No one wants to deal with a leaky chimney! However, water penetration is one of the most common problems that homeowners have with their chimneys. Since masonry materials are naturally porous, the bricks and mortar joints of your chimney absorb water. Unfortunately, this can weaken the structural soundness of your chimney, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Once the bricks and mortar begin to deteriorate, your chimney is at a much larger risk for developing water leaks that can affect your home. Over our years of working on the chimneys in the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Chimney Services has seen the amount of damage that water leaks can cause to homes. We would like to tell you about three more ways a leaky chimney affects your home.
DAMAGE TO CHIMNEY COMPONENTS
When water leaks into your chimney, it can cause damage to more than just the masonry materials. The metal components of your chimney are also exposed to water. Consequently, they can begin to suffer from corrosion damage that could lead to your chimney becoming unsafe to use. For example, do you have a traditional throat damper? If so, the hinges of the damper can develop rusting, which can make it difficult to be able to open and close properly. Your metal chimney liner can also be damaged by corrosion. This can lead to cracking that could allow carbon monoxide and other toxic combustion gases to leak into your home.
DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME ITSELF
A major chimney leak can end up causing destruction to the areas adjacent to your chimney. This includes the wooden parts of your home, the ceilings, the walls, and the floors. If you have a leaky chimney, you may have noticed water stains on the walls and ceilings in the room where your fireplace is located. This is a clear sign that the water leak has gotten large enough to cause rotting of the wooden parts of your home.
MOLD AND MILDEW
A third way that a leaky chimney can affect your home could also cause serious health problems! In the summer when your chimney is closed, the heat can create the perfect environment for any moisture within to develop into mold and mildew. Not only does this create unpleasant odors in your home, but it can also lead to respiratory illnesses in members of your family.
Fortunately, Blue Ridge Chimney Services provides several professional chimney water penetration preventive and repair services. If you are dealing with a leaky chimney, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our CSIA-certified technicians!