5 Typical Causes of Chimney Leaks in Alpharetta

A leak in your chimney allows water to enter from the exterior of the home, which can cause significant damage if left alone. It’s important to understand the typical causes of chimney leaks so that you can address the problem quickly. Here are the 5 most common causes.

1.) Flashing Failure

The purpose of chimney flashing in alpharetta is to keep water from going between the roof and the chimney where the chimney comes out of the home. Flashing failure occurs when the aluminum deteriorates or the waterproofing is no longer effective. This is a very common cause of a leaking chimney that can be easily fixed.

2.) Masonry Problems

Cracked mortar and masonry happens over time, allowing water to seep into the chimney walls. The problem becomes worse over time because the water expands and contracts with changes in the weather. It may be possible to address this source of leaking with brick sealant products.

3.) Missing Chimney Cap

A chimney cap keeps snow or rain from going straight down the chimney. If the chimney cap has been damaged or is missing, rain, ice, and snow can easily fall down the chimney and cause water damage. In addition to allowing water to leak into the chimney, a missing chimney cap can allow debris and pests to enter the chimney, causing further damage to the chimney.

4.) Cracked Crown

The crown of the chimney is the concrete surface at the very top of the chimney. The crown can also eventually crack, allowing water to seep in. As with leaks in the masonry, the problem can quickly compound as water in the concrete expands and contracts.

5.) Wood Siding

Wood siding can cause problems for your chimney because knots in the wood can fall out, allowing water to seep in. In addition, the siding may warp and split, allowing water to penetrate behind the siding and move into the chimney. If your chimney is leaking, call us right away so that we can ascertain the problem and provide a solution as quickly as possible.