Do You Need Chimney Leak Repair Services? Our Certified Sweeps Are Here to Help

Drip, drip drip… whether you have a leak in your sink, your pipes, your chimney, or somewhere else, it’s never a welcome occurrence. And while we can’t do much for your plumbing, we can work wonders when it comes to repairing and preventing leaks in your chimney and fireplace.

If you live in the Hillsborough area or any of the towns and cities surrounding, trust our team to help you out with chimney water damage, as well as implement preventive services to keep issues from recurring down the line.

Our Leaky Chimney Repair Services

So, what leak repair services do we offer to homeowners in Middlesex County, Hunterdon County, and Somerset County? There are a number of things we can offer to get your system back in good shape and ready for use. Rely on us for the following…

Chimney Cap Installation

Chimney caps are essential for keeping water from entering the top of your flue. But when it comes to purchasing one of these components, knowing exactly what you need isn’t always so easy. Unless you’ve got the experience and education that techs like us do, it can be hard to determine which model, material, and type is best suited to your setup.

We can ensure your chimney is fitted with the most appropriate cap for your needs and wishes. Once we’re through your system will look great and be better protected for the long haul – no matter what the weather is like outside.

Chimney Waterproofing

Water has a strong reputation for how damaging it is to masonry, and if left unchecked, it can cause significant structural damage over time. Professional waterproofing, though, can work wonders in preventing damage, reducing the risk of chimney leaks and prolonging the life of your chimney significantly.

Chimney waterproofing consists of applying an industry-grade waterproof sealant to the exterior of your chimney. This sealant creates a barrier between your chimney and any rain, snow, sleet, or ice that could attempt to soak into the bricks and wreak havoc. 

Why should I trust a professional for chimney waterproofing?

• They’re the experts. Certified sweeps have the experience and knowledge to get the job done completely and accurately – meaning no areas will be missed or overlooked and only the right products will be used.
• They do the job safely. Working on a chimney can be dangerous, especially if you’re not experienced with heights or used to working on ladders. Pros have the necessary safety equipment and training to ensure that the work is done safely.
• They use appropriate products. Waterproofing products can be found just about anywhere, but that doesn’t mean they’re all created equal. When waterproofing your chimney, using a solution that’s vapor-permeable is imperative for keeping your bricks in the best condition possible – sweeps will only use the best of the best.
• They help maintain warranties. If a product comes with a warranty, chances are this will only apply if the job was done by a certified professional.

In addition to all that, trusting an expert saves you time, stress, and hassle. Rely on our experts for the job, so you can rest easier knowing everything was done right the first time around.

Chimney Flashing Repairs

Flashing is a critical component in your home’s setup, sealing the area where the chimney meets the roof. If this area is damaged or if your flashing is improperly installed, you’ll be looking at a long list of problems, including (but not limited to) chimney leaks, staining on your walls and ceiling, mold growth, and structural damage to the chimney and the home.

Chimney Crown Repairs

Crowns are the cement or concrete cap that sits on top of the chimney stack, protecting both the flue interior from potential water damages and the masonry sides from soaking in excess moisture. That said, over time, the crown can break down, especially if it was built incorrectly to begin with.

We’re equipped to repair or rebuild your crown, as needed.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Chimney Leaks?

It’s a sad fact that leaks and water-related issues are some of the most common types of chimney damage homeowners face. That said, being aware of the causes of these damages can make all the difference in preventing them in the future. That way, you can spot them early and call a professional chimney sweep to your home right away, rather than let the issues sit and worsen.

So, what should homeowners be keeping an eye out for?

• Damaged or missing chimney cap: Your chimney cap plays an essential role in keeping water out by covering the top opening of your flue. If yours is missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed, you’ll be a lot more prone to leaks and water damage.
• Cracked or deteriorated chimney crown: The crown helps the chimney cap keep water out of the flue interior, but it also plays a big part in sending water away from the sides of the masonry chimney. If it’s damaged, water will be able to sit and seep in.
• Faulty or missing flashing: Flashing plays a huge part in keeping water out of the area where the roof meets the chimney, but all too often it gets installed by a tech that doesn’t actually know what they’re doing. Trust us for a job done right.
• Damaged chimney liner: Your liner protects your chimney from all kinds of threats and water is no exception. It provides a barrier, so that moisture and condensation can’t get to your masonry and break things down.
• Lack of waterproofing: If your bricks and mortar weren’t professionally waterproofed, then water will soak into them like a sponge, breaking them down from the inside out. And come winter, this will only worsen due to the freeze/thaw process.

All these issues differ, but they do have one big thing in common – they need to be addressed quickly! If you note any problems, don’t wait to call us in. Reach out right away, so our techs can get to work and set you up right.

Also, if you’re not investing in annual inspections for your chimney, you should be. This way, sweeps can spot any damages or flaws early on, then fix them up before they turn into something major (like a nasty chimney leak).

If you notice any of the above issues, the sooner you can call us in to take a look, the better. Our sweeps will do a full assessment, then figure out which services you need to get your system back in usable condition.

Can I Repair a Chimney Leak Myself?

Most services involved with addressing and preventing leaks are complex and time-consuming, which is why we recommend leaving them to a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified professional. These jobs also typically men working high up on your roof and dealing with potentially hazardous products and materials, which means any DIY attempts could put your health and body at risk.

Professional chimney techs are equipped with proper safety equipment and have completed the appropriate training to ensure the job gets done as safely and as effectively as possible. They’ll also be able to offer proper diagnoses, as well as keep an eye for any potential issues that could be putting your household in harm’s way.

In addition to all that, experts in the industry know which products are best to use and which should be set aside. For instance, when waterproofing, using a product that allows your chimney to breathe is a must – and this feature is something that many store-bought solutions won’t offer.

Finally, consider that many products used in these types of repairs will have warranties that are only valid when applied or installed by a professionally certified chimney sweep. If you’re looking for long-lasting coverage, this isn’t something to overlook.

So, generally speaking, no – we don’t recommend any DIY attempts for chimney leak repairs, or any other chimney or fireplace-related service, even if you’re known for being handy and seem to have the right equipment. Trust our experts from the start, so you know your system is running as safely and as efficiently as possible throughout every burning season.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Chimney Leak?

This is a hard question without a simple answer because it can vary depending on the type of repair you need and the extent of your damage. A damaged crown might cost more than a cap replacement, while an entirely new liner is bound to cost more than some tuckpointing repairs. It just depends where the water has infiltrated and the amount of issues it has created.

In addition to all that, most of the time if one leaky chimney issue has occurred, there will be more water damage elsewhere in the home or chimney. This means you could need multiple repair services completed at once, which, again, will affect your total cost.

In the end, leaky chimney repairs could run up a total ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands, so we can’t really give you a solid answer until we hear from you and get an idea of what we’re dealing with. Call us out to your home, so we can perform an inspection, then form a solid plan for moving forward.

How Can I Prevent Chimney Leaks in the Future?

So, let’s say we get your system back up and running and in tip-top shape again. Great! Now you need to know what you can do to avoid facing these damages again down the line.

While chimney leaks are never something that’s fun to deal with, the good news is that they are preventable. Follow these guidelines to avoid issues in the future.

• Invest in annual inspections. This is something we cannot emphasize enough. Scheduling annual inspections (as well as regular chimney cleanings) with a certified sweep is the best way to keep your chimney running safely and to ensure you don’t experience bigger issues down the line.
• Have professional waterproofing services completed. Waterproofing is another highly effective way to prevent damage over time Think of water as your masonry’s nemesis – waterproofing is the fortress that’ll keep it out for good.
• Invest in a chimney cap. Your chimney needs to have an opening on top to let out smoke and fumes, but if this area doesn’t have a roof, water will have easy access. Chimney caps are a simple, affordable, and quick-to-install solution.
• Invest in a chase cover or crown. Depending on if you have a masonry chimney or a prefab one, investing in a chase cover or a crown is imperative for keeping water away from the sides of the structure.
• Have chimney flashing installed. Many underestimate the effectiveness of properly installed flashing, but this is what can keep both your home and chimney safer for the long haul. If you’re noticing stains on your walls and ceiling, there’s a good chance leaky flashing is to blame.
• Don’t put off repair services. If damages are already present, don’t let them get worse. Get a tech on the job right away, so that further issues are avoided – and solutions and preventive maintenance can be implemented quickly.
• Check on your chimney liner. If your chimney liner isn’t up to code or is facing damages, leaks are bound to occur – along with a whole slew of other issues. Have a sweep look it over, then provide the best relining options for your setup.
• Use your fireplace properly. By using your fireplace in the correct way – like only burning seasoned wood and ensuring proper airflow – you minimize the risk of experiencing damages that can eventually lead to leaks.

All in all, taking these steps to safeguard your system now will definitely pay off down the line. Think of it this way – you can either invest in affordable preventive maintenance now, or you can put it off and shell out the big dollars for expensive and time-consuming repair jobs later. Which sounds better to you?

Let’s get started – book your next service or inspection with our CSIA- certified sweeps today.

Why Trust Us?

Why is Highpoint the team to lean on throughout Middlesex County, Hunterdon County, and Somerset County?

Our experienced and certified technicians are knowledgeable, educated with the CSIA, and use the latest technology and techniques to keep your chimney in the best condition possible. We also strive to keep our prices competitive and affordable, ensuring our clients get the best care around without breaking their budget in the process.

But we’re about more than just high skill levels and reliable repairs – we also strive to serve our customers with professionalism and respect, personalizing services to each homeowner’s unique needs and preferences.

In the end, with us, you’ll get a team that is highly experienced in their trade, has many positive online reviews, and always psut your needs and safety first.

We’re Ready to Take Your Call

Are leaks and water damage making your chimney unusable? Putting off repairs is like throwing your cash in the fire. Put a stop to the damage by getting our certified, experienced, and licensed crew out to your home right away. We’ll address any issues, make a plan for resolving them, then set you up with preventive solutions, so you don’t have stress about any of these problems popping up again.

And once everything is back in order, be sure to rely on us for your annual inspections, so we can keep things running as smoothly as possible for every one of your burning seasons ahead.

You can reach us online, or you simply give us a call at 908-864-4114 to speak with one of our team members. We look forward to helping you out soon.

 

Are you in need of masonry repairs? Dryer vent cleaning? Chimney relining? Chimney inspection? Chimney sweeping? We’ve got you covered on all that and more, so give us a call.