We’re Chimney Leak Repair Experts Serving San Diego
Dealing with chimney leaks in your San Diego home? There are home repairs that can be put off for a rainy day, but a leaky chimney is certainly not one of them. In fact, when water gets into your chimney system, it can damage just about every part of it – and can even damage the surrounding walls, ceilings, and flooring of your home.
If you have a chimney leak that you’re neglecting, it won’t be long before you have a very frustrating – and very expensive – situation on your hands.
As soon as you see water in or around your chimney, or see signs of water in your firebox, contact Weststar Chimney Sweeps. We can thoroughly inspect your chimney system to find where problems may be hiding and work to quickly fix any issues. We’ll also suggest preventive measures that can help ward off leaks in the future.
Your Chimney Leak & What Could Be Causing It
The only way to truly know what’s causing your leak is to inspect the whole fireplace and chimney system, starting with the parts of the chimney that most commonly contribute to leaks. Typically, chimney leak issues are caused by one or more of the following:
Cracked Chimney Crown
The chimney crown is the protective top layer of your chimney, designed to shed water away from the structure. However, when the crown develops cracks or becomes damaged over time due to weather conditions or natural wear and tear, water can infiltrate the chimney. This could lead to leaks, mold, and other forms of water damage. A cracked chimney crown may require either a repair or complete replacement, depending on the extent of the damage – and whether or not it was built correctly to begin with.
Masonry Is Deteriorating
Brick and mortar, by nature, are porous. That said, new bricks typically don’t take in so much that it seeps into your flue… Unfortunately, over time, bricks can begin to deteriorate and that’s when the issues really start. They’ll start absorbing greater amounts of water, much like a wick or sponge, which then spread significant damage throughout your whole system. This is where chimney waterproofing comes in.
By applying a special waterproofing sealant that blocks the entrance of water – but still lets vapors escape from inside the chimney like they’re supposed to – we can help you avoid these issues. This preventive measure goes a long way toward keeping leaks out of your life and keeping your masonry looking and working like new.
Metal Flashing Issues
Flashing refers to the metal barrier installed where your chimney meets the roof. Because these two components (your roof and chimney) are made from different materials, they won’t come together and seal completely – which means water could have an easy access point if this area isn’t approitealy covered up with flashing materials.
Over time, flashing can corrode, come loose, or get damaged, allowing water to seep into your home – especially if the flashing wasn’t installed properly in the first place. In these cases, repairing or replacing the flashing will be necessary to stop water from entering.
Missing or Damaged Chimney Cap
A chimney cap is an important part of any chimney system. It sits atop your chimney and works hard to keep out water, debris, and animals, and it can help prevent downdrafts too. If your chimney cap is damaged or missing, rainwater will be able to flow directly into the flue, wreaking havoc at every turn. Installing or replacing a damaged chimney cap is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent water from entering your chimney.
How Often Should I Have My Chimney Inspected for Leaks?
This is something that should be done yearly – and not just because of leak-related risks! It’s recommended to have your chimney inspected before every burn season to ensure damages or vulnerable spots are detected and addressed, so that your household can use the fireplace as safely as possible.
An annual inspection is particularly important if your chimney is exposed to severe weather conditions, as leaks can worsen over time and cause more significant damage to your home. Some chimney experts also suggest scheduling an inspection after any major storm or weather event to ensure the integrity of your chimney.
Leaking Chimney? Call Us Today
Addressing chimney leaks promptly is essential to avoid more significant damage down the line. Our experts have the tools and training to identify the root cause of the issue, whether it’s a cracked crown, deteriorating masonry, faulty flashing, or something else. And in many cases, a simple repair or the application of waterproofing products can save you from costly repairs down the road.
At the first sign of a chimney leak, call Weststar Chimney Sweeps, or make an appointment online – we can repair your leak, and apply a waterproofing sealant that can help make future leaks less likely!
You can count on Weststar Chimney Sweeps for quality work. Did you know we do dryer vent cleaning? Don’t rely on an amateur for this skilled chimney service…trust the pros at Weststar!