If left unattended, small chimney leaks can become a bigger problem later on. To prevent serious damage, it is best to fix any leakage issues as soon as you spot them.
At Atlanta Chimney Doctor, we provide quality products and services to keep your chimney safe. Our chimney waterproofing and leak repair services are reliable and effectively prevent water from coming into your house.
Signs of Chimney Leaks
There are several signs that can indicate your chimney is leaking, which include:
- Wall or ceiling stains: Stains on the wall or ceiling near your chimney are often caused by a leaking chimney.
- Musty odor: If there is a musty smell around your fireplace, especially after heavy rain, your chimney could be leaking.
- Spalling bricks: Bricks falling off your fireplace structure walls can be a sign of a leak.
- Damaged flashing: The flashing around your chimney is crucial in preventing leaks. If the flashing is deteriorated or damaged, it could be allowing water into the chimney.
- Mold or mildew: Milder and mold only develop in damp conditions, so if you see either of these growing near your chimney, there might be leaks.
- Lack of a chimney cap: A missing chimney cap is one obvious reason for leakage since water will flow straight down the chimney’s flue.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your chimney inspected by a professional to determine the source of the leak and address the problem before it causes further damage.
Chimney Leak Repair
A leaking chimney is a serious danger to your health. It can lead to mildew and mold in your home as well as water damage, which can affect the stability of your house and damage your possessions. If left unchecked, a chimney leak can lead to costly repairs such as replacing drywall and flooring.
Chimney leaks can be caused by various issues, including foundation problems, a lack of a chimney cap, cracks in the masonry, and others. At Atlanta Chimney Doctor, we provide chimney inspection and leak repairs in Kennesaw, Acworth, Alpharetta, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Dallas, and Atlanta. We aim to fix your chimney leak problems the first time, giving you peace of mind. With our knowledge and experience, you’ll have a chimney that performs well for years. Fireplaces themselves can also leak, which is why we offer fireplace inspection and leak repair services, as well.
Chimney Waterproofing
After repairing any fireplace and chimney leaks, you’ll want to establish preventative measures to avoid future problems. Fortunately, many fireplace chimney leaks are preventable. By keeping your fireplace and chimney in good repair and scheduling professional inspections on a regular basis, you can notice and resolve problems before they worsen.
One effective way to prevent leaks is to waterproof your chimney. Chimney waterproofing is the process of applying a protective coating or sealant to the chimney’s exterior to prevent the penetration of water or moisture. This process shields the chimney from snow, rain and other elements that can cause damage. With chimney waterproofing services from Atlanta Chimney Doctor, you can rest easy knowing your chimney will stay in good condition.
Chimney Leak Prevention
Preventing chimney leaks is simple with a few steps:
- Use a quality chimney liner: Water is not the only leak you need to worry about. A stainless steel liner will last a lifetime and allow gases to escape your chimney so they don’t get trapped in your home.
- Pay attention to your fireplace and chimney: Make it a habit to look at your chimney from different angles and inspect your fireplace when cleaning. If you notice big changes or any issues, such as deteriorated brick and mortar joints, contact a professional chimney repair service.
- Keep your chimney crown and chimney cap in good condition: A chimney cap can keep water and pests out of your chimney, helping to prevent further damage and leaks. It’s important to have professional-grade chimney caps installed as well as call the experts to repair a damaged chimney crown with Crown Coat.
- Get your fireplace and chimney inspected at least every year: Your own visual inspection can only go so far. A professional inspection using video scanning can see what is happening in your fireplace and chimney. While professional inspections cannot foresee every possible cause of leaks, they can often pinpoint damage and issues that could cause a leak. As a result, you can take care of smaller repair needs before they turn into a serious problem.
- Consider chimney flashing repair and waterproofing services: Products such as ChimneySaver Water-Base Water Repellent prevent water from damaging your chimney, helping the masonry and other components last longer. Atlanta Chimney Doctor can help you find waterproofing solutions for your home as well as repair or replace a leaky flashing.
Contact Us Today
Atlanta Chimney Doctor helps homeowners who may find themselves facing water leaking into their e chimney each time it rains. Our team focuses on safety first and works to make your chimney and fireplace functional and safe again. If your chimney or fireplace has sprung a leak, call us at (678) 525-7943 for immediate service or request chimney services online today.