When your chimney leaks in heavy rain, it is often the result of cracked and separated bricks and mortar. Water freezes the cracks in winter. When the temperatures warm up, the ice thaws and leaves a gap in the mortar and around the flue pipe.
This might seem like a minor issue, but protecting your home from chimney leaks during heavy rain is crucial for several reasons:
Structural Integrity: Leaks can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Water seeping through cracks weakens the brickwork and mortar, potentially leading to more significant damage over time.
Ventilation Efficiency: The chimney is a critical component of your home’s ventilation system. It efficiently directs smoke and harmful gases out of your living space. When leaks occur, they can disrupt this function, posing health risks.
Preventing Further Damage: Ignoring these issues can lead to more severe problems, such as mold growth and internal water damage. Prompt attention is necessary to prevent costly repairs.
By understanding the importance of maintaining a leak-free chimney, you can ensure your home remains safe and sound, even in the heaviest of rains.
We all love spring time. Flowers, bird chirping and warmer weather means mother nature is waking up. In parts of the country, it signifies the “great thaw”. Frozen rivers will expand and flood low areas. Your driveway and steps may show expansion areas from the freeze and thaw.
Chimneys are the same way. Many chimney tops are not slanted properly and water sits on top and seeps into the cracks. When the temperatures freeze, the water does too. As it expands, the brick joints will push apart. This is where the trouble starts.
But that’s not the only issue you might face. Over time, the mortar joints holding the chimney’s bricks or stones can deteriorate. Exposure to the elements weakens the mortar, allowing water to sneak in through the gaps, potentially leading to leaks and structural issues.
Additionally, chimney condensation is a common culprit. Warm, moist air from inside your home can meet the cooler surfaces of the chimney, forming droplets that pool inside. Without proper ventilation, this can become a persistent problem, making a chimney liner a wise investment.
Moreover, the masonry itself can suffer from the forces of nature. Freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, and other environmental factors can cause bricks to crack or spall and mortar to loosen. Regular inspections can catch these issues early, ensuring necessary repairs keep your chimney watertight.
Addressing these factors with proactive maintenance and timely repairs can safeguard your home from the headaches of chimney leaks during heavy rain.
Notice in this "before" picture the cracks in the top portion of the chimney. It leaks in heavy rain! Request Service By Clicking On The Picture.
How do we stop chimney leaks in heavy rains?
The process of stopping chimney leaks in heavy rains is pretty straightforward. First, we clean and scrape any old mortar and chipping off the top and sides of the chimney. Most of the time, we have to add mortar back into a few areas.
Secondly, after the holes are patched and sealed, we coat the area with a sealant designed for chimneys. It will last from 10 to 15 years with periodic inspections.
Chimneys are more than just architectural features; they are vital components of your home’s ventilation system. They ensure that smoke and harmful gases are efficiently directed out of your living space. However, during heavy rain, these structures can often become vulnerable to leaks, potentially leading to significant issues such as water damage, mold growth, and compromised structural integrity.
Addressing these concerns promptly is crucial, and that’s where our specialized sealant comes into play. By applying a durable, weather-resistant barrier, we protect your chimney from the elements, safeguarding your home from the adverse effects of moisture infiltration. Regular inspections ensure the longevity and effectiveness of this protection, keeping your home safe and dry.
To further enhance the protection of your chimney from leaks, consider implementing additional measures:
Waterproofing Chimney Masonry: Over time, the bricks and mortar can become porous, allowing water to seep through. Applying a high-quality waterproofing sealant creates a protective barrier, preventing water penetration and reducing the risk of leaks. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Repairing Mortar Joints: Deteriorated mortar joints can let water enter the chimney structure. The process, known as repointing, involves removing damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh material. Hiring a professional ensures the repairs are done correctly.
Condensation Prevention Tips:
Proper Ventilation: Ensure your home has adequate ventilation to reduce humidity. Exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can help remove excess moisture.
Insulate the Chimney: Insulating the exterior can help regulate temperature and reduce condensation.
Monitor Indoor Humidity: Use a hygrometer to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
Regular Fireplace Use: Regular use warms up the chimney, reducing temperature differences and minimizing condensation.
By incorporating these methods, you can significantly safeguard your chimney against leaks during heavy rains. Remember, regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to ensuring the long-term protection and functionality of your chimney.
Secondly, after the holes are patched and sealed, we coat the area with a sealant designed for chimneys. It will last from 10 to 15 years with periodic inspections.
The top picture is the “after” picture all sealed up and ready for another decade. Sometimes, the flues coming up from the firebox are installed without being level or plumb. We can not really change that but the repairs will minimize the look if needed.
Chimney cap repair is often done with gas log conversion jobs. Since the soot has built up over the years, the caps deteriorate so we replace them during the same project. Chimney cap repair near me is a common request for homeowners seeking help. The fireplace and chimney are an integral part of most homes and require maintenance over time.
Firstly, we pointed them to our gas log store page to pick out a set of logs. There are many sets to choose from but the Monessen sets are our most popular ones. Also, natural gas and propane use different orifices. Let us know your fuel source up front.
Chimney cap was in horrible shape before we started the rebuild.
The chimney cap repair after the rebuild. Ready for decades of service with the gas log conversion.
We deliver and install the logs.
Secondly, the gas logs are ordered and delivered to your home. The propane is ordered from the vendor and installed at your house. This conversion is using propane gas as the source for the new gas logs. This is a reliable “off the grid” solution for rural areas that are not served by natural gas. The price of propane is high at the moment but over time it is a good solution to heating your home without the wood hassle. For instance, no more wood buying or delivery fees. In addition, no more cleaning and sweeping.
Converting a wood burning stove to propane gas logs requires black pipe
Why should you convert from wood burning to gas logs?
Finally, don’t wrestle with wood burning fireplaces as you get older. Wood is bought, cut, delivered, stacked and used each season. A gas log set has a remote control for easy use. The chimney will not soot up over time if installed correctly. The heat is instant and there is no clean up. Remember, roof work is dangerous. Let the professionals take care of the chimney. You enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the gas logs.
One of the most frequently asked questions in our business is “how to burn wood in a fireplace”. A lot of us were taught in scouts or from our family and friends. Often, the skill is not totally the best.
Here are 9 key stages on how to burn wood in a fireplace.
Get an annual chimney check – Have chimneys inspected annually and cleaned as necessary. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote build-up or obstructions in the chimney.
Keep it clear – Keep tree branches and leaves at least 15 feet away from the top of the chimney.
Build it right – Place dry, seasoned firewood or fire logs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate using the following top-down fire method. Start by placing the largest pieces of wood on the bottom of the fireplace grate or wood stove, with the ends going front to back (opposite of what you were taught). This front to back method allows the air to mix well with the fuel. Place smaller wood on top with their ends going side to side. Keep alternating your rows of wood using smaller and smaller pieces until your wood is stacked about ½ the height of the fireplace. At this point you will begin placing your kindling (the smallest pieces of wood). Again, stack smaller and smaller pieces until there are simple wood shavings on top. The shavings on top should be small enough to light with a single match. As the fire burns from the top to the bottom, it will continue to ignite the wood below. Only a little smoke is created as the fire burns hotter and more cleanly from the top of the stack. Burning wood this way prevents smoke and unburnt gases from entering your cold chimney. This can potentially adhere to the chimney walls causing creosote.
Keep the hearth area clear – Combustible material too close to the fireplace or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire. Keep furniture at least 36” away from the hearth.
Use a fireplace screen – Use metal mesh or a screen in front of the fireplace to catch flying sparks that could ignite or burn holes in the carpet or flooring.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Place detectors throughout the house and check batteries in the spring and fall. An easy way to remember to check: When you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time, check your batteries.
Never have a fire in a fireplace unattended – Before turning in for the evening, be sure that the fire is fully extinguished. Supervise children and pets closely around wood stoves and fireplaces when in use.
