Chimney leaks are common in the Delaware County and Main Line areas during the summer months. Homeowners don’t usually notice anything is wrong until they notice that small brown circle in the ceiling or on a drywall wall. The small circle begins to get larger after every rainstorm. It’s truly one of the worst nightmares for every homeowner – the roof or chimney leak.
Fortunately for homeowners, we are available to inspect and repair chimneys on relatively short notice. We’re located in Delaware County and provide all types of chimney services to the surrounding areas. We will be happy to inspect your chimney, locate the source of the leak, and take care of it for you. Call us any time to discuss the problem in detail, but for now let’s look at a few things you can do to prevent leaks from the chimney.
Inspection
Take a good look at your chimney. Keep notes if necessary and pay close attention to the cap, crown, and flashing in particular. This is where most leaks originate. Homeowners may notice a small dent in the cap, crack in the crown, or damage to the flashing, and think that such a minimal amount of damage is inconsequential. Unfortunately this isn’t the case. Any type of damage to those three components can cause them to fail.
The chimney cap is designed to keep small creatures, birds, and rain out of the flue. It may not be doing the job it’s intended to do if it is damaged in some way. Make sure it is free of debris that may be blocking the air flow from the chimney and that it is not damaged. Chimney cap damage should be visible from the ground.
The chimney crown is designed to route water away from the flue. It’s the slightly-slanted concrete part that tops the masonry but allows the flue to stick through the middle a few inches. Any cracks in the concrete allow water to penetrate the top of the chimney and create serious problems in the near future.
The chimney flashing is designed to redirect water that runs down the roof to prevent it from pooling behind the chimney and creating a standing pool, or ice dam during the winter. Any dents or holes in the flashing should be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent leaks.
A cricket isn’t installed on every chimney, but is a great feature for chimneys which are on the low side of a steeply pitched roof and see a lot of water runoff from storms. It’s a small A-frame-shaped piece that is situated directly behind the chimney and directs water to one side or the other so it doesn’t sit idly behind the chimney and create rust.
Regular Maintenance
Lou Curley’s Chimney Service is located in Delaware County and provides all types of chimney maintenance and repair to the surrounding areas. Call us any time to schedule an appointment for a consultation, inspection, repairs, or maintenance for your chimney.