Allstar Chimney Sweeps

A primary factor in water leaks stemming from chimneys, deterioration, is caused by constant exposure to the elements. Minor leaks can cause major damage; as soon as you think water is finding its way into your chimney, call a professional chimney technician to solve the problem. Call the experienced technicians at Allstar Chimney Sweeps for affordable solutions today.

Main Sources of Chimney Water Leaks

There are several factors that can cause chimney water leaks. The chimney flashing should be at the top of your inspection list when you’re looking for sources of water leaks. Flashing systems can be weakened by constant exposure to the elements, including rain, wind, snow, hail and sleet, and allow cracks to form around the base of the chimney.

Inadequate flashing makes it easier for water to seep into the cracks that form at the base of the chimney. A hardy water-tight sealant will prevent water intrusion if applied properly. The top edge of the chimney flashing should be bent inward and properly seated in the mortar of the chimney. The areas of flashing where the chimney and roof meet can be tested by using a garden hose to mimic the effects of a heavy rain. Any sign of a water leak could spell much more damage in the future. Repairs should be undertaken as soon as possible.

Another key area to check when you think you have a water leak is the chimney cap; missing or damaged caps are often the source. Leaks in the chimney cap can cause cracks that can in turn result further problems. Pre-fab chimneys typically always have a cap, but masonry chimneys may be built without.

The next thing to look at when it comes to pinpointing the source of your chimney’s water leak should be your chimney’s crown.The brick foundation and beveled mortar surface of chimney crowns are designed to keep water away from the top of the chimney. The chase cover on prefabricated chimneys is made of metal to direct water onto the top of the roof, rather than into the chimney. If you have a masonry chimney and ordinary brick mortar was used to construct your chimney crown, it will eventually crack and could leak due to adverse weather conditions. Brick mortar is too porous and does not withstand temperature changes well enough to be exposed to water on the way that a chimney crown is. Here at Allstar Chimney Sweeps, we find regular brick mortar crowns to be one of the most frequent causes of chimney leaks.

It is easy for the bricks and mortar used in masonry chimneys to soak up water because of their porous characteristics. As the brickwork soaks up water, it will deteriorate. Spalling occurs as a result of deterioration. Spalling causes the facing of the brick to go soft, making it crumble and break easily from the water. The best way to fix this problem permanently is to replace the affected brick and mortar to seal any cracks.

Solutions to Water Leak Problems

We offer water leak solutions at affordable prices to make the most of your time and money. We will send one of our Allstar Chimney Academy certified technicians to locate the cause of the water leak in your home and come up with an affordable solution. Here is a list of some of our water leak solutions:

• Chimney Flashing

  We can replace your chimney’s flashing system entirely or seal the existing flashing with FlashSeal, a flexible, weather-resistant compound. We offer FlashSeal as protection against leaks in the chimney, stacks and vents. FlashSeal serves as a flexible, waterproof membrane that is permanently attached to your metal flashing, asphalt shingles, bricks and other chimney or roofing materials. We can fit any chimney with a galvanized metal, aluminum or copper flashing system. The cement we use to install flashing system is of the highest quality to make sure your new system provides the best protection possible against water leaks. We’ll make sure your flashing looks good while it protects your chimney by painting it to to match the roof and chimney on your home.

• Install Caps to Keep Animals, Debris and Water Out

  Chimney caps can improve the function of all chimneys, whether they are masonry or prefabricated. Chimney caps will keep water and debris from entering your chimney through the top. They also keep animals out of the chimney. During the summer months, caps can make all the difference in preventing chimney odors from developing. Allstar Chimney Sweeps offers a number of options for chimney caps. Our caps come in standard sizes, or we can match your chimney exactly with a custom-fit cap. Our galvanized metal, aluminum, stainless steel and copper chimney caps will put the perfect finishing touch on any roofline.

• Protection against the elements for chimney crown

  The technicians at Allstar Chimney Sweeps have experience replaced worn out chimney crowns and applying preventative agents like CrownSaver to prevent future damage. This blend of polymer modified hydraulic cements is a water repellant to prevent water from collecting on top of your chimney and seeping inside. CrownSaver has continued to improve since its introduction into the industry in the 1980s, and it is one of the best products to use when repairing or rebuilding your chimney crown.

• Solutions for Waterproofing Your Chimney

  ChimneySaver is one of the best ways to keep your chimney safe from water damage during rainstorms. It’s a 100% vapor permeable formula that is designed to block out any water, while allowing the vapors in your chimney to escape. ChimneySaver helps your chimney draft and “breathe” properly. ChimneySaver comes with a 10-year warranty. It has been proven to reduce the amount of water penetration in masonry chimneys by 99.9 percent.

Our company has provided the best chimney services for the past 16 years. For more information about chimney care or to schedule an appointment for an inspection or repair, call today to speak with a member of our office staff. Does your chimney need to be fixed? Call Allstar Chimney Sweeps today, at 866-345-4751 or email us.