Our Company Blog

Common Causes of Chimney Leaks

So you think you have a chimney leak? You may see a leak—in your fireplace itself or in another part of the house. You may hear dripping in an unseen portion of your chimney. Perhaps you haven’t found any evidence of a leak at all but smell musty odors coming from your fireplace this summer. You’re right! These are all indications that you have a chimney leak, but what has caused it? Where is the water coming from?

You may be tempted to call a roofer or general contractor when you suspect a leak in the house, but when you own a home with a chimney system, call the chimney expert first. Your chimney leak is more than likely the cause of your house leak. We’ll help you figure out what’s causing the chimney leak.

Diagnosing a Chimney Leak

We get calls about chimney leaks year-round, but none more than the spring and summer. During this time of year, when the fireplace is out of use, homeowners notice things they usually don’t. When you notice something is “off” about your chimney and suspect a leak, it’s time to call in the chimney professionals. At Chief Chimney Services, we can diagnose a leaky chimney in one appointment, usually without tools and without fuss.

Flashing

The first thing we check when diagnosing a leaky chimney is the flashing because it is the most common cause of chimney leaks. The flashing is made up of many thin sheets of metal that are placed strategically around the base of the chimney. The intersection of the roof and chimney is the most vulnerable part of the system. If the flashing isn’t installed properly, there is no way to prevent a chimney leak.

It’s important to have your flashing installed by a chimney professional. Can a general contractor or roofer install flashing properly? We hope so, but we can’t guarantee it. Chimney experts are extensively trained and experienced in flashing installation. We install flashing properly and leave no exposed nails. It requires no sealant or roofing tar of any kind.

Crown

The chimney crown can become damaged over time due to weather and sun exposure. Unfortunately, crowns often become damaged prematurely when they aren’t constructed properly. Our team at Chief Chimney Services can repair a damaged crown with a special industrial product designed to close gaps and cracks and restore the surface of the crown completely. For severe crown damage, we can construct a new crown to proper specifications for the best protection.

Chimney Cap

Another common cause of chimney leaks is the chimney cap. It could be damaged or missing, and water is allowed directly into the flue opening. We sell and install quality caps to protect your chimney system from water and animal intrusion. If you want complete protection, especially during the offseason, you can opt for a top-sealing damper instead of a cap. This damper closes with an airtight seal and protects your flue like nothing before.

If you have a chimney leak, it’s one of three things: the flashing, the crown, or the cap. In some cases, masonry damage may lead to a leak, and we can help determine if that is the case when you schedule with us.

Save Energy & Money with an Energy Top Damper

Every year, homeowners look for ways to cut costs, save money, and improve the look of the bottom line. You might look to improve the value of your property, maybe refinance for a lower interest rate. Maybe all you want is a cheaper electricity bill. No matter what your goal is, we can help. Your chimney and fireplace system can save you money, and the solution is simpler than you could guess.

Throat Dampers

Most masonry chimneys have a throat damper installed at the base of the flue. These dampers control airflow while a fire is burning in the firebox, but they do nothing against drafts. Because of the material, it’s made of (metal) and its location (the throat of the chimney), the throat damper is susceptible to damage including rust and corrosion over time. Instead of replacing your damaged throat damper with another one like it, consider a top seal damper—one that lasts longer and saves you money!

Top Seal Damper

The top seal damper is also called an energy top damper because of the incredible money it saves for homeowners. We recommend it to everyone because of the many benefits it offers.

• Airtight seal – The top seal damper closes with an airtight seal, which prevents water from entering the flue at all. This is the most protection that you can possibly give your chimney. The airtight seal not only prevents water damage, but it also stops air loss that wastes energy and money. As soon as you install an energy top damper, you will start to save up to 75 percent on your utilities year-round. Your conditioned air will not escape during the summer and your heated air will not be wasted during the winter.
• Chimney cap – Your energy top damper doubles as a chimney cap, with a metal mesh that prevents animal intrusion and extinguishes sparks. Acting as a chimney cap, the energy top damper will also keep all types of precipitation out of the chimney flue.
• Easy installation and use – The energy top damper is as easy to install as a standard chimney cap and just as easy to use as a throat damper. The damper is engaged by a cord that reaches from the damper to the hearth opening. When the fire is completely out, the damper can be closed to protect the chimney completely. Closing the damper while a fire is still smoldering can be very dangerous. Make sure to follow fire safety precautions at all times.

Invest in Energy Top Damper

When it’s time to replace your old, worn-out throat damper, call Chief Chimney Services for the best products and services. We recommend an energy top dampers for the best care of your chimneys. They save you money and help your chimney to last a lifetime. Invest in an energy top damper now and you can save money in repairs and services later. Call 631-863-2460 to schedule an appointment with Chief Chimney Services. Ask one of our experts about energy top dampers today!