Although masonry chimneys are typically built to last a lifetime, you should be following the right maintenance routine to combat the common problem of water leaks. Because of the amount of extensive and expensive damage to your home that a water leak can cause, The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has named water as the greatest enemy of masonry chimneys. If you are dealing with a leaky chimney, Blue Ridge Chimney Services is here to help you. From our years of working on chimneys in the Shenandoah Valley, we have the experience and skills to correctly and quickly diagnose the cause of the leak and to properly fix the problem and repair any damage that occurred. We would like to tell you more about what can cause leaky chimneys.

DAMAGED CHIMNEY CAP

The CSIA recommends a chimney cap as an affordable way to prevent water from getting into your chimney. However, your cap could be damaged to the point where it cannot do its job properly. To best protect your chimney from water penetration, you need a quality chimney cap in good condition to be professionally installed on the top of your chimney. Our staff at Blue Ridge Chimney Services can show you a wide variety of options of caps. They will not only keep water out of your chimney but will also prevent birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals from entering to nest inside the flue.

DAMAGED FLASHING

The area where your chimney meets the roof is one of the most vulnerable spots for water leaks. Therefore, it is important to have a customized flashing system in place and in good condition to protect this area. The flashing can become damaged over time by strong winds and corrosion, and this can make the risk of water leaks at this spot even higher. You can count on the CSIA-certified chimney technicians at Blue Ridge Chimney Services to make the necessary repairs to your damaged flashing system. If we find the damage to be beyond repairs, we will construct new and completely customized flashing.

DAMAGED MASONRY

Since bricks and mortar joints are naturally porous, they absorb water every time it rains or snows. In the winter, any moisture trapped inside these materials will freeze and expand each time the temperature drops below freezing. Water thawing causes the bricks and mortar joints to crack, crumble, and even become loose from the chimney. This damage leaves behind gaps and holes that can allow to easily enter your home. If you have noticed damaged chimney masonry, we can replace the cracked and missing bricks and mortar joints. Our professional masonry repair services will restore the integrity of your chimney!

Are you dealing with a leaky chimney? Don’t hesitate to contact us at Blue Ridge Chimney Services to schedule an appointment for a professional chimney leak inspection. You can trust us to find and repair the leak!