Not All Chimney Leaks Are Obvious

With certain types of chimney damage, you can easily spot the resulting leak. Other times, the leak isn’t obvious and may not be detected until thousands of dollars in damage has been done. The Chimney Guys of Pataskala, OH, would like to share a little helpful information about all types of chimney leaks, particularly those you can’t see.

What is a chimney leak?

In the chimney industry, we refer to a “leak” as any situation in which water from rain or melting snow enters the chimney system.

The most common areas where chimney leaks start include:

• Chimney cap or chase cover
• Chimney crown
• Bricks and mortar of a masonry chimney
• Chimney flashing that covers the gap between the chimney and roof

Why do chimney leaks happen?

Several things can cause a chimney to develop a leak and begin taking on water:

• Lightning, destructive hail, gale-force winds and other sudden weather events
• Low-quality bricks and mortar used to build the chimney
• Shoddy workmanship in building the chimney or replacing components
• A chimney fire
• Old age

Unseen chimney leaks

Aside from leaks caused by severe and sudden weather damage and large chimney fires, most chimney leaks begin small and go unnoticed for a period of time.

Minor cracks in the bricks, a section of flashing that’s become unseated, some crumbling of the concrete in a chimney crown – these and similar issues can start a leak that may not be spotted for a long time.

But whether or not you’re aware of the problem, water intrusion is never good for a chimney system. By the time you notice some of the “obvious” signs of a chimney leak, major unseen damage may have already occurred.

Signs of a chimney leak

These are common signs:

• Water in the firebox
• White stains (efflorescence) on the exterior chimney bricks
• Damp sections of the ceiling or walls near the fireplace
• Musty odors coming from the firebox or the attic
• Fireplace damper that’s rusty or squeaky

Chimney water damage

Water moving into a chimney system can cause major problems.

Liner damage

When a chimney liner becomes damaged by water, splits and breaks in its surfaces can allow heat, flames and deadly combustion gases to escape.

Masonry deterioration

As water moves into cracks in a chimney’s bricks, a gradual deterioration can take place that eventually may lead to a leaning or collapsed chimney.

Rotted home building materials

An unseen leak in the interior spaces of a chimney can cause rotting in walls, ceilings, flooring and other parts of the home.

Mold growth

Mold thrives in dark, damp, poorly ventilated areas. Chimney leaks can set the stage for a major outbreak of mold that remains “hidden” until mold-caused symptoms begin showing up in people who live in the home.

Solving and preventing chimney leaks

A proper chimney inspection is the best way to detect early signs of leaks and get them fixed fast. Experienced chimney technicians can repair any chimney problem that’s responsible for any size of leak.

After repairs and the replacement of damaged components, the final step is chimney waterproofing to protect the masonry and chimney crown from intruding water in the future.

Call your Ohio chimney experts

If you know your chimney is leaking – or suspect it might be – call The Chimney Guys for a thorough inspection and necessary repair work. Reach an Ohio chimney expert by phone or get in touch through our contact form.