It’s no secret that sometimes unwanted surprises can come down the chimney…and a leaky chimney is one of the last things any homeowner wants to discover. From damp patches on the walls to musty odors permeating the air, chimney leaks not only compromise the integrity of your home, but also pose potential health hazards to those within it.
Fortunately, the team at Lou Curley’s Chimney Services has solutions. Call or book online now.
The Top 4 Ways We Stop Chimney Water Leaks
1. Chimney Cap Installation
Chimney cap installation involves placing a protective covering over the top of a chimney. These caps are typically made of metal, such as stainless steel or copper, and they are designed to prevent debris, animals, and rainwater from entering the chimney. They also serve to prevent downdrafts and can help improve the overall efficiency and safety of a chimney system.
2. Water Repellent Application
Water repellent application, or waterproofing, refers to the process of treating masonry surfaces, such as brick or stone, with a specialized waterproofing sealant. This treatment creates a barrier that repels water…while still allowing the masonry to breathe.
Water repellent application helps to protect masonry structures from water damage, including efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage, and deterioration caused by moisture intrusion.
3. Tuckpointing/Repointing Services
Pointing, also known as repointing or tuckpointing, is the process of repairing or replacing the mortar joints between bricks or stones in a masonry structure.
Over time, mortar can deteriorate due to weathering, age, or other factors, leading to gaps or cracks in the joints. Pointing services involve removing damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar to restore the structural integrity and appearance of the masonry.
Proper pointing helps to prevent water infiltration, maintain the stability of the structure, and prolong its lifespan.
4. Chimney Crown Repair
The chimney crown is the concrete or mortar slab that covers the top of the chimney stack. It serves as a protective barrier against weather elements, such as rain, snow, and ice.
Chimney crown repair involves repairing or replacing a damaged or deteriorated chimney crown. This typically includes patching cracks, reinforcing the crown, or completely rebuilding it to ensure proper functionality and durability. A well-maintained chimney crown is essential for preserving the integrity of the chimney and preventing costly water damage.
How Can I Prevent Chimney Leaks in the Future?
You know how we stop chimney leaks…but how can you prevent them from recurring down the line?
You can stop leaks before they become a problem with proper care and a good maintenance routine. Here are a few tips to keep your chimney up and running well:
- Schedule annual inspections. It’s crucial that your chimney is checked out by a CSIA-certified chimney professional at least once a year. A chimney inspection is the easiest way to find issues early on and monitor your chimney for changes.
- Take care of repairs promptly. In the instance that your chimney technician finds a problem during an inspection, try to schedule repair services as soon as possible. There are situations where repairs can wait a little while, but you should always discuss this with the technician. The quicker the chimney repair is completed, the sooner you can check it off your to-do list.
- Install a cricket if necessary. Consider getting a cricket if your chimney is 30 or more inches wide. A cricket looks like a miniature roof that’s designed to divert water away from the chimney.
- Invest in preventive measures. This might mean installing a more suitable chimney cap, investing in waterproofing services, having flashing installed, or something else. We’ll see what’s best for your set up.
Why Should I Hire a Professional To Fix a Chimney Leak?
There are some things around the home that you can tackle yourself – mowing the lawn, cleaning your gutters, and trimming the hedges are straightforward chores that you can easily take on as a weekend project. Fixing a chimney leak, though? That’s a bit more complex and calls for someone with expertise and knowledge of chimney systems.
It’s common for homeowners to take the DIY chimney leak repair route to save on overall costs, but attempting to fix a leak on your own could actually end up costing you more money in the long run.
Professional chimney technicians know where to look when searching for the source of a leak, and it’s easy to misdiagnose the problem if you’re inexperienced in chimney anatomy. And a missed leak will only get worse, causing more damage that’s expensive to repair.
It’s also important to remember that completing chimney work up a roof can be dangerous. Our chimney technicians are thoroughly trained in safety protocols to limit the chances of an accident, and they have the proper equipment to safely work at heights. Your well-being is our top priority – and that isn’t just limited to fire safety.
Will Insurance Cover a Leaky Chimney?
A homeowners insurance policy might cover the costs of chimney repairs under certain conditions…but it’s not very likely. Most policies only cover chimney damages that are caused by a “sudden occurrence,” like a hurricane or big storm. That means, you can’t typically file an insurance claim if the cause of the chimney leak was preventable or the result of neglect.
For instance, if the source of your leaky chimney is found to be a damaged cap or flashing – and you haven’t been investing in annual chimney inspections – it’s considered preventable because that’s something we could have spotted when we came for your overview.
On that same note, even if a storm did damage your chimney, you may need to provide proof that your chimney was in good condition before the bad weather hit. We encourage our clients to book regular inspections and keep copies of their inspection reports in the case of a chimney emergency.
Don’t Let Water Destroy Your Chimney – Call Lou Curley Chimney Today
Now that you know what causes chimney leaks, why leaky chimneys should be fixed quickly, and what you can do to prevent leaks in the future, it’s time to take care of that leaky chimney.
Give us a call or reach out online, and let us know if you suspect a leak. We’ll send someone out ASAP to get to the bottom of the issue and provide you with long-lasting, effective solutions, so you can kiss that leak goodbye for good. Thanks for trusting us.