CHIMNEY LEAK

Have you noticed water in your attic, moisture collecting around the base of the chimney, a water puddle in the bottom of your fireplace, or water stains on your walls around your fireplace? If so, you could be experiencing a leaky chimney. There are actually a few different issues that can cause a chimney to leak. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to call our chimney professionals immediately since sings of moisture damage can lead to a number

of expensive repairs if not addressed quickly.

Finding the cause of a chimney leak is generally a process of elimination. Here are a few common culprits:

If your chimney is not covered by a chimney cap, rain can enter your flue and fall straight down the chimney, soaking the masonry and brick on the way down.

 The chimney crown is the cement cover that sits on top of your chimney, covering the flue tiles and liner. If there are any cracks or opening in this cement or mortar, water can soak through and cause moisture damage all throughout your flue system even down into the fireplace and damper.

 Your chimney liner is what protects the

inside of your flue. It safely contains the combustion products and

directs them outside of the home. Since combustion products contain

a large amount of moisture, it also protects the masonry material of

the chimney from getting soaked from condensation as the

temperature inside the chimney cools down. A cracked or missing

chimney liner is a sure cause of moisture damage.

Chimney flashing is what keeps rain water from entering the house where the brick structure meets or comes through the roof. If your chimney flashing is old and deteriorating, it can leave a gap in between the roof and your chimney, allowing water and moisture to enter your home.

Even if you have determined the cause of your leaky chimney, you need to contact a professional chimney sweep immediately to address the problem. If left unattended, moisture damage can lead to spalling bricks, cracked or missing mortar, rust and liner deterioration, or degradation of the entire chimney structure. Don’t wait if you notice that your chimney has a leak. Water is a main contributor to major property damage that can end up costing thousands of dollars to fix. Our certified chimney sweeps can inspect your chimney to find out the cause of your water issues and quickly find a solution. Chimney Needs USA Inc serves residents in New York, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Westchester County, Putnam County and a number of other towns in the greater New York area. Don’t get caught in the rain literally because of a chimney leak, so call us today.