Is My Chimney Leaking?

As a homeowner with a chimney, the last thing you want to deal with is a leaky chimney. Luckily, our chimney professionals at A1 Chimney can pinpoint the cause and fix the issue quickly. Anxious to know how and why your chimney leak happened? Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes, signs, and how our team may go about solving the problem.

Signs of Chimney Leaking

• White staining on the exterior bricks (called efflorescence)
• Water pooling or residue in the firebox
• Dripping water inside the chimney
• Musty smell with visible mold or mildew growth
• Visible water stains around the chimney and/or walls
• Cracks in the masonry – this could be a sign that the water leak is causing some structural damage, so call a professional as soon as you see this.

Why did the leak in my chimney start?

Your chimney is subject to environmental wear and tear. Big summer rainstorms or brutal winter snowstorms could affect the integrity of your chimney pretty significantly.

If you notice a small issue now, it’s important to act on it as soon as possible. This early discovery can save you a lot of money in the long run. Keeping up with regular inspections and sweeps is a good step to ensure early detection of issues and may even help to prevent damage from occurring.

No two chimney leaks are the same. In fact, there are certain components of your chimney that may be responsible for the leak. Take a look at the potential leak types to see if they sound similar to your issue.

• Chimney mud cap – The mud cap is a mortared section at the top of your chimney. If there is any damage or missing mortar, it could lead to pretty significant leaking.
• Chimney mortar – Similar to the mud cap, if the mortar joints on the chimney deteriorates, it can leave a clear leak path.
• Roof shingles or chimney flashings – These are around the chimney and if they have any deterioration or gaps, it could lead to leaks.
• Missing or damaged chimney cover – This is an easy fix, but the chimney cover blocks rainwater and could permit a lot of rain if missing or damaged.

What to do if you notice a leak?

Leaks can come in all levels of severity, but if you notice one or more of these signs, you should give your local chimney professionals at A-1 Chimney Specialists a call. Our professionals are trained to inspect and create a plan to fix any issue they find. To ensure everyone’s safety, it’s best to leave the fixing to the professionals. If after reading this article you think you may know the source or have an idea, you can let our professionals know when you call.

Are you ready to get started? Then call the team at A-1 Chimney Specialist at 931-967-3595 (TN) or 256-285-4895 (AL); You can also send our team a message online to book your appointment as well.