Stop Your Chimney From Leaking
After locating the source of the problem, the next step is to address the problem. Depending on what took place, there may be a few things that need to be done on your end. Some of these pointers are also preventive and can assist you in reducing the likelihood of your chimney leaking in the future.
Tuckpointing of the Chimneys
Tuckpointing refers to the process of repairing and replacing the mortar joints in your brickwork. If you have a leak in your chimney, one of the first things to become damaged is the mortar. In addition, because it is exposed to the weather, the mortar will inevitably decay. It is also possible that this is the primary reason why your chimney is leaking.
Tuckpointing is the remedy that will fix this issue with the chimney. Because this is not a simple job, you should look into hiring a professional to perform it for you. They will reapply fresh mortar to the bricks of your chimney after climbing up it and doing so. This will properly cure any damage and plug any holes that may be present.
Replace the Chimney Cap and Seal the Flashing.
When it comes to preventing water from entering your home, the chimney flashing plays a very vital role. It’s the part of the roof where the chimney and the roof meet. Its purpose is to prevent water or air from seeping into your home while also serving to block off the gathering space. A significant issue arises in the event that your flashing is harmed in any manner. You will need to reseal it to avoid any significant harm from taking place in the future. You can obtain flashing sealant at any department store if the cracks are really slight, but we recommend getting help from a specialist for larger cracks. There is a possibility that your chimney is suffering from other unanticipated troubles. You may learn more about chimney flashing by reading one of our articles that is dedicated to chimney flashing. If you believe that the flashing on your device is the cause of the issue, we suggest that you look into it.
Make Sure Your Chimney Is Clean
When you light a fire in your fireplace, smoke will be released from the chimney. This also means that creosote and soot will begin to build up on the inside walls of your chimney. This is a significant risk and has the potential to start fires. Additionally, it might cause damage to your chimney, which can result in leaks. Having your chimney cleaned regularly is the most effective method to stop anything like this from happening. The process, which is also known as chimney sweeping, will remove all of the creosote and soot that has accumulated over the course of time.
When should you get your chimney cleaned and how often should it be done? There are a few different measures that you need to look at. If you want to play it safe, you should have it swept every fifty times you use it, however other types of fire sources, such gas logs, produce cleaner smoke. If this is the case, you can determine how much soot is in your chimney by measuring it. A chimney inspection and cleaning is required if the accumulation is more than 8 inches thick. You may also choose to have an examination of your chimney conducted so that you can evaluate whether or not it is necessary to have your chimney cleaned.
Waterproofing of the Chimney
It is of the utmost importance that you do all in your power to avoid any leaks from occurring in your chimney. This includes ensuring that your chimney is watertight. It is exposed to severe weather throughout the year and requires some sort of protection. By waterproofing your chimney, you are preventing water from entering your chimney and creating more damage. Even under the most severe conditions, your brick and mortar will keep its integrity for much longer.
Restore the crown of your chimney.
The chimney crown may be located at the very top of the chimney, as was discussed before, and its primary function is to deflect water away from the chimney. If it is fractured or otherwise damaged, moisture will have an easier time entering your home. If you see any cracks, chips, or other damage to the crown of your chimney, you should get in touch with a qualified specialist as soon as possible to repair it.
If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Del Rey and other affordable services.
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