Do Not Leave a Leaking Chimney for Too Long!

• How to handle chimney repairs 

• What are the leading causes of a leaking chimney  

Chimneys are typically made from strong materials, such as brick or stone but over time, mother nature can create weak points through the constant exposure to heat, cold, high wind, heavy rain, snow, and thawing process.  

Feazel, in our 30+ years of experience, has seen many chimney problems and helped homeowners repair them before they turn too serious.  

Signs of a Leaking Chimney 

A leaking chimney does not always show up the same way. The parts of a chimney are susceptible to wear and tear. If you are experiencing an active chimney leak, you may encounter the following;  

• Water stains or leaks on the walls or ceiling around the chimney 

• A musty smell that comes from the fireplace. The smell may be more prevalent after a period of heavy rain 

• Drips or leaks inside the chimney 

• Water or condensation inside the chimney 

• Cracks in masonry inside or outside the chimney 

If you are experiencing any of these issues, you should contact a professional to inspect your roof. 

Chimney Leaks in Heavy Rain 

Considering that your chimney extends out of your roof and rises out into the elements, there are numerous points where wear can occur and create a leak. Many of these places may be difficult to access and you should entrust a well-respected contractor to access, assess, and repair. Be sure to look at reviews on Google, Angi, or Nextdoor to see if your neighbors have any recommendations.  

Leaking Chimney Flashing 

Flashing can be a leak point for your roof but what purpose does it serve? 

What is Chimney Flashing? 

If you have noticed moisture on your ceiling or on the interior masonry, it is time to inspect your chimney. Snap a picture of where the leak is occurring. Sometimes, these places can dry out before anyone can inspect your chimney. If you can help pinpoint where the moisture is appearing, you may be able to help determine the point of entry.  

Second, begin the clean-up process. Place a bucket, rag, or towel under the area if applicable. Move any furniture to prevent it from getting wet.  

But who to call for a chimney leak? That depends on what is happening on your roof and chimney.  

Third, call a trusted roofing company to inspect. You may need a chimney company to inspect as well but it all depends on what type of leak is occurring. Some roofing companies offer chimney services as well.  

What Causes a Leaking Chimney? 

Numerous parts of your chimney will experience wear and degradation over time. Some of the more common causes of a leaking chimney are as follows;  

• Weather 

Freeze- thaw cycles can ramp up a small crack into a large leak quickly. Remember, the chimney is exposed 24/7, 365 days a year. Your masonry must endure heat and cold. Cracks may appear over time which in turn will lead to a leak. 

• Construction/ Waterproofing 

There could be faulty construction of the chimney or skimping on some materials when it was initially built. Additionally, your waterproofing may have finally ceased protecting the chimney brick and mortar and needs to be reapplied.  

• Can A Woodpecker Cause a Leak? 

Not in your masonry but a woodpecker may damage the wood siding around a chimney thus opening it up for moisture to enter.  

• Age of your home. 

Home settle and shift. These movements can cause stress in your masonry which will lead to cracks to develop. Once you have a crack in your masonry, moisture can enter, and a freeze thaw cycle will cause that small crack to grow.  

How To Stop a Leaking Chimney 

We recommend getting regular chimney inspections to get ahead of any weather-related damage. However, we understand that annual inspections are not always possible for homeowners. In the case that you need to stop a leaking chimney, find a trusted contractor with ample reviews to inspect your property.  

Waterproofing Your Chimney

Waterproofing has several options, the DIY route, or a professional route. Some pros may offer a warranty on their higher-end product. It may be advantageous to utilize a professional chimney company to ensure the best application to go with your warranty.  

Crown Repair 

Crowns will crack over time. Once you run through a freeze thaw cycle, that small crack will get a little bigger. If left unchecked, your crown will become loose, and chunks will flake away. If water gets into the bricks, spalling will occur which may lead to larger repairs.  

Replacing Your Chimney Cap 

Is your chimney cap broken, missing, or the wrong size? Talk to a professional to discuss replacement.  

Replacing the Flashing 

Flashing chimney leaks can happen. The metal flashing is what is placed around a chimney to prevent leaks. Much like other roofing materials, the flashing can wear out and open your roof up to leaks.  

Replacement requires removal of the old flashing, and then replacement. Considering your chimney extends out of your roof, you may be at a considerable height. While the height may not be an issue for some DIYer, the handling of tools and supplies make replacing flashing yourself a challenging task. We encourage you to work with a professional to replace chimney flashing.  

Chimney Leak Repair Near Me 

Feazel serves  

• Columbus, OH 

• Cincinnati, OH  

• Cleveland, OH 

• Dayton, OH 

• Indianapolis, IN 

• Greenville, SC 

• Knoxville, TN 

• Greensboro, NC 

• Durham, NC  

We have helped countless homeowners with their chimney and roof issues. If you have discovered a leak around your chimney, contact us for a free inspection. Our award-winning team will be happy to serve you.