Fixing Leaky Chimneys in the Middleburg, Florida Area

by Mark Hudson | Aug 15, 2014 | chimney repairs, leaky chimney, masonry repairs, water damage, waterproofing

Fixing a leaking chimney quickly can prevent thousands of dollars worth of damage. Leaky chimneys can lead to mold growth, water stains, drywall distortion, and insulation damage. Most importantly, small leaks that may seem insignificant will eventually become bigger leaks that create more damage to your home and that will cost more to repair.

Calling a professional to fix your leaky chimney is not only safer than making the attempt to fix it yourself, but it also ensures that the best – and the correct – repairs are made. The professionals at Hudson Chimney  can locate the source or sources of the leaks and fix them accordingly. They will work to not only repair any damages, but to also prevent further damage.

Calling chimney professionals such as those at Hudson Chimney rather than roofing professionals is also important if you think your chimney is what is leaking. Professionals at Hudson Chimney have the expertise and tools necessary to find and fix a chimney leak, while roofing professionals have the expertise and tools to fix roofs. Signs that your chimney and not your roof is leaking include water-stains around your chimney, cracking in your flu lining, a collapsing chimney, and the staining of your chimney or the mortar.

There are several possible problems if your chimney is leaking, all of which Hudson Chimney is CSI-certified to repair:

•  If the leak is coming from your chimney crown, Hudson Chimney can repair it with a crown coating material. It is important to fix small cracks because water can seep into the cracks, freeze and expand, and thus make the cracks bigger. If the chimney crown has bigger cracks, Hudson Chimney can replace the crown.
•  If there is damage to the chimney flashing, or the metal sheeting that protects the gaps between your chimney and the roof, only a professional should attempt to fix it. Hudson Chimney offers this service to not only prevent further leaking, but to ensure the lifespan of your chimney.
•  There might be damage to shingles surrounding your chimney. Professionals at Hudson Chimney can replace the shingles for you to stop the leaking.
•  The erosion of mortar joints can easily lead to holes and thus leaks. Professionals at Hudson Chimney have been working for over thirty years to fix such problems and worse.

Once any cracks in bricks or mortar have been fixed, the professionals at Hudson Chimney can apply ChimneySaver’s Water Repellent to prevent water from seeping into the chimney. Bricks and mortar absorb water, which can cause leaking. Water repellent allows for the brick or mortar to keep water out while still letting the materials breathe. Therefore, it is important to use a water repellent and not a sealer, which will trap moisture created inside the chimney in the bricks or mortar and cause further damage. ChimneySaver’s Water Repellent does the job by blocking 99.9 percent of water from penetrating the bricks or mortar of your chimney while still being 100 percent vapor permeable, or letting your chimney breathe. Professionals at Hudson Chimney can also install chimney caps or chimney pans to prevent water from entering your chimney.

Repair your leaky chimney, and you will save yourself time and money as well as ensure your chimney’s longevity.