Not every home today has a chimney at all, but if you do have one, then it is something that you need to maintain and look after properly. There are a lot of reasons for this, but one of the most important is that chimneys are prone to chimney leaks, if you do not take care of them properly.
This is a very common issue that you need to be aware of and know how to overcome.
In this post, we are going to make that a little easier by looking specifically at some of the most common causes of chimney leaks, and by discussing some of the most effective repair solutions. Let’s take a look.
Heavy Rain Can Cause Leaks
One of the most likely culprits, when you have chimney leaks, is heavy rain. If there is a lot of rain one day, and you find that your chimney leaks afterward, it is almost certainly part of the problem. Of course, even heavy rain won’t be a problem as long as you are taking proper care of the chimney in the first place to avoid chimney leaks.
For this reason, one of the best ways to avoid these kind of home leaks is to ensure that you take on board the following, which are all potential issues you might have with your chimney.
Damaged Chimney Crown
The crown of the chimney is an object that helps to protect the chimney’s masonry, while also acting to keep water out effectively. If the crown is damaged, then there is every chance that the rainwater will get into the chimney. The solution is simply to replace the damaged chimney crown, or repair it if you think you are able to do that. Either way, it will then stop water from getting into the chimney that way. You might want to ensure you choose a reliable crown if you go for the replacement option.
No Chimney Cover
As well as the crown, you need to make sure that you have a chimney cover. This is a very important part of the whole system, as without it you are going to be inviting into the chimney whatever water might be there to come in. On a particularly heavy rainy day, you might find that you have water coming into your home as a result of this. All you need to do is to ensure that you have a chimney cover, so it’s just a case of going out and getting one.
Worn Out Chimney Bricks Can Cause Leaks
If you have worn out mortar and bricks around the chimney, that is another possible reason why you might have problems with a leaky chimney. With this issue, however, you are probably going to find it is best to hire a professional roofer to come and sort it out for you. Partly, this is because of the potential danger of working on the roof – but it’s also because you will be much more likely to have a good job done if you have a professional do it.
For any inquiries including chimney leaks, fill out our contact form or contact us at the following numbers: (541) 313-5944 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton).
