Need Resolutions for a Leaky Chimney? We’ve Got the Tools, Training & Knowledge to Help

Are you frustrated and just want a reputable chimney company to solve the ongoing water leak issue around your chimney? Do you feel vulnerable and not know who to trust?

If you see water stains on your ceiling near the chimney, deteriorated brick and mortar, a rusted chase top or flashing, and watermarks in your fireplace (or below your fireplace), there’s no need to call a roofer. Our team of experts will guide you through the proven system that guarantees to determine where it is leaking and solve the issues.

The whole chimney structure has to be checked to be effective. Our 31-point evaluation and infrared technology will help identify the exact source of the leaks and any hidden areas of water intrusion. Save time, stress, and money on chimney repair costs by reaching out to our team.

Here at English Sweep, we believe everybody should have the peace of mind knowing their chimney is working properly and, more importantly, keeping water out of your home. Schedule today to have one of our certified technicians complete an assessment.

Give us a call at 636-225-3340 or schedule an appointment on our website.

Two technicians looking up at a scaffolding surrounding a chimney

What’s Causing My Chimney to Leak?

Water stains on your ceiling near your chimney, deteriorated brickwork and mortar, rusted flashing or chimney caps, mold and mildew, clogs in the flue, and water in your firebox are all signs of a leaky chimney. These things are definitely a cause for concern, but most of the time these issues can be resolved with a fairly easy fix – if addressed in a timely manner.

That said, neglecting these warning signs can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future. 

Curious about the root of your leaky chimney issues? Let’s take a look at the most common ones:

Missing or Damaged Chimney Cap

If water seems to be coming in directly from the top, it’s likely that you’re missing your chimney cap – or that your crown or chase cover is damaged.

A chimney cap sits directly over the top of the vent pipe or crown and covers the entire top of the flue – the vertical duct in your chimney that carries all the smoke and chemicals from your home.

If the chimney cap is missing or damaged, rain and other precipitation can flow down your chimney causing internal structural damage to the damper, flue, or firebox. It is a small but mighty element of your chimney’s protection, as it not only keeps water out, but also prevents birds, animals, and debris from gaining access.

Damaged or Poorly Built Chimney Crowns & Covers

Whether you have a chimney crown or chimney chase cover is all dependent upon what kind of fireplace you have. If you have a masonry chimney, the top of your chimney will more than likely have a chimney crown that is (or should be) made of cement.

If you have a prefabricated fireplace, the top of your chimney will instead have a chase cover, which is typically built of stainless steel. But sometimes masonry chimneys also have a metal chimney chase cover too.

Crown or chase cover, its purpose is to direct moisture away from the sides of the chimney.

Did you know one of the biggest reasons your chimney cover might be leaking is actually because it wasn’t properly installed? In addition, sometimes the crown will be made with the same mortar that was used when laying the bricks of your chimney – which isn’t as durable and long-lasting as a properly constructed cement crown.

That’s why it is extremely important you hire a licensed and trusted chimney technician like the ones at English Sweep, Inc. We’re here to complete repairs and install replacement parts as needed.

Leaky Chimney Flashing

Your chimney flashing is the thin metal material that acts as a waterproof seal between your chimney and roof. Properly installed chimney flashing can last for decades, but continuous exposure to the elements can cause flashing to deteriorate over time. It may start to crack or even begin pulling away from the chimney. If it’s been compromised, water can easily work its way in since these materials expand and contract at different rates.

We’re here to ensure your flashing is properly installed and can’t be easily damaged by weather, animals, or natural wear and tear.

Leaking Brickwork

Bricks and mortar are naturally porous materials that absorb water when it rains. If your chimney has missing, cracked, or crumbling brickwork, or if your mortar joints are no longer intact, then it’s likely water is presently breaking things down. Cue chimney waterproofing.

Water damage in bricks often occurs because of the freeze/thaw process. That’s when moisture absorbed by the brickwork freezes and thaws with temperature changes. This causes the masonry to expand and crack, thus offering more pathways for water to enter later on. Heavily saturated bricks then begin to drip on the inside of your chimney, creating a host of other issues that can lead to potential structural damage.

How can English Sweep help?

All in all, it can be difficult to troubleshoot a leak if you don’t have experience doing so. That’s where English Sweep comes in. We have decades of experience resolving chimney leaks in the St. Louis area, and we’ll provide a solution that’s both effective and long-lasting.

If you notice water where it shouldn’t be, or think that water may be finding ways to enter your chimney, it’s time to get in touch with us right away. The longer these problems go unresolved, the harder and more expensive they’ll be to address down the line.

Why Ignoring Chimney Leaks Can Be Dangerous

If you didn’t know by now, water is your chimney’s greatest enemy. It has the potential to erode its structure, compromise safety, and create a host of issues that can pose significant risks to your home and health if left unchecked. Some of these issues include:

  • Structural Damage: Water can penetrate the masonry, causing bricks and mortar to deteriorate. Given enough time, the chimney’s structure will actually become extremely unstable and pose a severe safety hazard with risk of it crumbling or collapsing completely.
  • Increased Risk of a Chimney Fire: Inside of the chimney, you have important components, like the chimney liner, that help protect the surrounding materials from being exposed to high temperatures. When those components become damaged, and fail to do their job, it increases your chances of experiencing a chimney fire.
  • Carbon Monoxide Exposure: A damaged chimney can also allow toxic gases, including carbon monoxide, to enter your home. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, this is not only highly dangerous, but also life-threatening, as it can be nearly impossible to detect.
  • Mold & Mildew Growth: Water intrusion can create a damp environment which provides an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold not only poses a health risk, causing allergies and respiratory problems, but it can also lead to further structural damage in your home.
  • Interior Water Damage: The problem with water is, once it makes its way into your chimney, it continues to flow into areas you can’t see, gradually spreading its damaging effects to nearby spaces within your home. This hidden water damage is what can become costly if not addressed promptly.

How To Fix Leaks In & Around the Chimney

For leak resolution, we offer many solutions. The chimney technicians at English Sweep are trained professionals who specialize in the maintenance, repair, and cleaning of chimneys and fireplaces. When repairing a leaky chimney, we follow certain procedures to identify and and successfully address the issue.

Here is what you can expect when you call us out for a leaky chimney problem: Thorough Inspection: At the start of any job, we always make sure to perform a comprehensive inspection to accurately locate the source of the chimney leak and identify any underlying issues

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Accurate Diagnosis

Our main goal is to provide a precise diagnosis, along with effective solutions, so we can ensure your chimney is not only leak-free but also safe to use. After being in business for over 40 years, our reputation for providing expert chimney maintenance and repair services is second to none in this industry. You can trust us.

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Chimney Cap & Crown Repair

Consider us chimney cap installation experts. We specialize in repairing and installing chimney crowns and chase covers, too. These important components protect your chimney from water and debris, so let’s make sure they are doing their job correctly.

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Flashing Repair

In order to make sure the flashing is effectively creating a waterproof barrier between the chimney and the rest of your roof, we need to make sure it was properly installed and is free from any damage or deterioration. Our meticulous inspection and repair process guarantees that your chimney’s flashing not only meets the highest standards of installation, but also remains resilient against the elements.

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Masonry Restoration

Chimneys built of brick or stone require ongoing maintenance to help avoid problems, such as cracked bricks, crumbling mortar, and other structural concerns. Our team of experts is here to help ensure your chimney remains structurally sound and aesthetically appealing

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Waterproofing

Finally, in terms of prevention, waterproofing services are a must. Our products ensure your chimney gets the protective seal it needs to withstand storm after storm, without leaks or water damage. Plus, the products we use won’t compromise the look of your system whatsoever. And unlike a wide range of store-bought sealers, our sealants are vapor-permeable. This means that all of that pre-absorbed moisture, as well as any necessary vapors from your fireplace, can vent out and not remain trapped inside where they could cause extensive damage.

You can trust us to not only get the job done right the first time, but also deliver the highest standards of professionalism, quality, and customer satisfaction throughout the entire process. We want you to continue to enjoy your fireplace for years to come. Call or request an appointment today.

 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Leaky Chimneys?

Because every homeowners insurance policy is different, it’s hard to provide a one-size-fits-all answer regarding coverage for specific issues like leaky chimneys. From past experience, though, if your chimney is leaking because of a sudden, unforeseen event, then it is likely to be covered. This includes things like falling tree branches, strong wind, lightning strikes, and other severe weather events.

Unfortunately, leaky chimneys don’t always happen as a result of such dramatic and sudden events. Many chimney leaks develop gradually due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance. In these cases, homeowners insurance is less likely to provide coverage because these were damages that are technically preventable.

While homeowners insurance can be a valuable safety net for unforeseen events, it’s not a substitute for responsible home ownership and the upkeep of important maintenance. Be sure to invest in regular inspections and sweepings – and keep the receipts – in order to help avoid costly repairs and headaches in the long run.

Technician in a boom lift working on a leaky chimney with 3 flues.

Who Fixes a Leaky Chimney? Give Our Certified Technicians a Call Now

Questions about chimney leak solutions? Please let us know! At English Sweep, we are committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of homeowners all throughout St. Louis and the surrounding areas. We understand the importance of a well-maintained chimney and how it contributes to the overall well-being of your home and family. Our goal is to keep you informed about the best ways to address chimney leaks so you can continue to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace without the added worry and concern.

We genuinely care about delivering the highest standard of service, backed by our decades of experience and team of certified professionals. We take the time to understand your unique concerns so we can provide solutions that are tailored to your specific situation.

To discuss your chimney leak concerns, schedule an inspection, or request an estimate, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us at 636-225-3340 to book your appointment online today.

 

Our expert technicians can tell you if your system needs a chimney relining. The scope of our chimney repairs covers it all.