Motown Fire is the leading provider of chimney repairs in Chesterfield, MI, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI, Rochester Hills, MI, Royal Oak, MI, and the surrounding areas.
Chimney leaks are frustrating and potentially costly problems for homeowners. A leak can lead to water damage in your ceilings, walls, attic, and fireplace, not to mention mold and mildew growth. The tricky part? Chimney leaks often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. If you’ve noticed dampness around your fireplace or water stains on the ceiling near your chimney, you might be dealing with a leak. Here’s what causes chimney leaks and how we can fix them.
Common Causes of Chimney Leaks
There are several common culprits behind a leaky chimney:
Damaged or Missing Chimney Cap
A chimney cap is the metal covering that sits on top of the flue. It keeps rain, snow, debris, and animals out. If the cap is damaged or missing, water can flow straight down into the flue.
Faulty Flashing
Flashing is the metal material that seals the area where the chimney meets the roof. If it becomes loose or rusty, or was improperly installed, it can allow water to enter your attic or ceiling. Flashing issues are one of the most common causes of chimney leaks.
Worn Mortar Joints and Bricks
Brick and mortar naturally absorb water, but if the joints or bricks are cracked, deteriorating, or missing, they can allow more moisture inside. This is especially problematic in areas that experience freeze-thaw cycles because as water expands when it freezes, it causes the bricks and mortar to crack. The longer this goes unrepaired, the worse the cracks get and the more water enters.
Clogged Chimney or Gutters
A clogged flue or backed-up gutters can cause water to overflow or back up, redirecting it into places it doesn’t belong, including your chimney.
Cracked Chimney Crown
The crown is the concrete or mortar slab at the very top of the chimney, sealing the brickwork around the flue. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause it to crack. These cracks allow water to seep down into the masonry, leading to internal water damage.
Our Expert Chimney Leak Repairs
The fix depends on the source of the leak, but here are some common repair strategies.
Repair or Replace the Crown
If the crown is cracked, it can often be sealed with a waterproof coating. However, in serious cases, the crown may need to be rebuilt.
Reseal or Replace the Flashing
Old or improperly installed flashing should be removed and replaced with new, properly sealed flashing. Our technicians can ensure it’s watertight and properly integrated with the roofing material.
Tuckpointing and Waterproofing
Tuckpointing involves scraping out the old, deteriorating mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar. This restores the chimney’s structural integrity and prevents water intrusion. Once that’s done, we can apply a breathable waterproof sealant to keep moisture out.
Fix Drainage Issues
If the leak is caused by overflow from gutters, cleaning them and ensuring water is properly diverted away from the chimney and roof can solve the problem.
Install or Replace the Cap
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop water from entering your chimney. A new stainless steel or copper cap can provide long-lasting protection.
Preventing Chimney Leaks
Leak prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than repair. Here are some tips to keep your chimney leak-free year-round.
- Get an annual chimney inspection from a trained professional
- Install a cap if you don’t have one
- Waterproof your chimney and crown
- Keep your gutters clean
- Watch for signs of wear
A leaky chimney isn’t something to ignore. Call Motown Fire in the Detroit metro area for expert repairs and prevention options.
