Professionals To Help With Chimney Leak Repair
Above all else, its critical to get professional help when something goes wrong with your chimney in any way.
Priddy Chimney Sweeps has been in serving customers since 1982 and has the experience, expertise, and chimney repair services necessary to keep your chimney up and running.
Most people call a chimney sweep at the first sign of trouble, but its important to know that you should also call for regular inspections and routine maintenance. Book an appointment online today or call us with any questions or concerns you might have.
Bricks Are Absorbing Water
The masonry work of the chimney can be leading to issues. Bricks are mortar are made with water and then allowed to harden. The bricks can take in water over time. As they absorb this water the temperature drops. The water turns to ice and expands. This will cause cracks to form in the bricks. When the ice melts the cracks are still there.
The bricks will not be able to stop the water and leaks can happen. Since the bricks are part of the main structure this is a very important area to check. They should be secure and they should not allow water to get into the home.
If the chimney gets a lot of shade after it rains the bricks will not be able to dry. They will get soggy over time. If the water is not able to escape the bricks it will make its way into the home. This will lead to an expensive repair. If the leaks are coming from the bricks they will need to be replaced or the entire chimney may need to be rebuilt.
The bricks need to be carefully inspected for any signs that they are cracking. If a crack is found it needs to be repaired right away. A professional chimney service should be called before things get worse. This problem needs to be handled immediately.
Best Practices For Preventing Leaks On Your Houses Roof
- Regularly inspect your roof for damage and leaks
- Maintain gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks
- Repair or replace damaged shingles as soon as possible
- Use a high quality roofing sealant
- Keep the chimney clean and clear of debris
If youve identified that your house is in need of repairs, be sure to schedule an appointment with a licensed contractor. If you find yourself in need of immediate assistance during bad weather or after hours, contact a 24/24 emergency roofing company.
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Make Sure You Hire A Great Roofing Contractor To Take Care Of Your Chimney Leak
Now you know you should call a first roofing contractor when you notice your chimney leaking. But before reaching out to one, you need to be sure that youre making the right hiring decision to ensure your chimney problem is taken care of.
I guarantee your area will be packed with roofers. So, how do you find a great one in a sea of roofing companies?
That comes down to knowing what to look for during your research. To help you with this, were going to give you 7 tips every homeowner needs to find a great roofing contractor.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners in Nashville and surrounding areas with their chimney leaks and other roofing services since 1990. Whether its a chimney leak or another roof leak, you can count on our high-quality workmanship and lifetime warranty to take care of your problems.
If youre local to Nashville, dont hesitate to contact us for your chimney or other roofing needs.
If you arent local to Nashville or dont think were not the right fit, check out 7 Tips to Find a Roofing Contractor to hire a great one in your area.
Chimney Flashing Causes Leaks
The flashing is what keeps water from going into the place where the brick structure comes through the roof Theres a fairly large gap between the bricks and the roof and water will pour through that hole if its not sealed up. Flashing is often aluminum that goes in between a couple bricks and bends to go on top of the shingles. Some sort of water proof stuff seals those spots. Though its far from the best choice, the stuff is often tar. In any event, flashing doesnt last forever and the tar lasts even less time.
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First Thing To Do If A Chimney Leaks
If you have a chimney that is constantly leaking, the first thing you should do is contact a professional. Many times, a simple sealant or patch can fix the problem. If it is a more serious issue, though, you will need to have the chimney fixed. A professional can tell you if it needs to be re-Pointed and/or Rebuilt.
And here the Highs Chimney comes into picture.
Highs Chimney Service is one of the best services available in town to get your chimney repair without any challenges. The specialists have deep knowledge related to your chimney problems and you can get all your chimney problems resolved just with a single call.
Highs Chimney 8045 Snouffer School Road Gaithersburg MD 20879Phone: 301-519-3500 or 703-550-5115 Admin & Marketing Office No Public AccessHighs Chimney Service of DC 1200 18th Street NW, Suite 700 Washington D.C. 20036Phone: 289-2750 [email protected]
Damaged Flashing And Leaks
If the chimney is leaking there may be a problem with the flashing. The flashing is where the chimney and the roof meet. If the chimney is not joined with the roof, water can leak in and this will damage the structure. There is a material that is known as flashing and it is used to create a seal between the chimney and the roof. This will keep water from getting into the home.
The flashing is usually made from aluminum but over time there can be damage. This is one of the most common causes of leaks. It is wise to have the flashing inspected often. There may not be enough flashing installed which can also lead to leaks. If there is an issue this needs to be repaired right away to prevent damage. It is best to make sure the flashing is high quality.
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Solution For A Small Leak
Some roof leaks are tough to locate. Sometimes the water shows up at a ceiling spot distant from the leak. If your ceiling has a plastic vapor barrier between the drywall and the attic insulation, push the insulation aside and look for flow stains on the plastic. Often water runs to openings in the vapor barrier, such as at ceiling light fixtures.
If you can’t see any telltale flow marks, and since the stain is fairly small, look at the underside of the roof for ‘shiners.’ A shiner is a nail that missed the framing member, in this case when the carpenter nailed the roof sheathing to the rafters. Moisture that escapes into the cold attic from the rooms below often condenses on cold nails. Sometimes you can spot this if you climb up into your attic on a cold night. The nails will look white because they’re frosted. When the attic heats up a bit during the day, the frost melts and drips, then the nails frost up at night again and so on. The solution is to simply clip the nail with a side-cutting pliers.
Chimney Leaks Can Affect Your Home
If you are experiencing any type of water in or around your chimney appliance, please give us a call immediately! Leaks that are coming through the mortar or showing stains on the outside or inside of your chimney system can also be damaging to the ceilings and walls in the rooms adjacent to the fireplace or stove. Because of the way water travels, the leak across the room from the chimney or down the hall can be a symptom of water coming through the top of the flue or seeping into a cracked crown.
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What Causes A Chimney Leak
There are many possible causes for a leak in your homes chimney. Such as damaged chimney cover, poor flashing, worn brickwork joints, cracks, etc.
Other reasons for chimney leaks include the age of your home, its repairs, and periodic inspection.
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We Handle Chimney Leak Repairs
All Roofing Solutions is a family-owned and operated Delaware roofing repair contractor in business since 1998, based in Wilmington, DE. We specialize in residential roof leak repair services in Delaware and bordering Pennsylvania counties.
Whether you need a chimney, skylight, or valley leak repaired, we are fully licensed and insured and can handle all your roofing repair needs, large and small. Our goal is to deliver superb workmanship and outstanding customer service. We stand behind our work!
- Family-owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- 30-year workmanship guarantee on full roof replacements
- Lien Waiver to protect the homeowners from material liens
- Own crewno subcontractors!
- Full-service roofer handling all types of residential and commercial roofing, windows & siding projects.
- Most re-roofing projects are completed in one day.
- Because we are efficient we are able to offer very competitive prices compared to large contractors with bigger overhead.
- Each roofing/siding projects includes a meticulously performed, post-roofing inspection. We want to make sure that your roof replacement is done correctly and that it meets your complete satisfaction.
- The company owner supervises all projects to ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!
To schedule your FREE repair estimate, call 302-725-ROOF in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF in Pennsylvania!
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How To Fix Roof Leak Around Chimney
Chimneys are an important part of most homes. They provide a way to ventilate the home and they also create a focal point in the house. Unfortunately, chimneys can also be one of the more vulnerable parts of your home when it comes to leaks. Leaks around chimney tops often go unnoticed until water starts dripping through the ceiling or you notice molding on top of your fireplace mantle. Roof leak prevention is something that needs to be done every year before winter sets in if you want to avoid these problems altogether!
If your chimney is leaking, you need to take steps to fix it. Here are some tips on how to do that:
What Is Chimney Flashing
Youll find flashing located around your chimney, as well as on the adjoining roof. The main purpose of chimney flashing is to prevent rainwater from entering the homeowners property, leading to leaks.
From home to home, flashing can be made out of a variety of different materials. However, no matter what flashing is composed of, its essential that the material is waterproof. If the material isnt waterproof, its far easier for rainwater and moisture to make their way through the flashing and into your home.
Most commonly, flashing is made out of flexible fibers, sheet metals, or even plastic. This material is then installed alongside a compound to seal the flashing and block any water from passing through.
Alternatively, if a chimney isnt sealed, this can lead to serious property damage. If theres a rainstorm outside, this could cause water to begin pouring into the residents home, with no barrier to keep it out. This kind of severe leak can cause wood rot. It can also attract insects or pests who are drawn to moisture, potentially leading to infestations.
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Clean Old Sealant From Flashing
Using a wire brush and chisel, be sure to thoroughly remove any of the old sealant from behind the flashing and on the brick. That will allow for better adhesion and a better seal. It is advised to use the chisel to loosen and remove larger and more stubborn sealant remnants. Then proceed to use a good wire brush to smooth the surface and remove and smaller particles of the remaining sealant.
Dont forget to wear durable and protective gloves while clearing and cleaning the flashing. Some flashing edges can be sharp and present the risk of getting cut or scratched. The goal isnt to get the surface spotless, only to remove the majority of the old sealant.
Chimney Leaks Commonly Found In Attics
By the time you find a fireplace leak, your attic is likely already suffering from water damage. Water entry gone undetected for too long is something we chimney sweeps see often, .
Staining on the exposed chimney in the attic often reveals which side of the chimney water begins its travel to other areas.
Look for stains on the rafters close to the chimney as well as insulation with water damage on the attic floor. Knowing which side water is coming in on is powerful information!
Often the source of leaking turns out to be hidden in the attic, like this cracked chimney.
Frequently water entry is on the uphill side of the roof and chimney flashing . Water stains that do not begin at the roof decking but a few inches below indicate water enters the chimney brickwork and is traveling past the flashing on the inside, only to exit again through an injury inside the attic .
How Water Enters a Chimney to Cause Leaks Part 2 Missing Chimney Cricket Cause Leaks and Rust
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Cracks In The Crown Of The Chimney
There may be a leak in the chimney due to an issue with the chimney crown. The crown is a piece of cement that is at the top of the chimney. This will help prevent moisture and water from getting into the lining of the flue. This is part of the masonry work. If there is damage to the crown the chimney will not work properly.
This will allow moisture to get in and will lead to more damage. This will make it hard to light the chimney. It can also be a reason while water is getting into the home and causing more damage.
If the cracks are not fixed they will allow moisture into the home. This will damage the entire chimney. The crown and the entire structure should have an annual inspection by a professional and any repairs need to be addressed immediately. The sooner any issues with the crown, the sooner it can be repaired and at less of an expense to the homeowner.
The longer these issues are allowed to go the more expensive it will be to repair. The more work it will also be to fix the problem. Not only will the chimney need to be fixed but water damage to the home will need to be taken care of as well.
How Do You Prevent Roof Leaks
Roofs and chimneys can be replaced, but that is a very expensive endeavor. To avoid this, make sure to regularly inspect your roofing system for any holes or weak areas in the material. Also take note of where water accumulates on your house when it rains! This will help identify potential issues before they become serious problems. If you see anything wrong with your roof , we recommend calling an expert ASAPits much easier and cheaper than dealing with major repairs later down the line!
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Installing A Chimney Cricket
Many roofs implement the use of a chimney cricket to help with water flow. This additional structure is a special kind of flashing that diverts the water to prevent it from pooling on your roof. It sits at the back of your chimney, forming a pointed ridge for water to slide down.
You can have a chimney cricket installed using either wooden pieces or metal. This process will also involve using caulk and sealants to ensure water doesnt get trapped underneath.
Brick Saturation Leading To A Chimney Leak
If you have a brick chimney, bricks and mortar are porous enough to absorb water when it rains. In a perfect world, the chase top would direct the water evenly off of it in all directions.
Unfortunately, this never happens. What usually happens is the water goes off one corner of the chase top, and after it’s been raining for a long time, it saturates the bricks so much that it drips inside the chimney.
That isnt as common today as it used to be because of how chimneys are built today. However, its still a problem homeowners call about every time theres a prolonged period of rain.
Luckily, all a roofing contractor has to do to stop this chimney leak is seal the bricks with a masonry water repellent that prevents water from saturating the bricks and mortar.
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Chimney Leaks In Heavy Rain
If your chimney only leaks when the rain is heavy, or goes on for a long period, it usually means your leak is slow. It only shows up with massive amounts of water.
It can mean the leak is actually in your roof. It takes time for the water to run down a beam, then down the side of your chimney.
If it starts leaking right away when it rains, then you have a either a serious leak, or you dont have a cover on top.
It could be a lot of things. We have ways to test and diagnose, but we do have to come to the house.
