Causes of Chimney Leaks
Warning Signs That Your Chimney Has a Leak
How exactly can you determine whether or not there is a leak in your chimney? You have a few different options for items to look for. If the damper assembly in your fireplace or any of the accessories for your fireplace have rust on them, this might be an indication that something is leaking. Examining the mortar and bricks that make up your chimney might also help you spot signs of leaks in your home. If the surface in this region is dry and crumbly, it is possible that there is a leak in the surrounding area. In addition to that, check the area surrounding the fireplace. If the paint or wallpaper around the chimney seems bubbling or brittle, or if the ceiling is weak and discolored, it is possible that there is a leak in the chimney.
What Could Possibly Be the Source of Those Leaks?
And now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of the situation: what may be the source of those leaks? There are a number of potential entry points for water into your chimney, including the following: To begin, let’s take a look at the flashing. The flashing’s primary function is to provide a watertight barrier between your chimney and the roof of your home. When severe weather, such as high winds and hail, strikes, there is a possibility that the flashing will sustain some damage. It is possible that over time it will cause small holes to form, or that in extreme weather conditions it will cause it to become loose. If anything like this takes place, the seal will be broken, and you will have leakage.
A chimney cap that is fractured or cracked is another potential source of leaks in the structure. The purpose of the chimney cap is to prevent precipitation, animals, rubbish, twigs, and leaves from entering the chimney. This includes preventing animals from entering the chimney. When that cap becomes broken or worn, you face the chance of water leaks pouring down your chimney, which can damage the interior of your chimney. This can be prevented by replacing the cap as soon as possible.
The chimney crown is also located at the very top of your chimney, but its job is to shield the outside of your chimney from the damaging effects of precipitation over time. Therefore, if your chimney crown is broken, or if you don’t have a chimney crown, you run the danger of having the outside of your chimney exposed to the deterioration that rain may wreak on the bricks and mortar of your chimney. This can happen even if you have a chimney crown.
Caps for Chimneys
What exactly is the function of the chimney cap? The very name gives everything away, doesn’t it? A cap is an item that is placed on top of another item in order to keep it covered. For example, wearing a baseball cap on your head shields your eyes from the sun and helps hold your hair in place on windy days. When you want to prevent water from leaking out of a pipe, you may cover it up with a cap. The radiator cap on your car ensures that the coolant stays in the radiator. A chimney cap does the same function; it caps off your chimney to ensure that no debris or animals may enter it.
Choosing Between a Chimney Crown and a Chimney Cap
Your chimney is topped with a cap. This is the piece of concrete that sits directly on top of the bricks that make up your chimney. It is constructed in a way that prevents precipitation from getting into your chimney and causing damage. The sides are sloping downward so that any precipitation that does fall will be directed away from the aperture of the chimney. Additionally, it extends beyond the brick and mortar structure of your chimney by at least two inches. This prevents precipitation from being directed into the area where the chimney meets the roof, which is an area that is particularly prone to leaking. This configuration is quite effective in preventing water damage to your house. However, you might have noted that there is no mention of the actual chimney entrance being covered anywhere in the text. A chimney cap is designed specifically for this purpose.
Better to be safe than sorry. Let the experts handle your chimney troubles like Chimney Cleaning Helm and repairing. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today.