Chimney Water Leak Repair

Have you noticed water damage on the ceilings or walls around your chimney? Does your masonry consist of cracks, stains, or crumbling and spalling brick or stone and mortar? If this sounds like your home, you may have a leak somewhere within your chimney system.

Some Common Causes Of Leaks Within The Chimney System

In our thirty plus years of experience, we have located and fixed countless leaks. The most common culprits are:

  • Chimney Cap Damage or Absence: Chimney caps are stainless steel or copper coverings and are one of the chimney’s best defenses against rain, snow, sleet, leaves, birds, and other animals. When a cap is damaged or missing (typically as the result of animal tampering or a bad storm), all of these environmental elements have direct access to your chimney and home. At Magic Broom, we have years of chimney cap installation experience and access to every style and size.
  • Worn or Improperly Installed Crown: The chimney crown is the layer of concrete that seals the top of the chimney. It sits just below the chimney cap, and protects the chimney from water damage and obstructions. When a chimney crown is not the proper material or build, it can quickly deteriorate, and allow water to enter the chimney system. With a Magic Broom technician on the job, you can rest assured that your crown will be equipped to handle time and the elements.
  • Damaged, Deteriorating, or Missing Flashing: Every roof and chimney is different. That’s why flashing is a custom job, every time. You see, flashing refers to the layers of metal that unite your roof with your chimney. Without proper flashing, the masonry of the chimney is susceptible to water penetration and decay. Even if your flashing was installed properly, strong winds and animal tampering can cause it to separate from the place of installation. Flashing can also have holes if water gathers there instead of running off of the roof. Whether you need flashing repair or replacement, we’ve got the skills and equipment to get the job done right!
  • Holes or Cracks Within The Masonry: Masonry is porous and can be prone to weather damage. If water enters into the brick and mortar of the chimney and temperatures change rapidly, a process of freezing and thawing can cause breaks, cracks, and crumbling. Not only does this structurally compromise the chimney system, it leaves openings for more water to enter the chimney. At Magic Broom, we are experts at masonry repair and can even waterproof the masonry of your chimney with a watershield treatment, so you don’t have to worry about water damage.

The Devastating Effects of Water Damage

The most common problems caused by water damage are:

  • Cracks, Breaks, Holes in Masonry – As water enters the masonry of the chimney, it swells and constricts as temperatures change. This process causes the brick and mortar to deteriorate from the inside out. It causes spalling, crumbling, cracking, holes, and other decay, and opens up the masonry to even more water damage. Water damage not only takes away from the aesthetics of the masonry – it can significantly decrease the lifespan of brick and mortar. If the leak is not addressed early on, you may be left with a structurally unsound chimney system that needs major repair or even a complete rebuild. At Magic Broom we are masonry repair/rebuild wizards with the equipment and skill to do the job right. But, as always, precautionary measures are much more economical than repairs.
  • Corroded Metal Liner – Many liners are made of stainless steel, which can last a long time when properly maintained. However, when a chimney has a leak, it can cause rusting and corrosion within the metal flue liner. A liner with holes and gaps allows heat, smoke, vapor, carbon monoxide, and ash to penetrate the walls and air surrounding the chimney. This can quickly lead to health problems and house fires and should be addressed immediately. The most common solution is complete relining or replacement, but a Magic Broom technician will be able to help you decide what option is best for your situation.
  • Cracks and Crumbling in a Clay Liner – Many chimneys have clay liners, which can be incredibly durable under the right conditions. However, when exposed to constant water, these liners can quickly crumble and crack, leaving openings for heat, smoke, hot vapor, ash, and carbon monoxide to escape into the home. If you have a deteriorating clay liner, a technician may recommend that you have a stainless steel liner installed or that you make use of the HeatShield® resurfacing/flue repair system.
  • Efflorescence – Efflorescence is the deposit of salts on the surface of the brick and is a result of water damage. It takes on the form of unattractive white patches and stains on the surface of the affected brick and can drastically decrease the beauty of your chimney or fireplace. Using chimney watershield treatments is a great way to prevent efflorescence on your masonry.

Pinpointing a chimney leak can be difficult because there are several ways for water to enter the system. With Magic Broom, you can be confident that our technicians will pinpoint the leak source and quickly remedy the situation. Troubleshooting is one of our specialties! Schedule an appointment today!

 

Regular inspections and cleaning of your chimney and fireplace system  is a no-brainer when it comes to your family’s health and safety.  That’s why it is the foundation of our chimney and fireplace services at Magic Broom Chimney Sweeps.