Is Your Chimney Leaking?

While Rochester and surrounding communities in Western New York enjoy a comfortable climate year-round, winters are usually cold and wet. In fact, the Rochester area averages nearly 40 inches of precipitation annually. As a result, chimney leaks are common a common occurrence.

The key is getting the leak fixed before it causes water damage to your chimney system, the attic, roof deck, and the roof.

If your chimney is leaking, we can fix it. Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney of Rochester is owner-certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Our trained and knowledgeable chimney professionals provide expert repairs for leaking chimneys in the Greater Rochester area, Monroe County, and communities throughout the Western NY region.

Why Is My Chimney Leaking?

There are many reasons your masonry or manufactured chimney is leaking. Recent storms, snow accumulation, masonry deterioration, worn flashing, improper repairs, and even neglect are some of the reasons for water leaking into the chimney. That’s why it is so important to keep up with annual chimney inspections. It is also essential to schedule an inspection immediately after a significant weather event like a tropical storm, tornado, or hurricane.

Finding the Source of a Water Leak

Sometimes a chimney leak is easy to spot like a loose or missing chimney cap. In other cases, it could be more complex when the leak is occurring in a hidden area of the chimney system. Plus, your chimney could be leaking from more than one entry point. Here are some of areas where chimney leaks are common:

• Your chimney is cap is damaged or missing.
• The chimney chase top has rust.
• The chimney crown has cracks or gaping holes.
• The chimney flashing is warping.
• There are gaps in the mortar joints.
• The brickwork is flaking, cracking, or crumbling.