Post by : Admin
02-Mar-2021
Although the National Fire Protection Association advises that chimneys should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year, most people forget about chimney maintenance once the winter’s over.
Chimneys are exposed throughout the year, which is why it’s important to keep a close eye on their maintenance. One of the most prevalent issues that arise with chimneys is leaks, and these can be caused due to several factors.
A chimney cap is installed at the top of your chimney so let’s just say that it’s your chimney’s first defense against all outside elements. A chimney without a cap is exposed to rain, snow, and all kinds of debris. Needless to say, you don’t want any dead animals ending up in the fireplace, but you also don’t need rainwater coming in.
Even if you have a chimney cap, you need to maintain and replace it from time to time because it can be damaged due to bad weather or by animals and so on. The damaged cap will result in overall deterioration leading to a lot of costly chimney repairs.
Nine out of ten times when you have a chimney leak, this is where the problem lies. Flashing is installed where your chimney meets the rooftop. Its primary purpose is to keep out moisture, but often, it’s not great at its job. It’s made with aluminum, which explains why it’s not very durable.
If installed properly, it can provide reasonable waterproofing for a significant amount of time, but eventually it deteriorates and needs to be replaced. If this seal is damaged, it’ll create a gap allowing water to pour through.
Even in the most ideal of situations, the mortar in your chimney will last a maximum of 25 years. Since one of its most important functions is keeping out moisture, it’ll allow in water once it’s completed its life cycle. When water freezes and then thaws, over time, this process will compromise the chimney structure enabling the water to leak into your chimney system.
No amount of waterproofing will suffice for the long term; eventually, the broken mortar joints and cracked bricks will contribute to chimney leaks. The damage can become very costly if not addressed on time.
If your chimney is leaking, you may want to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Don’t wait for the annual fall inspection; the leaks could cause serious damage to your house structure. Call over an experienced professional like the ones we have at Creative Masonry & Chimney to figure out and fix the source of the leak now!
Get in touch with us today. We provide chimney services in Farmington, Burlington, Hartford, Simsbury, Bloomfield, Avon, CT, and some surrounding areas.
