Typical Sources of Chimney Leaks
Even though winter is over, it’s still not a good idea to put off chimney repair. Your chimney can be damaged by a number of things at any time of the year and in any kind of weather. Chimney leaks require the most frequent kind of repair. A yearly chimney inspection is advised by the National Fire Protection Association as a strategy to help prevent harmful house fires. However, by detecting chimney leaks before the necessary repairs become overly expensive, periodic chimney inspections can also help you save money in the long run.
An uncapped or untopped chimney is exposed to a variety of environmental factors. Your chimney serves as a direct entrance for rain, snow, and sleet. Moisture damage can take many different forms, ranging from a corroded damper to chimney flue degeneration. In addition to rain, leaves can fly in and impede or start a chimney fire, all of which are quite risky. Toxic fumes may enter the house if you build a fire in the fireplace and the chimney is clogged, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. If a chimney fire is started by debris, the high temperature inside the chimney may damage the flue lining and the masonry, both of which could lead to a rapidly spreading house fire. The greatest kind of chimney preventative maintenance may involve purchasing and installing a chimney cap.
If kept dry, the stonework of a chimney can last for at least 100 years. On the other hand, the mortar holding the masonry together only lasts about 25 years under optimum circumstances. When the mortar can no longer keep moisture out of the chimney system, it needs to be replaced. Winter’s freezing and thawing cycles lead the brick face to flake or pop off after moisture has penetrated the material. The structural integrity of the chimney may become so weakened that a complete reconstruction, which would be highly expensive, is required. The chimney is severely impacted when it rains due to the roof’s shape, which is one of the causes of mortar damage. Building a cricket, which is a roof-like structure that directs water away from the chimney, is a very good solution to this issue. Another option is to weatherproof your chimney masonry to prevent moisture infiltration.
The chimney crown, a cement cap at the top of the chimney, prevents moisture from leaking between the flue lining and the masonry. Water may seep in through a fractured crown and cause harm. Untreated cracks can grow and become extremely challenging, if not impossible, to fix. However, minor cracks can be fixed before moisture causes more serious harm. Another important reason for homeowners in the region to call our qualified Local Chimney Cleaning Biggs professionals for a yearly inspection and cleaning is the possibility of chimney crown damage.
The installation of chimney flashing serves to create a waterproof seal that keeps moisture out where the chimney and the rooftop meet. As opposed to the chimney itself, flashing, which is often made of aluminum, is less resilient. A leaky chimney can often be traced back to the flashing, either because it has worn out over time or because proper waterproofing was not attained when it was installed.
A chimney chase’s metal top pan normally isn’t very resilient. Frequently, water collects, rusting the metal. A damaged top pan is another typical cause of a leaky chimney and another excellent reason to get in touch with our chimney experts.
Plan a chimney check if you want to be certain that your fireplace or wood stove is in good shape and prepared for the winter. Any chimney leaks that could be present can be found and repaired by our professionals. You can save more on potential repair costs the sooner issues are fixed.
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