Reasons Your Chimney Could be Leaking

If you notice your chimney leaking, you may be concerned about the overall well-being of your chimney, roof, or more. However, there are several possible reasons for this to happen — some less worthy of concern than others. If you’re experiencing leaks, it’s best to call chimney professionals for their experienced opinion.

For general information on leaky chimneys, take a look below at some of the most common reasons for a leaky chimney.

Roof flashing issues

Your roof flashing plays an important role by directing water away from certain areas. Unfortunately, it is possible this is due to the flashing being improperly installed. If this piece was recently installed and you’re experiencing leaking, it’s probably best to call the original installers. But, if you have had this piece installed for a while, then you may be simply experiencing regular wear and tear. If this is the case, it may be time for new flashing. Luckily, flashing is a relatively inexpensive replacement.

Rusted chase top 

At the top of every chimney, there is a chase top. This critical piece of your chimney acts as a blocker for rain that would otherwise pour inside your home. As time goes on, it can be subject to regular wear and tear and rust. As rust ages, it can lead to brittle materials that are no longer waterproof. Luckily, this type of repair is easy to catch during annual maintenance and inspection appointments and can be caught early.

Heavy rain and over saturation

 Naturally, when heavy rain is in the forecast, you’ll recognize pooling around your yard or potentially even basement if you have one. Unfortunately, at times, bricks in your chimney can become oversaturated and cause a leak. As the chimneys get more and more saturated, they can start to leak inside. As time goes on, weather can do a number on waterproofing seals, so it’s not uncommon for this to occur. This is also an easy fix that contractors can perform. They can stop the leak by sealing the bricks.

Should I call a professional?

If you’re experiencing heavy leaks, it’s always a good idea to call professionals. Not only could fixing the leak be outside of easy household chores, it may also get worse as it sits unattended to.

If it is a minor leak or one that seems to have gotten better over time, it may not be critical to call, but something to point out at your next annual inspection and cleaning appointment.

Ready to tackle your leaking chimney?

If you’re in the Burlington area, call Burlington Fireplace to schedule an appointment today! You can reach our experienced team at 262-763-3522. We expertly service customers throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, including Sturtevant, WI; Union Grove, WI; Des Plaines, IL; and Rockford, IL. You can also contact us online for a free estimate and to get the job started. No matter the build-up or problem, no job is too big for us.