My Chimney is Leaking, Why?

Over the past year and even today the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina has seen a lot of rain, snow and ice. All this added up to be almost 22’’ of surplus water for 2018. Home owners are not only left with nasty yards that are soggy and can’t even be walked in, but they are left with many issues like the chimney leaking water.

Now I know what you are thinking, here is a roofer trying to get out of a leak issue that he/she might have, but that is not the case at all. Brick, block, stucco or any other porous materials that chimneys are made of are subject to leaks that are not caused by the flashing around the base of them. All these materials over time and in 2018 will start to soak up water due to being porous and after soaking up all they can water will start to show up in areas that it might not have ever been seen in before. See chimneys are built solid not like the walls of your home where the brick is being held off the wall of your home and given a weep hole at the bottom to let the water out. Nope, chimneys will soak it all up and when it has done all it can, well the water will flow to the lowest point and start to flow out. Lots of times this is in the fire box, in the ceiling around the fire place or even coming down the brink causing the brink to have a white caulk look to it.

So what should you do? You can call your roofing company, but most likely they will not be able to help if this is the case. You will most likely need a brick mason to come out and check over the chimney for any cracks or areas that water can get into. A mason can repoint the chimney, clean it and seal it with a water proofing to stop water from leaking in. Also it maybe a good idea to look at having a chimney cap installed on the top to stop water from sitting on the top of the chimney and having to run off. Also keep in mind using your fire place will also help dry out the chimney and stop the water from leaking in.

For any help with your roofing, vinyl siding or replacement window needs feel free to click on contact us to set an appointment.

Thanks,

Joel