We can all agree that Superman is a legend in the superhero world. But even the strongest superhero had a weakness – and that weakness was kryptonite. It would drain Superman of his super strength and he would eventually die.
You’re probably thinking… what does this have to do with a leaky chimney? But stay with us! Think of your chimney like Superman. It’s strong, its sturdy brick wall seems indestructible… It has successfully funneled smoke and fumes out of your home safely for years, and you’re wondering if there’s anything that could take it down.
But did you know your chimney also has a weakness? If you guessed fire, that’s a good guess. However, a chimney’s greatest weakness is actually water. If your firebox is dripping, and you’ve typed “chimney leak repair near me” only to get to our site, the search engines have led you to the right place. Call us at 908-864-4114 or book online now to get chimney and fireplace repair services you can count on.
Sealing Your Chimney: Is DIY Possible?
When it comes to sealing your chimney from leaks, opting for a professional service is undoubtedly the most prudent choice. While the idea of a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach may seem tempting, the intricacies and potential hazards associated with chimney sealing require specialized knowledge and experience. Professionals possess the expertise to assess the specific needs of your chimney, ensuring a thorough and effective sealing process.
From identifying hidden cracks to selecting the right materials, a skilled technician can address potential issues that might be overlooked in a DIY attempt. Furthermore, relying on a professional not only guarantees the safety and longevity of your chimney, but also provides peace of mind, knowing that the task has been executed with precision and in accordance with industry standards.
Long story short – when it comes to lighting a fire in your home, opting for an online how-to video isn’t ever going to be the best route. With fire safety issues at stake, it’s always best to trust a pro when it comes to your fireplace and chimney.
How Water Weakens Your Chimney
- Chimneys are typically constructed using porous materials such as bricks, mortar, and concrete. Naturally, these materials absorb water over time, which leads to damage and deterioration.
- Porous materials often undergo various freeze-thaw cycles during the winter months. This essentially means that any water that enters the chimney can freeze and expand, causing cracks and fractures in the chimney structure. Every time this happens, which is frequently if you live somewhere that experiences cold temperatures, the cracks widen, allowing more water to enter the chimney.
- There are quite a few components of a chimney that are susceptible to water damage. This includes chimney crowns, caps, flashing, mortar joints, bricks, chimney liner, and the damper. A lot of these components can be hard to inspect if you don’t know what you are looking for.
The longer an issue goes undetected, the worse (and more expensive) the damage can get to repair. That’s why we always recommend you contact your local certified chimney company to assess the damage and offer up the appropriate solutions.
What Are The Most Common Causes of Chimney Leaks?
Chimney leaks happen for a multitude of reasons but the most common we see include…
✔️ Damaged or Poorly Built Chimney Crowns and Covers
Depending on the type of fireplace you have, you will either have a chimney crown or a chimney chase cover – but never both.
A masonry chimney has a chimney crown that should be made of cement. Sometimes, we see crowns that have been incorrectly installed using leftover mortar. Mortar isn’t as strong as cement, and it actually absorbs water, causing cracks, deterioration, and ultimately leaks in your chimney.
If you have a prefabricated fireplace, your chimney will have a chase cover. (Some masonry ones have them, too.) These are often built of galvanized steel and are prone to rust and corrosion. Oftentimes, people experience a leaky chimney simply because neither a chase cover or crown was installed (or built) in the first place!
✔️ Missing or Damaged Chimney Cap
A chimney cap sits directly over the top of the vent pipe or crown and its purpose is to cover the flue. If your chimney cap is damaged or missing, rain and other precipitation can flow straight down your chimney. When this happens, you will experience water damage to your damper, flue, and firebox.
✔️ Leaky Flashing
Properly installed flashing can last up to 30 years! Keyword being properly installed. The flashing is the thin metal material that acts as a waterproof seal between the chimney and roof. Because flashing experiences continuous exposure to the elements, it is common for flashing to deteriorate over time, cracking or pulling away from the chimney.
✔️ Crumbling Chimney Bricks
Remember how we discussed that brick and mortar are porous materials that absorb water? They can absorb so much water that you could eventually see water dripping on the inside of your chimney. The brick and mortar will crack and crumble, eventually leaving behind a clear and open pathway for water to enter your flue.
By now, it should be pretty evident that anytime you are experiencing a leaky chimney, it is worth calling and speaking with the certified chimney technicians at Highpoint Chimney Services. We can help repair or replace all of the above and more importantly, give you reassurance that the leak has been fixed.
Why You Should Call Highpoint Chimney Services
At Highpoint Chimney Services, we don’t just claim we are professionals, our technicians have undergone hours of training and hands-on experience to become certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Our company also has over 20 years of experience in the chimney and fireplace industry and is a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG).
But we realize there’s more to it than just our qualifications and experience. We are also committed to providing the best experience to all of our customers so you can feel confident coming back to us time and time again. Don’t just take our word for it – check out all of the 5-star reviews left by our previous customers.
So, give us a call today at 908-864-4114 or go ahead and schedule your appointment online. We would be happy to assist you in taking care of your leaky chimney so you can get back to enjoying your fireplace, worry free.
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