As a homeowner, you know that it’s important to keep an eye on your chimney. Although all of us love sitting by a crackling fire on a cold winter’s night, we also know that there are dangers that come with a fireplace.  But what we worry about most often is a fire.  What if we told you that you also needed to worry about water. 

Well, it’s true. Without fail, after a big summer storm, we receive calls from homeowners all over Maryland because of leaky chimneys.  These homeowners realize the amount of damage water can cause to their homes.

As with most home projects, repairing the leak early can prevent further damage to your home.

What Causes A Chimney Leak?

So what causes a chimney leak in the first place?

There are actually several possible culprits such as:

Cracks in the chimney crown or flashing

The chimney crown is the cement structure at the very top of the chimney and the flashing is the metal strip that seals where the chimney meets the roof. Both of these can develop cracks over time, which can then lead to leaks.

This is not a project you want to DIY.  The risks to your home and family are too great if you get it wrong.  At ChimneyTek, our team works on chimneys all year long and we have repaired hundreds even thousands of chimneys, and still, we train every chance we get. It’s that important to get this part right.

Damaged bricks or mortar

Over time, your chimney’s brickwork and mortar can become damaged, which can create gaps that allow water to seep in. Unfortunately, not every crack is visible but if you do notice cracks in your brick or mortar, calling us immediately may save you thousands of dollars in water damage later.

Again, this is not a project you want to DIY.  Leave this up to the professionals to fix the problem correctly. In the end, you will save both time and money doing it right the first time.   

Clogged gutters

If your gutters are clogged, they can’t do their job of directing water away from your chimney. This can lead to water buildup around the chimney, which can then lead to leaks.

It is always important to clean and make sure your gutters are clear but it is especially important to pay attention to gutters that are close to the chimney.

A chimney cap that doesn’t fit properly

A chimney cap is essential to keeping water out of your chimney.  But if the cap is too small or not installed properly, it can cause more problems than it solves.  If you don’t have a chimney cap or are unsure if the one you have fits properly, give us a call. We would be happy to take a look and make sure your chimney is protected from the elements.

These are just a few of the most common reasons that a chimney may leak. But no matter the reason, it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible.

What To Do If You Have A Leak?

If you think you may have a chimney leak, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage. The good news is that chimney leaks can usually be repaired fairly easily by a qualified contractor. In most cases, the contractor will simply need to reseal the crown or flashing, replace damaged bricks or mortar, or clear out your gutters.

Getting The Right Chimney Repair Company

At ChimneyTek, we specialize in chimney leak repair.  We have repaired hundreds of chimneys and are experts in finding and fixing leaks.  We will come to your home and do a thorough inspection of your chimney to determine the cause of the leak.  Once we have found the source of the problem, we will work with you to determine the best course of action to take to fix it.

We understand that chimney repairs can be expensive.  That’s why we offer financing options to make it easy for you to get the repairs you need.

But a qualified contractor is important.  Many handymen will attempt these repairs but very few have the skills and experience to get it right. 

So if you’re dealing with a chimney leak, don’t wait to have it repaired or repaired incorrectly. Call in the professionals. Call our ChimneyTek team today at 410-684-0127