IF YOUR CHIMNEY IS CRYING OUT FOR HELP, CALL US!
TN / 931-967-3595 • AL / 256-285-4895
Qualified chimney sweeps stay busy resolving all types of chimney problems, and leaks are among the most common issues. Homeowners should understand the dangers of ignoring chimney leaks. Repairs need to be scheduled as early as possible to keep costs down and to avoid threats to safety. When chimneys leak, it is often evidence of an invasive and costly moisture intrusion problem. A leaky chimney could sound the alarm that chimney cracks have gone unnoticed.
Schedule Annual Chimney InspectionsChimneys need annual check-ups for a reason. Chimney masonry systems can be invaded with moisture through many different avenues. Chimney leaks aren’t always obvious to the naked eye. The Certified Chimney Professionals at A-1 Chimney Specialist have the experience and training to recognize early evidence of a moisture problem. The homeowner’s part is to address the issue, if the dangers of ignoring chimney leaks are to be avoided.
The most serious issue, when it comes to moisture in chimney masonry, is what occurs in freezing temperatures. The water expands and contracts, causing movement that ultimately destroys bricks. The chimney begins to lean as the affected bricks flatten. Eventually, without needed masonry chimney repairs, the entire chimney could collapse. A full or partial masonry rebuild becomes necessary. This expense can often be avoided by watching for chimney leaks and by heeding warnings about the dangers of ignoring chimney leaks.
Entire roof structures have needed replacement because of chimney leaks. The chimney leaks that cause problems with roofs are typically associated with the chimney flashing. The flashing is the metal part of the chimney system. The chimney flashing contributes to the overall intent of the chimney design to keep moisture out. A frequent problem associated with flashing is that it is installed incorrectly. That’s because creating that watertight seal at the top of the flashing is difficult to achieve.
Another common issue is that the flashing rusts or is otherwise damaged. The water that leaks through a rusty nail can be enough to do major damage to the roof structure and attic. These things often go undetected until a chimney professional conducts a chimney inspection. It’s after the inspection that homeowners often learn of the dangers of ignoring chimney leaks.
A chimney leak can wreak havoc on a home’s interior. Water stains on ceilings, walls, floors, and home décor are among the evidence of a leaky chimney. The moisture from a chimney can also cause warping to wallboards, ceilings, and flooring. The dangers of ignoring chimney leaks definitely include the potential necessity of major interior home repairs, in addition to chimney repair.
Chimney liners are important chimney components. They protect the home from unexpected fires, and the family is also protected from possible carbon monoxide poisoning, both of which can be deadly. If the moisture from a chimney leak gets into the chimney flue, it can cause rapid deterioration of the liner. With even a tiny crack in the flue, the fireplace or stove should not be used again until the liner is repaired or replaced.
The best way to avoid the dangers of ignoring chimney leaks is to schedule an annual chimney inspection. When one of the experts at A1 Chimney advises you that there has been moisture intrusion in your chimney, the good news is that they can fix it. Whether you need chimney masonry repair, chimney crown repair, chimney flashing repair, or a tuckpointing procedure to replace expired mortar, call our chimney pros.
To learn more about problems with chimney leaks or to schedule chimney services of any kind, contact us. We can help you by providing a chimney inspection or making any chimney repairs. Scheduling an appointment with us is as easy as filling out a simple form or making a call to A-1 Chimney.
Call us in Tennessee at 931-967-3595 or in Alabama at 256-285-4895. Our friendly chimney experts are ready to help today.
