With its ability to handle extreme heat and wild weather, you might think that your chimney is invincible. However, there is one element that can quickly deteriorate your chimney structure. Leaky chimneys can lead to a number of issues including unpleasant odors, water and salt stains, and masonry damage. These type of issues can compromise your fireplace experience, and it can also lead to potential hazards. It can be difficult to determine how water is getting into your chimney system. However, a thorough inspection from TN Fireplace and Chimney’s Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney technicians can help resolve leakage issues before they become a real problem. With over a decade of experience in the chimney and fireplace industry, we’ve seen it all, especially leaky chimneys.
Common Problems of a Leaky Chimney
Your chimney was designed with protection mechanisms in place to prevent leaks. However, sometimes these protective mechanisms fail. One reason for the failure of these mechanisms is age. Some mechanisms are designed to last a decade or two. Another reason for mechanism failure is quality. Not all protective mechanisms are created equal. It is always best to consult with a certified chimney technician before installing a new device to your chimney system. Below are some of the more common mechanism failures we have run across at TN Fireplace and Chimney.
- Flashing – Your chimney flashing is a strip of metal that bridges the gap where your chimney meets the roof. This prevents water from running down your roof and into your home. Due to its exposed location, rain and wind can cause your flashing to become rusty, bent, or torn. This makes any walls or framework adjacent to your chimney vulnerable to moisture damage.
- Chimney Cap – Your chimney cap is the first line of defense against rain, sleet, and snow. It sits atop your chimney with mesh caging, blocking rain, snow, and sleet from entering, but it still allows smoke and hot air to leave. Similarly to your flashing, exposure to the elements can cause your chimney cap to rust and become loose. If this happens, precipitation can easily enter. When water is mixed with creosote and soot, this can cause unpleasant odors in your home.
- Chimney Lining – Your chimney lining is designed as a temperature barrier between the inside of your chimney and home. If your chimney lining has deteriorated, temperature differences between your chimney and adjacent rooms can cause condensation on the inside of your chimney. This condensation can cause unpleasant odors and even seep into your masonry and surrounding framework.
Address Chimney Repairs Immediately
If you notice that your chimney is leaking, it needs to be repaired immediately. Unattended chimney leaks can lead to masonry deterioration, which is extremely hazardous and expensive to repair down the road. If you think your chimney is leaking, TN Fireplace and Chimney is here to help! We are Knoxville’s only CSIA-certified chimney sweeps, call us at (865) 922-2262 or schedule an appointment online with a technician today!
