The 4 Most Common Causes Of Chimney Leaks
Here at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County, we take a proactive, calculated approach to chimney leak resolution. We work to quickly locate water entry points through a process of elimination.
We’ll start with the most common causes of chimney leaks:
Missing/Damaged/Poorly Installed Flashing
— What about the area where your chimney exits the roof of your home? Well, this area is particularly vulnerable to leaks, which is why chimney flashing is so important in the fight against water. Flashing is really just a term we use for the metal sheets that are strategically layered and installed on the roof and the base of the chimney where the two meet. These sheets provide protection and encourage water to run down off the vulnerable area instead of entering the home. Unfortunately, flashing is often done wrong or with low-quality metals that quickly rust and corrode. Strong winds can also lift flashing and allow water to access the home, leading to water stains on the ceiling around the fireplace and what appears to be a roof leak.
Damaged Crown/Rusted Out Chase Cover
— The crown sits near the top of your chimney stack, just below the cap. This important piece of the chimney system works to cover the chimney opening and keep water, snow, sleet, and other outside elements from entering your chimney and home. Prefabricated chimneys have chase covers instead, which serve the same purpose. Unfortunately, water and age can damage the crown or chase cover, causing the crown to crack and crumble or the chase cover to rust and corrode. Once the damage starts, water will continue to work on the crown or chase cover until it makes its way down into the chimney.
Missing Chimney Cap
— If you take a look at your chimney from the outside, you’ll notice that the flue extends up past the chimney stack (or chase) itself. Because it extends up outside of the home, the flue needs some sort of protection against rain entry, which is exactly what the chimney cap is for. These metal covers are designed to fit over the flue and shield it from the elements. But if the chimney cap isn’t perfectly fitted to the flue or it blows off during a strong storm, the flue is left open and vulnerable. This means water has an easy passageway into the chimney itself.
Deteriorating Or Damaged Brick/Mortar Joints
— Your chimney is made of brick and mortar materials. You may not know it, but they are porous, which means they naturally absorb and soak up water. The problem is, as temperatures change throughout the four seasons, moisture inside the brick and mortar joints can freeze and thaw. This constricting and expanding can break up the masonry from the inside out. This is what causes brick to pop or spall and leads to cracks and receding mortar joints in the actual stack of your chimney. Damaged and deteriorating masonry will only soak up more and more water, and that water will eventually make its way into your home.
Why Trust Clean Sweep Of Anne Arundel County With Your Chimney Leak Repair & Prevention Work?
When it comes to caring for your home, you want someone who not only knows what they’re doing but who is clean, trustworthy, and respectful of your property. Here at Clean Sweep of Anne Arundel County, we pride ourselves on being:
- Knowledgeable, Experienced & Trustworthy — We’ve been repairing, cleaning, inspecting, and protecting chimney systems since 1978, and all of our technicians are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We follow the Industry Standard of Care, National Fire Protection Association 211 Codes & Standards, and the International Residential Code Inspection and Procedures. We also utilize the latest tools and technology as well as the industry’s best and most effective products and materials. Our years of experience and extensive knowledge of chimneys and water penetration has made us the company you can trust for chimney leak resolution and prevention.
- Clean & Respectful — Our team takes the time to lay down drop cloths, wear protective booties, and protect the home against mess and damage during our services. We treat each and every home and property with respect and put great effort into cleaning up so that the home looks beautiful when we’re done.