4 Reasons For A Leaking Chimney
4 Common Causes Of Leaks That Require
Chimney Maintenance And Repair
In Bergen County, NJ
Troubleshoot Your Leaky
Chimney And Protect
Your Building
Damp chimney? Protect your building from these four common causes of leaks with regular chimney repair and maintenance in Bergen County, NJ.
A damp chimney leads to many potential issues for your building, including fire risk and roof deterioration. Get ahead of damage by understanding the ways water leaks through a chimney.
Our team at 1Call Restore has specialized in chimney repairs for over 30 years. We’re experts in tracking down where chimney leaks are coming from. These are some common reasons we see leaking chimneys in the North Jersey area.
1: Prevent Leaking From Damaged Masonry With
Regular Chimney Maintenance And Repair
Over time, every chimney will show some wear and tear. One sign of chimney aging is pesky moisture from leaks.
When it rains, water can get into a chimney through any cracks or gaps in the mortar. Once this happens, freezing and thawing can cause the bricks to start flaking and crumbling.
Address moisture damage from damaged masonry right away to prevent extensive repairs down the road.
It’s a good idea to schedule regular chimney inspections. An expert will be able to spot early signs of masonry and mortar damage and determine when chimney maintenance and repairs are necessary.
2: Leaky Flashing In North Jersey? Time
To Schedule Chimney Repairs
Flashing is the waterproofing layer between the chimney and the roof. It’s usually a layer of aluminum fitted around your chimney’s base.
If the chimney flashing does not provide sufficient waterproofing, rain or melted snow can get right through the gap between the chimney and the roof.
Leaky flashing is a major concern because it doesn’t just mean potential damage to the chimney – it means water could get into your roof.
Notice water damage on the ceiling around your chimney? Does attic insulation seem damp in the chimney area? Maybe the roofing around your chimney seems unusually damp.
These are all signs that could point to leaky flashing.
Flashing replacement is relatively straightforward. If you suspect that your damp chimney might stem from leaky flashing, definitely schedule chimney repairs ASAP.
3: A Missing Chimney Cap Definitely Means
Leaking When It Rains In Bergen County
Is rain coming straight down the top of your building’s chimney? Maybe you’re missing a chimney cap.
A chimney cap is exactly what it sounds like – it sits at the top of your chimney to keep out debris and rain or snow. The chimney cap allows ventilation while still providing cover from the elements.
Without a chimney cap, rain and snow can come right on through. You’ll probably notice obvious moisture, even inside the building.
If you’re missing a chimney cap, it’s an easy fix. Schedule chimney maintenance as soon as you notice a missing or damaged chimney cap.
4: Chimney Repair Will Stop Leaks From
A Cracked Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the flat top beneath the chimney cap. Chimney crowns are meant to keep water out of the inside of the chimney. They’re usually made of metal or cement.
Metal chimney crowns are very durable, but they might leak if they corrode or pull up and away from the rest of the chimney.
A cement chimney crown might crack over time. It’s vital to fix small cracks right away because they can become larger as water freezes and expands inside of them.
You might also see leaking if the chimney crown and chimney cap are not properly secured together.
Signs Of A Leaking Chimney In Bergen County, NJ
A leaking chimney isn’t just annoying – it can actually cause structural damage to your entire building if not addressed.
Before digging into the causes, know the signs of a leaking chimney:
- White exterior discoloration on masonry
- Water stains on the ceilings
- Dampness in the firebox
- Flaking bricks
- Musty smell
- Rust
Call a reputable North Jersey chimney repair contractor immediately if you notice any of these signs or suspect a leaking chimney.
Regular chimney repair and maintenance will prevent a leaky chimney from causing more extensive moisture damage. Contact 1Call Restore at 2018752700 to schedule a free estimate today.
