Do you find that sometimes your roof leaks, and you have had it checked a dozen times? Well, maybe it isn’t a roof leak. It just might be a chimney leak, and these types of leaks can cause major damage to your home. The big thing to remember is that you do not want to put off getting this checked out. What could be a very simple fix at first can easily turn into a very expensive, complicated repair.
Their are multiple factors that can lead to a chimney leak. Water damage is one of the leading causes of leaking chimneys because it eats away at the mortar. Another cause of this mortar breakdown is high wind conditions. Be very mindful of this if you have any downspouts that are above your chimney. It is a good idea to divert this water away from your chimney if at all possible. Also, if your chimney cap is not functioning properly, water may be coming in through the top of the chimney. This can also cause mortar or chimney lining damage.
Make sure your chimney repair work is done by a qualified chimney professional. The last thing you want is for the work to be performed incorrectly, and end up causing more damage in the long run. A good way to tell if your chimney professional is really worth their salt is if they are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). In order to earn the CSIA certification, you must first pass a rigorous check on your knowledge and skills.
Don’t wait around for the problem to get worse. Leaking chimneys can cause major structural damage to your home, and can be an unnecessary financial burden for the individual home owner. Remember, it is not going to fix itself. Do not put your home and your family at risk of more damage caused by a failing chimney. Call a chimney professional today.
