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Chimney Leaks and Water Damage

There’s almost nothing worse for a chimney than water penetration. A small crack and tiny amount of water can become hundreds and thousands of dollars worth of damage. Consequently, this is over just one burn season. This is because the freeze/thaw process that water experiences widens cracks in the masonry.  Shifting bricks, a weakening mortar, and making way for even more water to enter is just some of what you can expect.

Chimney Leaks and Water Damage - Suffolk NY - Chief Chimney ServiceWater and Masonry

Masonry is constructed of a variety of materials, all of which are adversely affected by water. Brick, mortar, concrete, stone, flue tile, steel, and cast iron all deteriorate. In addition, they become altered when they come into direct contact with water, or are penetrated with water.

Once water is inside the masonry it can cause a host of issues including:

  • Rusted damper assemblies, fireplace accessories, and glass doors
  • Deteriorated metal or masonry firebox assemblies, central heating system, and flue lining system
  • Rotting adjacent wood and ruined wall coverings and ceilings
  • Water stained walls, ceiling, and chimney exterior
  • Clogged clean-out area
  • Decayed exterior mortar and collapsed hearth support
  • Tilted chimney structure and chimney settlement

This type of damage is solely caused by chimney leaks and can be prevented.

Diagnosing Your Chimney Leak

The damage caused by water penetration isn’t noticeable right away. In fact, by the time these things are noticed, there is extensive damage unseen to the homeowner’s eye.

Three signs that mean you may have a leaky chimney include:

  1.  A stinky chimney, especially one that smells musty is cause from a leaky chimney.
  2.  Less efficiency is generally caused because of an issue such as a chimney leak. Water causes parts to work incorrectly as well as the draft is less effective.
  3.  Stains on interior and exterior masonry means that water is causing discoloration and the mortar has been penetrated.
  4.  Leaks and stains on interior of the house including walls and ceilings. The walls and ceilings don’t even have to be near the chimney because water runs to the lowest place, and then leaks through the weakest portion of ceiling or wall. Water can run several feet or rooms away from the chimney leak itself before physically leaking through the ceiling materials.

Let the Chimney Professionals Repair Your Leaky Chimney

The most common causes of chimney leaks are relatively easy fixes. These include chimney cap repair or installation, replacing or sealing the chimney crown, and repairing or replacing the chimney flashing. All of these things work to keep water out, but none of them are permanent solutions. The best way to insure your chimney is properly waterproofed is to schedule your annual chimney inspection with Chief Chimney today. For the safety of your family and the longevity of your chimney system, it’s vital that you have your chimney waterproofed by a professional.

To learn more about waterproofing services, contact Chief Chimney Services today at 631-863-2460 or request an appointment online.

By John Pilger on November 10th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , , | Comments Off on Chimney Leaks and Water Damage

Your Stinky Chimney: Chimney Odors and What to Do About Them

You want your fireplace to offer the ambiance you expected when it was installed, along with efficiency and safety to boot. That isn’t too much to ask. When your chimney stinks it’s not only Your Stinky Chimney Chimney Odors and What to Do About Them IMG- Sulfolk NY- chief chimney Service INCinconvenient, but it also points to a bigger problem that should be dealt with right away.

What a Stinky Chimney Means for You

A chimney that is working properly shouldn’t stink–if it does, there is an issue inside. By identifying the type of smell, it can be easy to diagnose.

 

  • A musty, dank odor means there is moisture in the chimney. When moisture gets into the chimney it mixes with soot, resulting in an unpleasant odor. This is a common cause of a stinky chimney, and homeowners should be aware of this and call a professional right away because water can wreak havoc on your chimney .
  • A singed, smokey odor means there is a draft problem, or some bad burning habits on the part of the homeowner. If there is a draft problem it might be as simple as opening a window in another part of the house to replace air in the house. However, it can be a bigger problem, like a liner that is the wrong size, or a chimney that is the wrong height. If this is the case, the odor will persist until the problem is fixed, and these repairs should be done by a professional. If the odor is the result of poor burning practices, it is the easiest fix. The only fuel that should be burned in your fireplace or appliance is exactly the fuel it is designed for.

 

If you burn cord wood, you should only burn seasoned wood that has been cut, set aside, and dried for a number of months before burning. Burning wood that is not dried properly can cause incomplete burning which can contribute to draft problems as well as soot buildup. Also, trash and other items should never be burned in the fireplace. These items do not burn completely and pose a threat to the chimney system and the home.

What You Can Do For a Stinky Chimney

  1. Call a Professional

Even if you are able to correct the problem by cracking a window to improve the draft, or by using the proper wood, you should call a professional and have your chimney checked out. Depending on how long the odor has been present, there may have been damage caused to the chimney. For instance, both a draft problem and improper fuel can cause creosote buildup on the flue lining. This will continue to stink, as well as may cause flue blockage, and threat of fire.

If the odor was caused by moisture in the chimney a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep® (CCS)  can assess the cause and the damage. The chimney may need to be relined, resurfaced, or waterproofed to prevent further damage.

 

  1. Remember Maintenance

The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends regular chimney sweeps and annual chimney inspections to insure the chimney system is operating at it’s best efficiency and safety. These are preventative steps that you can take as a homeowner to prevent costly damage later.

To learn more about how your chimney works and reasons why your chimney isn’t working, visit with a professional today. Chief Chimney Services is available for consultation, chimney sweeps , and inspections. Schedule your appointment online today.

By John Pilger on July 19th, 2016 | Tagged with: Tags: , , | Comments Off on Your Stinky Chimney: Chimney Odors and What to Do About Them