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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.

Chimney Leaks This Winter

Although we may not get a lot of snow here in the Austin area, we can get heavy amounts of rainfall. You may think your chimney can tolerate all of this rain, but, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), water can adversely affect masonry chimneys by causing expensive damage and deterioration. The bricks and mortar of your chimney are porous and easily absorb water. Once water has begun to penetrate into your chimney, you could end up with serious water leak problems. Atlas Chimney takes water very seriously, and we offer several repair and preventive methods to keep your chimney working safely and efficiently. We have years of experience in inspecting chimneys for water leaks, and we would like to tell you the most common reasons of how water gets into your chimney.

You do not have a chimney cap installed on top of your chimney.

no chimney cap - Austin TX - Atlas Chimney

Without a cap, your chimney is a wide open door for water from rain and melted snow. Even if you do have a chimney cap, it could be damaged if it is older, and water can easily get through any cracks or gaps. Atlas Chimney sells and installs a wide variety of chimney caps, and we can help you pick out the best type of cap for your chimney if you do not have one or your existing cap is damaged. Not only do these caps keep water out of your chimney, but they also prevent birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals from entering to nest inside your chimney.

Your chimney crown has been cracked.

Most masonry chimneys are equipped with a crown at the top, but the constant exposure to the elements of weather can damage these crowns. When the crown is cracked, water leaks into your chimney through these cracks. Atlas Chimney can repair cracked chimney crowns to prevent chimney water leaks, and we can also construct brand new crowns if your existing crown is damaged beyond repair. We know how to properly design chimney crowns so that they have a slight angle that allows water to run off instead of accumulating to cause erosion damage.

You do not have a flashing system, or your existing flashing has been damaged.

The area where your chimney meets your roof is one of the most common locations for chimney water leaks, which is why you need a flashing system to protect this vulnerable area. If your flashing is damaged, it cannot do a good job of keeping water out of your chimney. In fact, it can cause water from rain to rush into your home. Atlas Chimney can create and repair flashing systems to effectively seal out water. We take sheets of metal that have been cut according to the measurements around your chimney where it meets the roof and wrap them around your chimney in layers to prevent water penetration.

Even if you have these chimney components installed on your chimney, water can still leak inside through the bricks and mortar joints. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to schedule a water leak inspection and to find out how our waterproofing services can give even more protection to your chimney against water penetration.

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