Richmond BC Chimney Leak Repair
Why Is My Chimney Leaking?
The parts designed to protect your chimney from water are also common sources of leaks. Chimneys are built with specific components that are designed to help keep their worst enemy – water – away. But since those parts tend to be bearing the brunt of water’s attempts to get in, they can get damaged (if not properly installed or maintained) and end up being the source of a leak.
In the end, if your chimney is leaking, it’s probably due to one of the following:
Chimney Cap Damage: A chimney cap is the protective cover at the top of your chimney, usually made of steel, copper or iron, and it helps keep rain out of your chimney and water out of your firebox. If your cap is damaged or missing, it could be the source, or part, of your problem.
Chimney Crown Deterioration: The concrete (or sometimes masonry) slab at the top of your chimney, right below the cap, is called the chimney crown, and it’s working hard to direct water, snow, and sleet away from your chimney. Unfortunately, cracks and spalling can develop over time, especially if the crown was built incorrectly from the start, allowing water to get into the masonry and wreak havoc.
Chase Cover Damage or Rust: If you have a prefabricated chimney, then you won’t have a concrete chimney crown. Rather, you’ll have a chase cover, which is a metal covering that protects the entire top of the chimney chase. It’s essentially a crown and serves the same purpose – it’s just made from different materials. That said, aluminum options can quickly rust and break down.
Flashing Damage or Rust: Your chimney should have metal flashing in place, right where it meets the roofline. These sheets are meant to stop water from getting in from this notoriously vulnerable area. Damaged or missing flashing is another common cause of leaks, and it could cause the walls and ceiling near your fireplace to become stained and damaged.
Leaks can often be a combination of several issues, so pinpointing the source is a complex process. That’s why it’s important to hire expert chimney technicians like the ones at Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep to inspect your chimney regularly, so we can fix any leak-related issues promptly.