Three Reasons A Chimney Leaks and How We Can Help
No one ever really gives their chimney any extra thought until something goes wrong. While a chimney provides appropriate ventilation for your fireplace, it also protects your home from natural elements like the weather. Even a small chimney leak can lead to a huge amount of damage from mold and mildew to compromising the structural integrity of the home. There are (usually) three main reasons why your chimney will start to leak and our experts at TruBlue Roofing and Remodeling want to take a minute to address these problems.
Reason #1:Compromised Chimney Top
The simplest cause of a chimney leak is water going straight in from the top of the structure. While you might not be able to see it from the ground, your chimney has a chimney cover (sometimes referred to as a “cap”) and crown that are essential for keeping rain, animals and debris from entering your home.
The chimney cover is the piece that covers the opening of the chimney and prevents items from getting in. The cover can become compromised over time to develop a hole or crack that may allow rain to enter the structure. The solution is to either repair or replace the chimney cover.
The chimney crown is the piece of cement that is at the top of the actual chimney that prevents moisture from getting in between the spaces created by the flue lining and the masonry of the chimney. If the chimney has any cracks, over time, they will begin to grow and allow for moisture to enter the chimney and cause severe damage.
Reason #2: Roof Flashing Problems
The roof flashing is like a chimney raincoat — it is the thin metal piece of material that roofers install to direct water away from the area where the chimney joins the rest of the roof. If this area is not joined together correctly or the flashing becomes damaged over time, the connection is no longer watertight. This situation is arguably the most common cause of a leaking chimney. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have this area of the roof regularly inspected to identify any issues before they happen.
If the roof flashing is damaged, it is essential to have it repaired quickly because it could lead to serious damage down the road. At TruBlue Roofing and Remodeling, we believe that fixing a minor issue such as roof flashing can prolong the lifespan of your roof. Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection and let one of our expert team members help you through every step of the process.
Reason #3: Brick Saturation
Did you know that bricks and mortar are porous? A brick chimney is porous enough to absorb water when it rains, and if there is a compromised spot on the chimney, this constant borage of moisture can cause your chimney to leak on the inside. Did you know there is a scientific explanation behind this occurrence?
Bricks and mortar are made using water. Over time, the bricks on your chimney can begin to absorb moisture (water, rain, sleet, snow). When temperatures drop below freezing, the water expands, and cracks develop. As the frozen water thaws, this leaves space for water to accumulate and cause damage. Luckily, there is a relatively simple solution to this problem. A certified roofing contractor can stop the leak by placing a masonry water repellent on the bricks to seal the area and prevent further saturation.
Who to Call?
When you need professional workmanship and high-quality materials for your roof and chimney, TrueBlue Roofing is the company to call. We take pride in providing excellent services at competitive prices! We also guarantee outstanding craftsmanship with a no-obligation estimate on every job. Contact us today at either our Raleigh (919) 589-7290 or Wilmington (910) 319-7249 location.
Visit our website for more information – https://trublueroofingnc.com/our-roofing-services/residential-roofing/
Want to learn more about roof repair?
Check out these related blog articles:
- 3 Roof Repair Mistakes
- Building Permits for Roofing Projects
- When is the Best Time to Replace a Roof?
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