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Do You Need To File An Insurance Claim
South MS: (601) 520-3183
North MS: (662) 636-7663
North AL: (256) 692-5527
Meridian, MS: (601) 841-3218
Do You Need To File An Insurance Claim
Posted on January 18, 2025
As many homeowners know, a leaking chimney can cause serious forms of water damage that can quickly escalate, damaging both the chimney and your home’s structure. But the good news is that most leaks can be prevented or fixed early, saving you from expensive repairs. If enhancing your home and keeping it well maintained is one of your goals for 2025, knowing how to spot and address chimney issues is more important than ever.
In this blog post, we aim to help you keep your chimney watertight and protect your home from unnecessary damage with proper chimney leak repair.
Let’s go over the common causes of chimney leaks, so you can learn more about how different issues lead to expensive chimney leak repair.
The chimney crown acts as a barrier against water, but cracks from weather or poor construction can let moisture in, leading to serious damage over time.
Without a cap, rain, snow, and debris tend to enter the flue, causing leaks and potential blockages that may lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
Chimney masonry absorbs water and weakens over time, especially during freeze-thaw cycles. As cracks form, leaks become worse, leading to structural issues.
Flashing seals the gap where the chimney meets the roof. If it’s damaged or loose, water can seep in, increasing the risk of leaks.
The difference in temperature inside and outside the chimney can cause moisture to condense and drip, mimicking an external leak and leading to damage.
A clogged flue from creosote buildup, nests, or debris traps moisture inside the chimney, increasing the risk of leaks and airflow issues.
When the joints between chimney sections loosen or wear out, water can easily seep in, causing leaks and potential structural problems.
If you believe any of the causes above sound familiar to your situation, you’ll want to know how to repair and solve the problem. So now, let’s delve into how to repair a leaking chimney before it becomes worse. Keep in mind that while these can be DIY tasks, professional opinion can help.
Begin by conducting a thorough visual inspection of your chimney during periods of rain to identify where water is entering your home. Pay close attention to critical areas such as flashing, crowns, and caps. If locating the leak proves difficult or if there’s suspicion of extensive damage, consider hiring a professional chimney inspector who has specialized tools and experience.
Start by removing any debris around the flashing to ensure you have a clean working surface, this includes leaves, dirt, or old roofing materials.
Carefully scrape away any old roofing cement using a putty knife or chisel. This step is important to make sure that the new flashing properly sticks to the roof and prevents future leaks.
Secure any loose flashing using masonry screws, ensuring all edges are tightly sealed against the roof’s surface to prevent water from getting through.
Once the flashing is secure, apply new roofing cement along all joints and seams between the flashing and roof surface to create a watertight seal.
Use a chisel or hammer to carefully remove any loose or cracked mortar from the chimney crown. While you do this, be careful not to damage the surrounding areas.
Fill cracks with masonry sealant designed for outdoor use to create a waterproof barrier at the top of your chimney.
After applying sealant, ensure the surface of the chimney crown is even and sloped to effectively direct water away from the flue, minimizing the risk of future leaks.
Measure your chimney flue accurately to ensure the new cap fits securely over it without gaps or overlaps.
Once positioned correctly, apply mortar or high-quality caulk around the edges of the cap to provide an additional layer of security against moisture.
For added stability, you can use masonry screws to firmly attach the cap in place, especially in areas prone to strong winds or storms.
Fill any gaps in the siding near your chimney with patching cement designed for exterior use to ensure durability against weather conditions.
After patching, apply a water-repellent sealer over the repaired sections to provide additional protection, extending the lifespan of both the siding and underlying structures.
To help you recognize when it’s time for chimney leak repair:
If you notice water pooling or dripping inside your fireplace, it’s an obvious sign that there is a chimney leak. This often happens due to a damaged chimney cap or cracks in the crown, allowing water to seep in.
A damp, musty smell around your fireplace suggests moisture is building up inside the chimney. This can lead to mold or mildew growth, which thrives in wet conditions.
Yellowish-brown stains near the chimney indicate that water is leaking through. If left unchecked, the moisture can spread, causing further structural damage.
Finding bits of brick, mortar, or masonry inside the fireplace might indicate that the chimney is deteriorating, often caused by water damage weakening the structure.
Moist patches on the chimney, or the surrounding areas, suggest water is getting in through cracks in the masonry or flashing, which can lead to long-term structural problems.
A white, powdery residue on the chimney’s exterior means water is evaporating from the masonry, leaving behind mineral deposits. This would only occur if there were issues with water and leaks.
Rust on the damper, or other metal parts of the chimney, means excessive moisture is present, which can cause operational problems and compromise ventilation.
The cost to repair a leaking chimney depends on the repair needed and the damage’s extent. Small fixes, like sealing leaks or replacing the chimney cap, usually range from $150 to $400. Larger repairs, such as masonry or flashing work, can cost between $200 and $800. For more serious issues, like structural repairs or a full rebuild, costs can rise from $1,000 to $15,000.
To prevent having to pay for future expensive replacements, regular maintenance and quick repairs are necessary.
To prevent needing chimney repair in the future, let’s go over some of the steps you can take to protect your chimney from water damage:
Schedule professional inspections yearly to catch potential issues like cracks and blockages early.
Apply a waterproof sealant to the chimney’s exterior and crown to create a moisture barrier, allowing the masonry to breathe.
Install a quality chimney cap to keep rain, snow, and debris out, preventing leaks.
Regularly inspect and repair flashing around the chimney to ensure it properly seals the gap between the chimney and roof.
Install or repair a chimney liner for better water resistance and to protect against moisture.
Clean your chimney to remove creosote and debris, preventing blockages that could lead to dangerous conditions.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear to avoid overflow that could pool around the chimney.
Now you know the ways in which regular maintenance and timely repairs play a key role in keeping your chimney in good shape and avoiding expensive damage. By keeping in mind some of the tips we offered above, you can proactively maintain your home’s safety and comfort with chimney leak repair in 2025.
When it’s time for a roof replacement, trust the experts at B & A Roofing and Gutters. We provide top-quality roofing services that last, from inspection and material selection to installation and cleanup. With our focus on customer satisfaction, we offer durable, reliable roofs that protect your home from chimney leaks. Contact us today at (601) 520-3183 to learn more!
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