Is Your Chimney Leaking? We Can Help

Your fireplace is supposed to be the place where you build nice, warm fires – it’s certainly no place for water. We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating again and again: Water is a chimney’s worst enemy. There is no overstating how much damage moisture and water penetration will do to a chimney.

Sometimes you find out you have a leak because you can see the water coming down your chimney. It’s a frustrating and dirty problem to have. Other times, you don’t even know that water is getting in – yet, deep inside the walls of your chimney, water is penetrating your masonry structure, causing cracks, gaps, bad odors, vegetation growth and all sorts of problems. It can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair this damage.

To identify these issues early on, we highly recommend scheduling a professional chimney leak inspection. Get this process going by booking with us online or calling 206-574-8414 now.

What Are Some Common Causes Of Leaks?

Water leaks can be notoriously difficult to track down. This is where a professional chimney expert like those at Pristine Sweeps can help. The most common sources of chimney leaks are:

All of the parts of the chimney system are important, and they work together for the good of the chimney. If one of these parts is deteriorating, damaged, missing altogether, or improperly installed, the entire chimney suffers and is left vulnerable. What many people often forget is that a damaged chimney is a serious source of danger and should not be neglected. The chimney plays a vital role in the structure of the home and should be treated accordingly.

Brick Replacement and mortar repair on chimney

How Do I Know If I Have A Chimney Water Problem?

Although annual inspections are crucial to leak identification, there are some common signs of water penetration that you can be on the lookout for:

  • Brick discoloration
  • Vegetation
  • White patches/streaks
  • Crumbling or cracking brick and mortar
  • Damp odors
  • Water in the firebox
  • Water damage on walls/ceilings/floors surrounding chimney
  • Rust stains

And remember – if you are having a water problem, don’t assume it’s a job for a roofer! Many leaks stem from an issue with the chimney. The professionals at Pristine Sweeps are knowledgeable and qualified to identify the problem. We will find the leak and trace it back to the point of origin. In some cases, there may be more than one item or location causing the problem. However, we deal with leaks every day (after all, we’re based in Seattle), and we understand how to solve even the trickiest water problems.

Once we have inspected your chimney and understand the source or sources of your leak, we will give you a detailed plan of action to get your chimney dry and keep the water out for good.

How Do I Prevent Future Leaks? Call On Us

Keeping water out of your chimney system can be difficult, but annual inspections and maintenance can greatly reduce your risk. Additionally, we offer expert waterproofing services which can give you the added protection you need.

Ready to schedule your chimney leak inspection? Give us a call today at 206-574-8414. You can also request an appointment online! We look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

Having your chimney relined will increase the performance, efficiency and safety of your chimney system. Ask us for more information on this important service for your chimney and fireplace.