Troubleshooting Chimney Problems

Sometimes you need to call a professional… and sometimes you don’t. Here are a number of tips to help resolve common problems with chimneys.

If you can’t solve this type of problem, don’t worry – that’s why we’re here. Just give us a call and we can have one of our chimney sweep technicians out to help diagnose the problem and recommend solutions.

Leaking Chimneys

Beginning late each fall and throughout the rainy season we field dozens of calls from homeowners experiencing a tremendous amount of water coming in, down, and around their chimneys and fireplaces or stoves. We’ve had clients in newer homes literally collecting pans of water in the fireplace or wood stove alcove. There are a number of things we look at in diagnosing the source of this annoying and damaging phenomena.

The first thing we evaluate is where the water is showing up. This gives us an indication of where to begin looking for the water entry point. We examine the flashing, the roof around the chimney, the chimney cap and of course the condition of the chimney itself. We can even examine the resistance to water of the brick and mortar itself. This type of comprehensive approach allows us to make intelligent recommendations rather than just trying to make a quick sale and be on our way. Our technicians will go over with you their findings and make appropriate recommendations based on those findings.

Water penetration can lead to damage costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair. Don’t let this problem go unresolved. ChimneySaver Water Repellent will waterproof your exterior masonry and is guaranteed to last for 10 years.

Wanting to solve your water problem yourself? No problem, you can buy ChimneySaver products online at www.askthechimneysweep.com.