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.
Staging a house fireplace is one of the most overlooked gems in selling your home. A clean firebox and spotless screen or glass sells a home. Often, the fireplace and chimney are centerpieces of a large den or living room. If the fireplace screen, glass door or wood stove are dirty, the buyer may assume the chimney and chimney cap are also not well maintained.
Use a glass cleaner designed to remove the soot and ash from the glass if the fireplace has a glass door or you have a wood stove with a glass door, The glass will shine once the soot and grime are removed. This is the first level of cleaning in staging a house fireplace.
Cleaning the glass is number one for a well viewed fireplace
The second most important part of the fireplace is the bricks of the chimney or the flue pipe of the wood stove. Over time, the bricks can build up soot from the fumes of the fireplace. Use a highly diluted bleach and water solution to scrub the bricks. Pay attention to the mortar of the fireplace and chimney. The often white mortar will turn dark over time.
This difference in color between the upper and lower areas of the chimney and fireplace are noticeable. A buyer or prospect looking at the home will make a judgement, good or bad, as to the maintenance of the overall house based on the dirt of the fireplace.
Use binoculars to view the chimney from outside of the house. Is the chimney cap clean and in place? Is there any dark spots of soot or mold on the chimney? Can the flashing be seen and is it in place?
Most home inspectors do not do a thorough inspection of fireplaces. Therefore, many are not qualified to make a judgement about the safety and efficiency of wood stoves and fireplaces with chimneys.
Viewing a chimney and cap from the outside for staging.
In conclusion, make the fireplace and chimney a focal point of your living area. Keep it clean and inspected at least yearly for optimum operation and your family’s safety.
A custom fireplace mantel is surprising inexpensive to design and install. Live edge wood is transformed into a beautiful mantel. Read how in this step by step process to create a unique custom fireplace mantel. If you are not comfortable taking on this project, reach out to Clear Chimney’s mantel experts for help.
Here are the following steps to begin:
Find a local wood provider of live edge logs. These folks will take huge logs of various types and cut them to your exact specifications. We like any type of Oak and Cedar logs. It is important to tell them you are building a mantel and want a “live edge” on the wood. They will keep the outside bark during the cutting process.
Our original piece of raw live edge wood for the mantel
Ask local tree cutting companies or wood supplies for a local cutter to supply raw wood cut to your specs.
Once you have the wood needed in the correct sizes, it is time to prepare the wood with color and a protection. The next step involves sanding. Be sure to have an area that can take the dust for easy clean up. Also, use a mask when sanding. The particles fly in the air during sanding.
Sand the entire wood on all sides. Use a “tacky cloth” that picks up the tiny particles from the wood before they are sealed in.
We recommend the colors you want are tested first. We usually do it on the back side. You can also use a scrap of wood but be sure it is from the same provider. Colors vary a lot on different grains and woods.
Sand, tacky cloth, stain, steel wool, tacky cloth, seal the custom mantel
Custom fireplace mantel final installation:
A beautiful custom mantel completed ready for review. The screen was added for protection. A few thousand dollars created an artwork masterpiece for this fireplace. Many years of enjoyment are ahead.
