The Top Causes of Chimney Leaks
With the arrival of spring, you will most likely not use your chimney again until fall. Out of use shouldn’t mean out of mind. All year round, there are a number of issues that can cause chimney leaks. If they aren’t addressed, it could become an expensive disaster. With that in mind, let’s examine the top causes of winter chimney leaks.
What are the Most Common Causes of Chimney Leaks
Time
A chimney is exposed to the sun twenty-four hours a day all year. When that happens, the bricks in your chimney become baked and more porous, which causes them to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, which is highly destructive; more on that in a moment.
A Cracked Crown or Rusty Chase Cover
When a chimney crown cracks, it can be a substantial problem and one of the largest culprits of chimney leaks. A chimney crown is made from a concrete block at its peak that just barely slants to let water flow away from the chimney’s flue. Cracks in the chimney’s crown are especially bad. They will permit water to make its way to the base of your chimney. Once water is inside your chimney’s bricks and freezes, it expands in the brick and contracts when the temperature rises above freezing. The systematic freeze-thaw cycle will cause your chimney’s bricks spall. Spalling is when your bricks begin to crack, chip, and ultimately break; it is recognizable from the characteristic white powder that coats the exterior of your chimney. When you eventually see spalling, extensive damage has already been done.
If you have a factory-built fireplace, then you don’t have a crown; you have what is known as a chase cover. It is a flat metal component with a hole in the center, which allows the flue to emerge. When there is a fissure in a seam, it will allow leaks to occur. A cracked or rusty chase cover is just as destructive as a cracked crown in a masonry fireplace.
Your chimney should be inspected and cleaned on at least an annual basis by a qualified chimney sweep service to find damage to your crown or chase cover.
Damaged Wood Siding
A chimney chase that has wooden siding can be an issue. If there are knots or cracks in the wooden siding, water can find its way in and cause unseen damage. A professional chimney sweep can inspect wooden chases and detect if there are any issues.
A Missing Chimney Cap
A chimney cap is a vital tool against the elements such as rain, hail, snow, and sleet. As we have previously stated, water is the greatest enemy of a masonry chimney. The effects of water damage will cause mortar to disintegrate and bricks to crack, crumble, and fall out.
A chimney cap will also keep wildlife out of your chimney so that there are no nests in your flue, which can cause blockages.
Chimney Leaks and Liners
Another leading cause of chimney leaks is damaged chimney liners. Chimney liners are usually metal tubes in your flue that insulate your chimney from extreme heat. Occasionally, in older homes, chimney liners may be ceramic. In either case, if they are compromised with cracks or perforations, water will find its way in between the liner and your flue and wreak havoc.
Damage to Flashing
Flashing is a thin piece of metal used with chimneys and roofing. Flashing’s sole purpose is to prevent water from getting into roof joints. It is positioned where your roof and chimney connect to cover the joints. If it becomes damaged, then not only will you have chimney leaks, but your roof will have leaks as well.
Chimney Sweeps Inc. is the Chimney Leak Expert
If you live in the greater San Diego area and suspect you have a chimney leak, then get in contact with us right away. We will dispatch a team of knowledgeable chimney sweeps to inspect your chimney and determine if any leaks are present. If we find them, we will provide you with an estimate of how much repairs will cost. Don’t wait until a chimney leak has done irreparable damage; call today.
