Have you noticed stains on the walls and ceilings near your chimney? If so, you likely have water leaks throughout your structure, and you’ll want to get a professional on the job as soon as you can. Water damage and leaks aren’t something you want to mess around with, and the longer you wait to address them, the more expensive and time-consuming your repair projects will become.
Learn more about what causes leaks and how to prevent them by reading below, then count on our expert crew to set you up right, so you stay better protected down the line. Sweeps & Ladders is ready to have your back through it all!
What Caused My Water Leaks?
So, why are leaks occurring in the first place? There could be a number of reasons. First of all, if your masonry isn’t protected, then moisture will easily become absorbed in the brickwork and wreak havoc. The more your bricks and mortar break down, the worse off you’ll be, and before you know it, cracks, holes, and other openings will have formed all throughout the structure. This gives smoke, dangerous gases, flames, and – you guessed it – water easy access to your home!
Another cause of leaks is a faulty or missing chimney cap. Chimney caps sit overtop your chimney’s opening, and they play an essential role in keeping out rain, snow, sleet, and all kinds of moisture, and they stop birds, squirrels, and various types of other critters from entering your flue, as well. They even stand strong against debris and harsh winds! Having one installed is a must. Without this protective covering, your chimney will be leaking before you know it.
Is your flashing worn down and rusted? This is another big reason why homeowners experience chimney leaks. Your flashing is the metal piece that covers the area where your roof and chimney meet, and if it isn’t installed correctly, it will decay, rust, and let water easily enter your home – not good!
Finally, it’s important to always ensure your chimney crown is performing up to par. Your crown should be made from a cement-based mixture, and it should slant downward, thus sending any rainwater out and away from the sides of your brickwork. A damaged or poorly built crown will lead to all kinds of problems in no time.
What Will Happen If I Don’t Address Water Damage?
So, what happens if these issues are simply ignored? Well, this is strongly discouraged. The longer you wait to invest in repair work, the more your structure will deteriorate, leading to broken down masonry, as well as all kinds of cracks, holes, and gaps. All of these issues affect airflow, which will then trigger creosote accumulation, which is really bad for your structure and is known to cause chimney fires.
Not to mention, all of these openings give smoke, carbon monoxide, and even flames easy access to your home, meaning you could be facing some dangerous scenarios before you know it. All in all, you’ll be left with a long list of repair bills, an extensive amount of home damage and the lives of your family members will be put at risk. Save yourself the time, money, and stress by investing in some affordable care now. Our team can ensure an easy fix doesn’t turn into a disaster!
How Can I Prevent Leaks In The Future?
Once all of your leaks and water-related damages are appropriately addressed, it’s time to invest in preventative maintenance. There are lots of things our team can offer to ensure you stay better protected for the long haul! The first thing we’ll talk about is waterproofing. Brickwork and mortar absorb water quite easily, so you’ll want to ensure a strong barrier is in place to prevent water from entering.
Thinking of painting your fireplace to keep water out? This isn’t a great route to take. Not only will the look of your structure be affected, but any pre-absorbed moisture will get trapped inside. This means that, while no moisture can get it, anything inside won’t be able to vent out, either. All in all, your problems won’t be solved, and you’ll still end up with a lot of decay and crumbling.
For better results, rely on our team. We use vapor-permeable products that protect your brickwork, while allowing it to breathe. And it won’t make your masonry look glossy or unsightly, either! There really isn’t a better route to take, and the sooner you act, the better. Reach out to us now to learn more.
We’ve also discussed the importance of properly fitted flashing and a sturdy chimney cap. We are equipped to repair and/or install both of these things, and you might benefit from a top-sealing damper, too. Need a chase cover? We can help you out with that, as well! In the end, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to keep water and moisture out for good.
Don’t Wait Any Longer!
We’ve stressed it many times – when it comes to water damage, the sooner you act, the better! Don’t wait any longer. Get in touch with our CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps today to get this process going. We’re ready and eager to serve you!
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