Limited time offer. Book By 10-04-23
Call or complete form to get this offer!
Hot Deal

How To Spot A Chimney Leak

Post by : Admin

12-Apr-2022

Imagine snuggling up next to the fireplace, and you hear water dripping down the chimney on a wet day. This unwelcome visitor is the most obvious indication that you have a leak in your chimney that has to be repaired as soon as possible.

Other indicators are more subtle and difficult to observe due to their out-of-reach places. You may either find these yourself or have a chimney repair business come in and look after them for you. Here are the common culprits to look out for:

a brick chimney

Physical Deterioration Of Bricks

When bricks are exposed to water for an extended period, they absorb the water and turn white. This is known as efflorescence, which has more consequences than merely aesthetic alterations.

It also weakens the bricks’ physical strength, causing them to tumble out of the chimney construction. A musky odor is also produced by the water content, indicating a water build-up within your chimney as a result of a leak.

Damaged Mortar

Mortar sliding out of the gaps is one of the first symptoms of water damage to your chimney—mortar aids in resisting your chimneys against water by preventing water from flowing in between the bricks. However, it may become loose over time and break away from the gaps.

Water that is not held outside by mortar seeps into the chimney, causing damage to the bricks and, in turn, producing long-term consequences. If your chimney is older, it may require repointing services to have the mortar reinstalled.

A Damaged Chimney Crown

The chimney crown provides shelter and helps keep water, debris, and other things out of your chimney.

The crown can eventually break down due to wear and tear, causing water to trickle down the chimney. It will also affect the performance and longevity of your chimney.

a roof with two chimneys

Rusting

If your damper and firebox are rusted, you need to be careful. It’s a warning sign that there’s too much dampness in your chimney. Rusting is to blame if the damper isn’t closing as tightly as it once did or isn’t as smooth as it once was.

If there are visible signs of rust, this indicates leaks in your chimney that can cause major difficulties if not addressed. It can harm the liner or cause a breach in the flue, resulting in a fire.

If there’s a leak in your chimney, Creative Masonry & Chimney is up to the task of fixing it up. We offer chimney repair and masonry services in Avon, Farmington, West Hartford, Simsbury or Bloomfield, CT. We’ve been in the business for around 20 years, installing, repairing and providing maintenance for chimneys and fireplaces.

Get in touch with us today.