Why Is My Chimney Leaking?
A leaky chimney is more than just an inconvenience—if not adequately resolved, it can snowball into a serious problem for your home.
What Causes Chimney Leaks?
A variety of environmental and physical factors can cause your chimney to leak, the most common being:
Frozen Water
Chimneys are constructed from brick, mortar, concrete, tile, or metal, all of which can be severely affected by water penetration. Moisture within your materials can freeze, place stress on your chimney, and cause it to crack.
These cracks degrade your chimney’s structural integrity, allowing easier access for water to seep into your home during future rainstorms.
Bad Chimney Flashing
Flashing is a protective barrier installed at the intersection of your chimney base and roof. Its primary purpose is to prevent moisture and debris from entering your home.
Flashing usually comes in metal sheets and is attached to your roof using a waterproof sealant. The sealant erodes over time and can create a passageway for water to enter your property.
It’s crucial to fix bad chimney flashing as soon as possible. Ignoring flashing repairs puts your home at risk of costly water damage.
Chimney Cap Leaks
Another common cause of chimney leaks is a damaged or cracked chimney cap. Your chimney cap is a concrete slab on the top of your chimney that protects the internal structure from the elements.
Environmental wear and tear causes the concrete to become brittle and crack. These cracks allow water to enter your chimney shaft and can substantially jeopardize your chimney’s internal structure.
There are two ways to resolve your chimney cap leaking. You can either fill the cracks with a waterproof sealant or invest in a metal cap replacement.
Gutter Issues
Poor weather and heavy storms can fill your gutter with debris. Clogged gutters can make water trickle into other areas of your home, often through cracks in your brick. Regularly removing clutter from your drainage areas reduces the risk of water overflowing into your property.
How Chimney Leaks Damage Your Home
Quickly fixing a leaky chimney is crucial to prevent further damage to your home. Water accumulation in your chimney can cause:
- Cracked flue lining
- Rusted damper parts
- Rotted wood and wall coverings
- Water-stained walls and ceilings
- Chimney odors
- A collapsed chimney
However, the biggest consequence is expensive repairs. Serious water damage can cost homeowners thousands in repair and replacement fees.
How To Identify Chimney Leaks
Correctly identifying the signs of chimney leakage helps you remediate the problem before it’s too late. Keep an eye out for these common indications of water damage:
Chimney Condensation
If you notice condensation lining the walls of your fireplace, it’s a tell-tale sign your chimney is leaking. The severity of condensation varies. To find out how severe the leak is, place the back of your hand on the damp area, then compare that to the drier parts. Evaluating the degree of condensation helps you determine where the leak is coming from and how serious it is.
Musty Odors
Moisture accumulating in your chimney can lead to unwelcomed odors as the water mixes with creosote buildup. If your chimney gives off a musty smell, this is a significant sign your chimney is leaking.
Sound of Dripping Water
If you hear dripping water in your fireplace during rainstorms, it’s safe to assume some aspect of your chimney structure is damaged. This can be due to cracked bricks, broken caps, or gutter issues. Regardless of the cause, it’s imperative to fix chimney leaks before your house takes on any water damage.
How To Prevent Chimney Leaks
While chimney leaks pose a serious threat to your home’s health, the good news is there’s a variety of preventative measures you can take to prevent further damage.
Waterproof Your Chimney
Because masonry materials are naturally porous, waterproofing your chimney helps reduce the rate of environmental wear and tear. Local chimney providers frequently offer waterproofing services to fill weak points and seal cracked materials.
Install a Cricket
A cricket is a type of water deflector that directs rainwater away from your chimney. Investing in a cricket installation significantly reduces the chances of water trickling into your home through damaged flashing or cracked masonry.
Repair Damaged Masonry
Tuckpointing refers to the process of repacking damaged masonry with new mortar. Tuckpointing seals gaps in your chimney’s structure to keep water from entering your home while extending the lifespan of your chimney.
AHI Keeps Your Chimney Dry
Approved Home Improvements has provided tuckpointing, waterproofing, and chimney repairs for St. Louis residents since 1991. We take pride in delivering solutions that keep our clients safe. Reach out to our experts for a free chimney inspection—we’re here to help.
