Don’t Let a Chimney Leak Destroy Your Chimney & Devalue Your Portland Home
Every year, approximately 1 billion dollars worth of water damage is done to masonry chimneys in the United States alone.
Whether your masonry chimney is old or new, water can find its way in and do some serious damage to your chimney system and home — especially where rainfall is heavy (i.e. Portland).
Unfortunately, many water problems go unnoticed by homeowners for quite some time. When this happens, the damage is typically extensive and can require some hefty and costly repairs.
The good news is: there are some ways to protect yourself and your wallet.
We’re Rated #1 in Portland for Chimney Leak Repairs: Read Our Reviews
John Mitchell
Local Guide • 3 reviews
Lexi Puhl
Local Guide • 1 review
Positive: Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Highly recommend! Liz in the office was diligent getting us in for an appointment ASAP – parts for repair were available sooner than expected and inspector was awesome at taking pictures and explaining what our issues were – they had us all fixed up and leak free before the next rain storm. Everyone was friendly and professional A+++
Andrzej Jonca
Local Guide • 4 reviews
Niyati Evers
Local Guide • 2 reviews
To be fair, we have not yet done the actual chimney repair work so I cannot review that part of the work. However, Adam Reich came out here to review our situation since we are currently experiencing massive water leaks and damage, after we put a brand new roof on in May. The roofing company tries to blame it on the chimney. Of course, it’s in the chimney’s companies’ interest to go along with this assessment as it’ll provide them with work. Adam was the first person who gave an honest assessment that included both what needed to be done with the chimney AS WELL AS what portion of the damage is likely being caused by the roof. He was professional, knew what he was talking about, backed his information up by showing us proof of what he said, was willing to put that information in a report for us, then wrapped the chimney up with cling wrap as a temporary band aid, free of charge, climbing onto our roof in the rain. He was beyond exceptional and based on this experience, we have decided to choose American chimney over other chimney companies to do our repair work.
4 Ways to Protect Your System From Extensive Water Damage Caused By Chimney Leaks
#1: Scheduling Regular Inspections
Every chimney system, regardless of age or type, should be profession4 Ways to Protect Your System From Extensive Water Damage Caused By Chimney Leaksally inspected on an annual basis.
Inspections are necessary because they can help identify any problems, flaws, or inefficiencies before expensive repairs are needed. They can also give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your fireplace, stove, or insert.
For more information on our inspection services, please click here.
#2: Know What to Look For
One great way to protect yourself is to know the signs of water penetration. Some signs that water has penetrated your masonry include:
- Brick discoloration
- Vegetation
- Cracking
- Crumbling
- Spalling; or
- Efflorescence
If you have a prefabricated system, be on the lookout for rust streaks or corrosion.
#3: Have Flashing Professionally Installed
The strips of metal layered where the roof and chimney meet serve a pretty crucial purpose: they protect this vulnerable area from water penetration.
If the flashing isn’t installed properly, or if water corrodes or strong winds pull up the flashing, the chimney will leak in no time.
Is your flashing offering adequate protection?
Another way to protect your system is to have a custom cricket built. The cricket is built on one side of the chimney and redirects water off of the roof and into the gutter.
For more information on flashing and custom crickets and how they can help protect your chimney, please click here!
#4: Waterproofing
Having your chimney professionally waterproofed is one of the best investments you can make — especially here in Portland where we get a great deal of rain and snow.
Unlike paints and commercial waterproofing products, our professional-grade products are 100% vapor-permeable. Why does that matter?
Well, the reason lies in the masonry. You see, brick and mortar are designed to breathe, which is part of why they are so durable. But when you apply paint or commercial waterproofing product (which isn’t 100% vapor-permeable), you’re actually smothering and harming the masonry.
For more information on our waterproofing services, please visit our waterproofing page.
Water can damage your chimney in the form of staining, loss of insulation value, freeze-thaw damage, deterioration and eventually structural failure. If you’re dealing with a leaky chimney, give American Chimney & Masonry a call ASAP! Our technicians can locate the source(s) of the leak(s), make the necessary repairs and help you prevent future problems. Call 503-644-0393 or click here to make an appointment with one of our pros!
To maintain safe operation, your chimney may need relining. Ask us for more information about this important chimney service.
Call American Chimney & Masonry for Chimney Leak Repairs
Water can damage your chimney in the form of:
- Staining
- Loss of insulation value
- Freeze-thaw damage
- Deterioration, and eventually
- Structural failure
If you’re dealing with a leaking chimney, give American Chimney & Masonry a call ASAP!
Our technicians can locate the source(s) of the leak(s), make the necessary repairs, and help you prevent future problems. Call 503-644-0393 or click here to make an appointment with one of our pros!
To maintain safe operation, your chimney may need relining. Ask us for more information about this important chimney service.
Chimney Leak Repair Cost: What to Expect
Every chimney and every repair project is different. The cost to repair a leaking chimney will vary based on:
- The extent of the damage
- The location of the damage; and
- The materials required
Some older chimneys — and even some newer ones — are not equipped with the proper waterproofing required to prevent some of the common causes of leaks.
In addition to repairs, some homeowners prefer to make upgrades to the materials and structure of the chimney. These upgrades will help support the performance of the chimney but can affect the overall cost of the project.
At American Chimney & Masonry, we’ll provide a thorough inspection of your chimney leak and recommend both the repairs to solve the problem and any potential upgrades that will help prolong the life of your chimney.
For more information or to schedule your inspection, give us a call today!
The Hidden Costs of a Chimney Leak Repair
We’re not talking about sneaking extra charges into your invoice after a repair. While some companies may do this, American Chimney & Masonry will provide a full estimate in advance of any chimney leak repair.
What we’re talking about is traveling leaks. Where you might see a water stain that looks like it’s coming from your chimney, it could potentially be coming from another area on the roof.
Leaks can travel — even leaving stains on the opposite side of the room from where the leak is occurring.
If a chimney or roofing specialist cannot find a leak that originates at your chimney, then you may be looking at roof repair, which would change the entire scope and cost of the project.
Portland Chimney Leak Repair – Our Service Area
Located right here in Oregon, our Portland chimney sweep technicians provide the best in …
… in the Greater Portland-Metro area. From NE Portland down to SE Portland, Tualatin and Oregon City in the south, from Pleasant Valley in the east to Beaverton and Sherwood in the west – when it comes to your chimney, fireplace and vents, we hope you’ll call American Chimney & Masonry!
We are the most trusted Portland Chimney Repair company!
Ready To Make A Chimney Sweep Appointment?
To schedule an appointment with one of our expert chimney repair technicians, please call 503-644-0393.
With over 19,000 satisfied customers since 1989, we are ready for more! We look forward to visiting with you soon about your fireplace and chimney sweep needs.
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