstruction or fire. If you light a fire and your chimney is blocked, toxic fumes can enter your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Damage to the Chimney Crown
Another one of the reasons your chimney may be leaking is damage to the chimney crown. The chimney crown is a piece of cement located at the top of the chimney. Its role is to prevent moisture from entering the chimney through the space between the flue lining and the masonry.
A cracked chimney crown won’t work correctly and may cause damage to the rest of the chimney. A professional may be able to repair small cracks and fix the problem, but if the damage is more significant, you’ll need to replace it.
Leaky Flashing
A professional installs chimney flashing where the chimney and rooftop meet. It acts as a waterproof seal that keeps water out. Unfortunately, there’s a large gap between the chimney and the roof where water will pour in if not properly sealed with chimney flashing.
Chimney flashing comes from aluminum and isn’t as durable as a brick chimney. Most professionals use tar to seal it, which also wears down faster than the chimney. So flashing might be one of the reasons your chimney may leak because it has deteriorated or wasn’t installed properly.
Mortar and Masonry Deterioration
Masonry on a chimney can last 100 years or more if protected from moisture. However, the mortar between the masonry only lasts up to 25 years, even in ideal conditions.
Bricks and mortar for a chimney come from water, then harden to create a chimney. The installation can absorb additional moisture from storms, which freezes during winter, causing the water content to expand and produce cracks.
The masonry damage can compromise the chimney’s structural integrity, which means it needs replacement. One of the reasons your chimney may be leaking is the wear and tear on the mortar and masonry in your chimney.
Got a Leaky Chimney? Davis Brothers Can Repair It!
If you have a leaky chimney, Davis Brothers have skilled professionals who can repair it quickly and affordably. Whether you need a chimney sweep, have a damaged chimney, or have some other issue, we have years of experience fixing chimney problems.
We are your specialists for a chimney sweep in Cape May County, NJ, and the rest of southern New Jersey. Contact us today!