Chimney Water Damage | Chimney Leak Repair & Inspection
Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps of Frederick, MD, provides chimney leak repair services in Emmitsburg, MD, Harpers Ferry, WV, and other communities in Maryland and West Virginia.
Is your chimney leaking? If it is, you’ll be glad to know the problem is fairly common and usually easy to fix. The trick is to schedule chimney leak repair service as early as possible before the leak and resulting damage become significant and expensive to resolve.
Signs of a Leaky Chimney
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s likely you have a chimney leak.
- Lots of moisture on glass fireplace doors
- Water in the firebox
- Mold in or around the fireplace
- Dampness on walls adjacent to the chimney
- White discoloration (efflorescence) on external chimney masonry
- Foul odors coming from the firebox
Common Reasons for Chimney Leaks
You wouldn’t think water could infiltrate a chimney structure easily, but the fact is, there are many areas within a chimney and its components that could be allowing water to get in. Here are some of the most common reasons for a leaky chimney.
Damaged or missing chimney cap: If the cap is in disrepair – or if no cap is in place – water can easily find its way into the flue.
Cracked chimney crown: Cracks in the cement crown at the top of the chimney can allow water to get in, freeze and then expand, creating a large path for infiltrating water.
Masonry damage: If the bricks and mortar of a chimney are damaged, water can seep into cracks and open areas and eventually start running down the inside of the flue.
Warped or missing flashing: The flashing around the base of the exterior chimney where it disappears through the roof must be sound and flat to keep water from flowing down the outside of the chimney and into the home.
Damaged roofing: This won’t necessarily cause a chimney leak, but it will present some similar symptoms. One element of professional chimney inspection for leaks is determining if it’s the chimney or one of its components that’s causing the problem, or if the leak is being caused by something else.
Fixing Chimney Leaks
As you can see, various things can cause a leaky chimney. The Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps team is able to perform a thorough chimney inspection to zero in on exactly where the leak originates and why it’s there in the first place. Only then can we get to work making the necessary repairs and restoring safety and functionality to your chimney system.
In some cases, the cause of the leak is obvious, such as when the chimney masonry is severely damaged and large sections of bricks and mortar are missing. This circumstance often requires more extensive work to remedy the problem including partial or complete chimney rebuilding.
Hire Professionals for Professional Results
Chimney leak repair should be performed only by trained, certified technicians with the hands-on experience and knowledge to do the job safely and correctly.
We employ chimney repair pros with certifications through the Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fireplace Institute. Magic Mountain is a proud member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild and the Northeast Association of Chimney & Hearth Professionals. We stand by our work and service 100%.
Do you have a leaky chimney? Get it fixed by calling (301) 695-6991 today.
