Why is My Chimney Leaking: Reasons & How to Fix It

Have you ever wondered, “Why is my chimney leaking?” This is a common concern for many homeowners, and the answer is not always easy. A leaking chimney can be a big problem, especially when it starts causing problems like water inside your home during the rainy season or even water leaking from the chimney into the basement, but don’t worry – to hear what’s causing the leak and how to fix it can save you a lot of trouble. 

In this write-up,  we will break down the possible causes of your chimney leaks and give you practical solutions to put an end to this bothersome problem.

Let’s begin without further adieu.

Why is My Chimney Leaking?

There’s nothing like a cozy fire in winter, right? But sometimes, taking care of your chimney can lead to issues like leaks. Chimney leaking inside the house happens often, and there are many reasons behind it.

The key is to catch these leaks early so they don’t turn into bigger problems later. Let’s get an overview of the usual reasons for chimney leaks and how you can sort them out. That way, you can fully enjoy your fireplace when the colder seasons roll in.

No Cover On Top of Your Chimney

Not having a cover on top of your chimney is a big reason why chimneys start leaking. We all know that chimney leaks during heavy rain. Imagine there’s nothing there to keep rain or snow out – that’s a problem behind water in the chimney when it rains. No cover means water can just come right in.

And guess what? Without a cover, birds and other critters can just have a free passageway into your home through the chimney. That’s not what you want, right?

But that’s not all. If your chimney gets all clogged up with wet stuff and junk, smoke can come back inside your home. Smoke is bad news, and so is something called carbon monoxide – it’s really dangerous.

So, it’s smart to get a cover for your chimney. It could be a chase cover, crown, or damper – doesn’t matter. 

Damaged Chimney Crown or Chase Cover

Here’s something important: if your chimney doesn’t have a good top, the rain will be coming in the chimney. Do you know the concrete part on the top? It’s called a chimney crown. It’s like a hat for your chimney, stopping bad weather from getting in.

But, as time goes by, that concrete hat can get weak and crack, causing rain to come down the chimney. Blame it on the wetness and changing temperatures, especially if you’re in a place like Houston.

To stop leaks from a cracked chimney crown, you can patch up the cracks or put on a whole new crown.

Now, some chimneys wear a different kind of hat called a chase cover. If your house has one and it’s old, it might be rusty and cracked because it’s made of galvanized steel.

If that’s the case, it’s better to swap it for a new one. Get a chase cover made of stainless steel, copper, or aluminum. Those won’t rust, keeping your chimney cozy and dry.

Worn Out Brick and Mortar Joints

Do you know about something that can go wrong with your chimney: the place where the bricks and mortar stick together? This part gets hit hard by the weather, and it can start falling apart. When that happens, the chimney leaks water into the house.

If water is coming in through your chimney, and everything else seems okay, it’s probably these brick and mortar joints causing the trouble.

You’ve got to fix them fast. If you don’t, your chimney might get weaker because of all the leaking. Here’s what you can do: get something called chimney tuckpointing and waterproofing. This will fix up those joints and keep your chimney nice and dry.

Faulty Flashing

Let’s talk about something called “flashing.” It’s like a protective shield for where your chimney meets the roof. It’s there to keep water and dirt out.

Usually, flashing is made of metal, and it’s stuck down with something waterproof. But as time goes on, that waterproof stuff can wear away. When that happens, water leaks down the chimney.

If your flashing is broken, it’s a big deal. Water could mess up your roof and your house. So, fix it fast. And when you do, make sure it’s sealed up really well so it doesn’t happen again. This way, your roof and home stay safe and dry.

Chimney Condensation

Sometimes, chimneys can leak because of something called “condensation.” It’s like water that appears when things get too damp.

This kind of leak is rarer and happens when a chimney switches from using wood to gas. You see, gas fireplaces create dampness, and if the chimney doesn’t have the right kind of liner inside, that dampness can seep through the walls.

If you have a gas fireplace or you’ve recently moved to a place with one, please make sure the chimney has the right liner. How can you know? Get a chimney inspection. It’s like a checkup for your chimney, and it’ll tell you if everything’s good to go.

Besides, you can visit our blog if you are interested to know the best time to clean the chimney. 

Get Rid of Chimney Leaks Once and For All

When it gets chilly outside, your fireplace becomes a cozy retreat. But imagine this: you’re all set for a warm fire, and then you realize your chimney is leaking. Ugh, not cool!

Chimney leaks can come from different things, like a broken chimney cover, old bricks and mortar, or even weak flashing.

We always encounter a problem, “My chimney is leaking when it rains.” Here’s the good news: 832 Service is here to help. If you know where the leak is, we’ll fix it right up. But if you’re not sure, no worries. We’ll check everything out with a chimney inspection to find that irritating leak. So, you can get back to enjoying your fireplace when you want to the most.

Need Chimney Cleaning in Houston? Go for 832 Service and get FREE SAME DAY SERVICE. Our experienced chimney cleaners offer top-notch services. Call 832-402-9813 for reliable, 24/7 support and next-day service. Trust us for expert chimney cleaning and repairs.

Wrapping Up

So, if you’ve been wondering, “Why is my chimney leaking?” now you have the answers. From damaged crowns to worn-out joints, there are many reasons for those pesky leaks. Remember, catching them early is crucial to prevent bigger problems. Whether it’s getting a chimney cover, fixing flashing, or repairing the brickwork, taking action will keep your chimney cozy and dry. So don’t let a leaky chimney rain on your fireplace parade – get it fixed and enjoy the warmth worry-free!

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