Our Company Blog

Reasons For A Leaky Chimney

One of the most common chimney problems are water leaks. Consequently, they also can cause quite a bit of damage. Having your leaky chimney repaired as quickly as possible is important. In doing this, it prevents extensive and expensive deterioration. However, pinpointing the reason for the chimney leak can be challenging and frustrating. Fortunately, Atlas Chimney has the expertise and experience to find the source of the leak! We can repair your leaky chimney, as well as protect it from future leaks. Atlas Chimney recommends having us do the hard work of diagnosing and repairing chimney leaks. Having said that, you can help us save time by finding the general location of the leak. We would like to share with you some of the places where leaks commonly occur.

CHIMNEY CROWN

If you see standing water in your firebox, a damaged chimney crown is most likely the source of your water leak. Although, ImproveNet warns that impediments can cause water from rain and melted snow and ice to change direction. This causes water to show up in other parts of your home. Your chimney crown is made from mortar, which over time can deteriorate from exposure to the elements. Atlas Chimney specializes in chimney crown repair and construction. So, you can trust us to fix your damaged crown to keep water out of your chimney.

SPALLED BRICKS AND MORTAR JOINTS

Have you noticed cracked or missing bricks and mortar joints on the exterior of your chimney? If so, you probably have water leaks in the damaged areas. This type of damage is called spalling, and it occurs during the winter from freeze/thaw cycles. Our certified chimney masonry technicians can replace damaged and missing bricks and mortar joints. In addition, we can also apply a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney that will protect it from future water penetration damage.

FLASHING

A leaky chimney can lead to several serious issues which can cause your chimney to be unsafe to use. Make sure your chimney is in good shape! Contact us at Atlas Chimney and schedule an appointment for a water leak chimney inspection.

Fixing a Leaky Chimney Before the Holidays

If you suspect you may have a leaky chimney, you should have it inspected as soon as possible. Neglecting a chimney leak can lead to even more damage that can end up being very expensive. You may think that you could wait until the new year to have the leak repaired. However, Atlas Chimney recommends that you go ahead and contact us now. We can take care of your leaky chimney quickly! This way, you can relax and enjoy the holidays without worrying about the leak getting bigger. Why you should be proactive when it comes to a leaky chimney? Atlas Chimney would like to tell you more about the damage caused by chimney leaks. In addition, how we can fix the problem.

What kind of damage can a chimney leak do?

Water can be so destructive that the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has called it the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. Water leaks can lead to rusting of metal chimney components.

These include:

• the damper and the liner
• the staining and leaking of walls and ceilings near the chimney
• the rotting of wood that is adjacent to the chimney

This rusting causes major damage to the structure of your chimney. Most of this structural damage occurs during the winter. Masonry materials like bricks and mortar are naturally porous. Therefore, any water that is absorbed into these materials will freeze and expand whenever the temperature falls below freezing. As this water thaws, it can cause the bricks and mortar joints to crack and break apart. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles accelerate and worsen this damage. Consequently, the damage can lead to the entire chimney structure collapsing.

How can Atlas Chimney fix my chimney leak?

With over 30 years of experience in working on leaky chimneys, we know where the most common areas for leaks are located. Once we have found the source of the leak, we will provide you with a written estimate of the repairs needed to solve the problem. We provide skilled chimney masonry services, including chimney crown repair and construction, as well as tuckpointing. We can also repair and build customized flashing systems that protect one of the most vulnerable areas, which is where the chimney meets the roof.

How can Atlas Chimney protect my chimney from leaks?

We highly recommend that you have your chimney professionally waterproofed to prevent water penetration. We offer waterproofing services that give your chimney the best protection available. Our trained chimney technicians only use waterproofing formulas that are 100% vapor permeable. This is important because it allows vapors to escape the masonry materials, instead of becoming trapped and causing even more damage.

If you suspect you have a chimney leak, contact us at Atlas Chimney today. We can take care of your leaky chimney before the holidays so that you can relax and enjoy this special time of the year!