How to Prevent a Chimney Leak

How to prevent a chimney leak. Although they don’t tend to be the most used portions of a house, chimneys can cause a lot of problems. They are typically located above the roof line, which means that they are one of the first to take damage during a destructive event. 

Between rain, storms, or condensation, moisture traps itself into the brick and mortar of a chimney. Many homeowners don’t think twice about this, and for understandable reasons. Since they are so cut off from the rest of the building, damage festering within the chimney goes unnoticed until it is too late for prevention. 

Left unchecked, chimney damage can cause fires, moisture, or even carbon monoxide poisoning. They are often the cause of many unsolved problems, so if you’ve been experiencing some of these issues yourself, it could be your chimney. 

It is important to try and prevent these situations from happening, so here are some ways that you can stop your chimney from leaking. 

Get a Chimney Cover

One of the first and easiest things that you can do to prevent a chimney leak is invest in a chimney cover. If birds, pests, or rain have been getting into your house, it is most likely because you don’t have anything protecting the top of your house. 

Chimney covers avoid too much rain getting in, especially since it tends to bring in debris along with unwanted moisture. Above all, keeping chimneys free from any blockage prevents Carbon Monoxide poisoning, a deadly and devastating health hazard. 

Have a professional come out and place a chimney cover over the flue. If you already have one, check to make sure that it hasn’t sustained any damage. If your current chimney cover is damaged or needs to be updated, change it immediately. 

Waterproof Your Chimney

Since they take the brunt of most water related events, it may be time to think about waterproofing your chimney. It is an easy and efficient way to prevent leaks, moisture, or water damage, especially when it may be happening under your nose. 

Keep your chimney intact by taking the initiative to waterproof your chimney. If you would like to try and waterproof the chimney yourself, make sure that you prepare yourself by wearing protective clothing and researching every step of the process. However, while it is one of the few chimney projects that you can do on your own, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional service.

Keep an Eye on Your Chimney Crown

The Chimney crown is the cement portion at the top of the chimney. The purpose of the crown is to keep rain and snow out of the flue. However, because it is often made out of brick, it is common for cracks to form around the tiles. Masonry is known to be very durable, but due to the natural passing of time, the cement begins to deteriorate. 

When this happens, moisture gets trapped inside the chimney. If water keeps getting into your home unexpectedly, it is likely because you have a damaged chimney crown. This happens when the crown gets cracked, causing rain to pour right through the masonry and allowing moisture to get trapped in the flue. 

When this happens, masonry repair is required. If the damage isn’t severe, a simple coating treatment will be enough to fill in the cracks. However, if there is significant damage to the crown of the chimney, masonry professionals will need to remove the old cement and replace it with new brick. 

Check Your Flashing

Have you ever noticed that there is a gap between the mortar, your roof, and the chimney? This is an aluminum piece known as the flashing, which is there to prevent water from entering the brick. 

However, if this isn’t sealed or it has been damaged in some way, leaks can trickle into your chimney. Since it is often built out of waterproof material, it only lasts for temporary periods of time before periodic check ups may be necessary. 

If you don’t have flashing already, hire a professional to install it into your chimney. If you know you already have it and have experienced regular chimney problems despite routine sweeps, then your flashing may be the culprit. 

Watch Your Wallpaper

Have you noticed subtle changes in your wallpaper? Has it started to crack and fold, particularly in areas where you know a chimney is nearby? Peeling wallpaper can be one of the first signs that your chimney is leaking, but it can also help you prevent it from getting worse.

If you notice changes in your wallpaper, you may just need a chimney liner. However, if you’re worried about the severity of your chimney’s damage, check in with a professional so that they can survey the problem. 

Solve Your Chimney Problems With B+E!

At B+E, we value the safety of your home. A chimney leak is our specialty, and we want to properly help you solve any problems you may be experiencing. Whether it be chimney leaks, routine sweeps, or restoration, we are here to help!

We welcome any questions you have about chimney services. If you would like to request an evaluation, please contact us today.