We Fix Leaky Chimneys In Atlanta GA

If you suspect there is leaking in your chimney, don’t put off having it looked at.  Water that infiltrates a chimney can do severe damage over time – and the problem is, you won’t be aware of the damage until it gets to the point where it’s very expensive to fix.  Chimney Solutions services all of Atlanta with certified crews who can inspect your chimney for leaks and quickly initiate whatever repairs are necessary.

4 primary causes of chimney leaks

It’s difficult for the average homeowner to know exactly why a chimney is leaking.  Chimneys are made up of several components and materials, and any of them could be the source of the leak.  Here are four of the most common reasons for a leaky chimney.

1. No chimney cap

It’s never advisable to operate a fireplace without a cap for the chimney.  Chimney caps cover the opening at the top of the chimney and serve to keep rain water from getting down into the structure.  Without a chimney cap, water will begin to affect the brick and mortar of the chimney as well as the chimney liner.  Prolonged moisture causes deterioration of even the most solid materials.  We always encourage our Atlanta-area customers to have a quality chimney cap installed.

In some cases, we’ll perform a chimney inspection and discover that an existing chimney cap is worn and damaged.  When the mesh sides of a cap are rotted or torn away, it’s like not having a cap at all.  We can easily replace a damaged chimney cap with a sturdy new one.

2. Faulty chimney liner

Chimney liners do a great job in protecting the building materials of the chimney from moisture.  After using your fireplace, the chimney begins to cool down, creating condensation.  The liner keeps this moisture from eventually penetrating the chimney’s bricks.  If the liner is damaged, the bricks can begin absorbing water, which will lead to damage.

The only way to know the exact condition of your chimney liner is to have a Chimney Solutions technician perform a thorough inspection.  We have the tools and training needed to investigate down inside your chimney and figure out if a damaged liner is the cause of your chimney leak.

3. Damaged flashing

Flashing is the material that seals the space between the exterior of the chimney and the roof.  After years of exposure to the elements, flashing can warp, rust and deteriorate, allowing water to run down into the home structure.  A thorough chimney inspection always includes a close look at the flashing.  Sometimes the flashing can be repaired, but usually it’s best to just replace it so you’ll know you have a solid seal.

When flashing is damaged – or when there is no flashing – water can infiltrate the attic and start eating away at the home’s building materials.  Water draining down the chimney’s exterior also can damage the chimney structure itself.

4. Cracks in the chimney crown

The chimney crown is the cement section that covers most of the top of the chimney.  Crowns, like caps and flashing, serve to keep water out of the system.  Even slight cracks in the chimney crown can let water in, where it will cause ongoing deterioration.

Depending on the extent of the cracking, a crown can be treated with a sealant to prevent further water damage.  If the cracks are severe, the smartest move is to simply rebuild the crown.

When to call a chimney sweep

As you can see, water is a chimney’s #1 enemy.  Any time you notice signs of leaking in or around your chimney, you should arrange for a complete chimney inspection.  Chimney Solutions is happy to visit your Atlanta home and find out where a chimney leak is happening and then get to work repairing the problem.  It’s never safe to operate a fireplace when the chimney is in any way compromised.  Make sure your chimney and fireplace are in top condition all year long by calling us today at (770) 255-1300.