It is not uncommon for chimney leaks to cause significant damage to the interior of your home. And there are many ways that homeowners could unknowingly be causing their own chimneys to leak.
For example, if you have an old fireplace with no sealant around the top, your home is at risk of having water leak down into the fireplace cavity. This can trigger corrosion problems on metal components like grates and damper control valves.
Chimney damage can also be quite severe, leading to fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and moisture buildup. To ensure the safety of your home, you must be mindful of any problems that may potentially lead to permanent damage. And if you notice your chimney leaking or smell gas, you must call a professional to perform a chimney repair.
How to Prevent A Chimney Leak
- Get a Chimney Cover
Installing a chimney cover is the easiest way to prevent a chimney leak. Chimney covers prevent rain, debris, and moisture from entering your home. They also help you keep your chimneys clean and safe from any blockage, which eliminates the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, a potentially life-threatening hazard. Also, it is prudent to hire a professional chimney repair and replacement service in NJ to install a chimney cover over the flue. If you already have a chimney cover installed, check it regularly if it needs any maintenance work or damage repair. - Waterproof Your Chimney
Waterproofing your chimney is an easy and effective method to prevent moisture buildup, water damage, or leaks in your chimney. While it is possible to do the job yourself, we recommend you hire a professional for the task, so you don’t end up ruining the chimney. - Pay Attention to Your Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the cemented part on top of your chimney. It keeps external elements like rain or snow out of the flue. Although chimney crowns are made from bricks, cracks can develop around the tiles as the cement may deteriorate over time. One way to know that there may be cracks in your chimney crown is the unexpected water seepage inside your home. When the chimney crown develops cracks, it allows moisture to get trapped in the flue. If the damage is extensive, you may have to remove the old cement and replace it with new bricks. In the case of minimal wear, a simple coating treatment will suffice. - Check Your Flashing
Flashing prevents water from entering the bricks of your chimney. If your flashing is damaged or improperly sealed, it may lead to chimney leaks. If you do not have flashing in your chimney, we recommend consulting a professional to install one for you. If you already have flashing installed and encounter regular chimney issues, get your flashing inspected and repaired. - Notice Changes in Your Wallpaper
If you come across any folds or cracks in your wallpaper, particularly in areas around your chimney, you must get your chimney inspected for leakage. Peeling wallpaper is one of the first few signs of leakage. It indicates that you may need a chimney liner or repair, depending on the extent of the damage.
Consult a Chimney Repair Contractor in New Jersey
If your chimney is leaking and you’re looking for a reliable chimney repair or replacement service, First Rate Roofing and Chimneys have your back. With decades of experience, we are here to resolve your chimney problems and provide you peace of mind without having you break the bank.
Call us at 551-303-7571 for free estimates or more information.