Chimney Leaks: How to Spot & Prevent Them

A leaky chimney can quickly become a dangerous chimney. Even the most minor leaks should be addressed promptly before they spread.

Felgemacher of Rochester, NY, and Buffalo, NY, would like to share a little about leaky chimneys, including how to spot a leak, what a leak can do to your chimney and home, and the right way to solve a chimney leak problem.

Is your chimney leaking?

There are several signs of a leaky chimney. Watch for:

• Water dripping into the firebox
• Damp sections or water stains on the ceiling or walls near the fireplace
• Musty smells coming from the firebox or the attic
• White stains (efflorescence) on the exterior chimney masonry
• A squeaky, hard-to-operate fireplace damper
• Masonry brick spalling (flaking)
• Cracks in the bricks
• Crumbling mortar between the bricks

Note that some of these signs could be caused by things other than a “traditional” chimney leak. If you spot any of them, have your chimney inspected.

How does a chimney start leaking?

In the chimney services industry, we refer to any situation in which water enters or damages a chimney system as a chimney leak. Here are the four most common ways for a chimney to leak.

1. Damaged or missing chimney cap, flue cover, or chase top
2. Deteriorated bricks and mortar
3. Rusted, warped, or missing chimney flashing
4. Cracks or open spaces in the concrete chimney crown

Damage caused by a leaky chimney

Depending on the location and extent of the leak, you may see a range of damage within the chimney system.

Chimney liner

Water moving into the flue can begin to deteriorate the chimney liner, which is in place to contain smoke, combustion gases, and flames. Many a house fire has started because of a compromised chimney liner.

Masonry

A chimney leak is progressive, and once it begins damaging the bricks and mortar of a masonry chimney, it will continue until the entire structure falls apart. Worst-case scenarios include a chimney that leans and collapses.

Damper

Certain types of leaks can rust out the metal parts of a fireplace damper, preventing it from opening and closing completely.

Firebox

Extensive chimney leaks can eventually start a cycle of damage in a fireplace’s fire bricks and refractory panels. When this happens, flames and deadly carbon monoxide can easily escape.

Mold

Mold grows fast in dark, damp, and poorly ventilated spaces. A chimney leak can lead to mold growth within the chimney system and in unseen areas of the home near the chimney.

Leaky chimney solutions

Any level of chimney leak can be repaired, but it’s definitely better to get this work started sooner rather than later. Chimney leak repair might include:

• Brick replacement
• Tuckpointing to replace sections of crumbling mortar
• Partial or complete chimney rebuilding
• Installation of a new chimney cap or flue cover
• New flashing installation
• Chimney liner repair or relining
• Mold remediation

After the leak is fixed, it’s a good idea to have your exterior chimney waterproofed with a strong sealant to prevent water from entering masonry cracks in the future.

Fix your leaky chimney now

Felgemacher has provided expert chimney leak repair in the Rochester, NY, and Buffalo, NY, regions since 1953. Our CSIA-certified technicians can fix any chimney leak and restore safety and beauty to your chimney system.

Learn more or schedule an appointment by giving us a call. You can also reach out through our contact form.