One common sign that your chimney is starting to need attention is that it starts to leak.
Almost every home you’ve ever been in has a chimney – you may not see it or recognize it, but it is there. Even homes that don’t have a fireplace usually still have a chimney for the oil burner or something similar. And those chimneys still require maintenance. The liner, masonry, and other parts of any chimney may eventually require repair or replacement as the chimney ages along with the house. Chimney relining, replacing caps and dampers, and other general chimney repairs should be on your radar if your chimney is more than a few decades old. Even if your chimney doesn’t need attention now, the time is likely coming soon. One common sign that your chimney is starting to need attention is that it starts to leak. Read on to learn more about the issue and common causes of chimney leaks.
The Cap
The Chimney cap is a component that is installed at the very top of the chimney. It keeps out rain and snow so that they don’t get down into the flue. Since it is up at the very top of the chimney, it is subject to a lot of wear and tear. The sun beats down on it, the wind blows it, the rain and other weather corrode and wear at it. Eventually, it could rust, crack, or even be blown off entirely. If this happens, water could make its way down your chimney into your fireplace or firebox. If you notice dripping water, it is a sign that there is an issue with your cap. Have a chimney sweep come out and inspect your entire chimney for safety.
The Damper
The damper is the component that creates a seal when the fireplace is not in use to keep your home from leaking heat or air conditioning. Creosote builds up through use and it can cause the damper to not work correctly. Checking the damper should be part of your yearly chimney inspection.
The Masonry
The masonry of your chimney is sturdy but still vulnerable to weather and seasonal changes over time. Damage to the masonry is not something that you can ignore. Over time, even the most insignificant damage could become a huge issue. Small cracks can quickly grow, especially during the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. If the issue isn’t fixed, your whole chimney could eventually collapse.
The Flashing
The flashing is the sheet metal that creates a seal where the chimney comes out of the roof. If it is damaged or it wasn’t installed correctly, water could seep down between the chimney and the roof. If there is an issue, you may notice water stains on the ceiling or the walls around the fireplace. In that case, you need to get it repaired as soon as possible. Over time, weather, wind, and other conditions can wear away at the flashing. Checking it should be part of your yearly maintenance to prevent major roofing and chimney issues.
Call the Experts at Champion Chimneys for Chimney Cleaning Today!
Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has served customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). Courteous service is our trademark, and our crews arrive on time in uniform, driving fully equipped trucks. We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.