Chimney leaks can be a problem, especially if they're allowed to go on for a long time. Knowing the cause of chimney leaks and the signs that your chimney has a leak of its own can help you avoid problems, take care of your house, and maintain your property's value. With a little ongoing maintenance, your chimney can avoid this problem.
Chimney leaks typically occur because of everyday wear and tear that can break down the parts of your chimney over many years. Exposure to freeze/thaw cycles, rain, intense heat, UV rays and other environmental factors cause your chimney to slowly deteriorate. Some of the common problems that cause chimney leaks include:
Some chimney leaks are obvious, others are not. Knowing the signs can help you identify a problem. One thing is for sure: it's really important to identify a chimney leak when it's happening. Leaks that are allowed to persist for a long time can lead to wood rot, roof damage and other problems. Be aware of what's happening in your house, and inspect the area in and around your chimney on a regular basis. Signs of a chimney leak:
Fortunately, there are many ways that you can protect your home from possible chimney leaks. By maintaining your chimney and your roof, you can avoid the kind of deterioration that leads to water intrusion.
As already mentioned, not all chimneys have caps. If your chimney doesn’t have a cap, get one installed. This is an easy and relatively inexpensive fix. If your chimney is of unusual size, your repair professional may need to have a cap custom-made. Speak to your chimney repair professional.
Waterproofing can prevent water from seeping into the crown and bricks. Waterproofing may need to be done on a regular basis. Your chimney repair professional can tell you how often this work needs to be done.
Chimneys need to be inspected and repaired on a regular basis - especially if they're used throughout the colder months of the year. Schedule regular inspections of your chimney with a reputable professional. Make sure the contractor you hire is going to inspect the flashings and caulking around the chimney with every cleaning.
Hire reputable professionals to take care of your chimney and roof. Call Pickard Roofing to schedule an appointment.
At Pickard Roofing, we think Design. Craft. Renew. We are experienced in all types of roofing systems- and provide the right roofing design and selective craftsmanship for renewing our customer’s assets. We invite sustainable building customers to give us a call for your free evaluation. For over 90 years Pickard Roofing Company has installed countless metal, tile, slate, TPO, EPDM, and all types of shingle roofing in the Triangle. Our services include residential, commercial, custom architectural metal fabrication, and historical renovation.