We Can Find The Source Of Your Chimney Leaks

It wouldn’t be that uncommon to have a leak coming from your chimney, especially if you live in a region of the country that gets a lot of precipitation. The problem is easy to recognize. A musty smell around your fireplace is a good sign that you have a leak. Of course, there are other signs of leaking including water dripping in your firebox, molding or peeling of ceiling paper or paint, molding or peeling of wallpaper around your fireplace, or weak trim boards around the fireplace.

Sources Of Leaks

If you recognize the signs, then you probably have a chimney leak. Why the leak? Moisture between mortar and bricks or inside the brick can freeze during the winter and cause pores to expand. Over time the cycle of expansion during the winter and return to regular configuration during warmer seasons causes large gaps in the wall that permit water to leak through the chimney, which in time leads to damage.

A cracked or damaged chimney cap or chimney crown can also cause leaks. Caps or crowns are meant to prevent precipitation from getting into the chimney and also helps keep birds and other animals out. If there are cracks on the cap or crown due to weathering or settling, moisture can leak through and cause damage to the interior of the chimney.

Areas in which the roof’s surface contacts the chimney, known as flashing, can also be a place where moisture can get through to the chimney and cause damage.  That’s because it is difficult to get a good seal on the joints of the building, especially for the joint where the chimney meets the roof. This area is layered and staggered so that a shield is created that directs water to the edge of the roof instead of the home. This area too can crack due to weathering and become a source of leaks.

Controlling Leaks

If you or a member of the family have do-it-yourself skills, then it’s possible for the problem to be repaired without calling in a professional. However, the process of repairing leaks can get complicated. To properly repair a leak, a homeowner would require a variety of specialty tools as well as unique knowledge of repairing the chimney leaks that are common to the chimney structure. It is easier to request the assistance of a professional who is skilled and knowledgeable in handling chimney repairs.

The staff at Burlington Fireplace, located in Burlington, Wisconsin, is trained to make such repairs so that you don’t have to deal with them. The company also sells and installs fireplaces, stoves, and inserts and offers chimney inspection and cleaning services.

If you think you have a leaking chimney, contact us through our website or call us at
262-763-3522 to set up an appointment for a chimney inspection and repair. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions concerning the maintenance and repair of your chimney or if you need a fireplace, stove, or fireplace and chimney accessories.