There are many different reasons why you experience chimney leakage in your Maple Ridge home. Consulting a chimney repair expert will help you know the root cause of these leaks and have them fixed immediately.
- Problems with the chimney cap – a chimney cap offers protection for your chimney by serving as a cover from the rain, snow, and others that might get inside it. One of the most common reasons for leakage is a problem with the chimney cap.
- Damaged chase cover or chimney crown – the chimney crown is the cement covering the entire chimney, located at the base of the crown. This piece prevents moisture from water and snow entering the space between the flue lining and the chimney’s mortar. Water leaks due to this issue might become more serious problems once the moisture has softened the bricks and mortar joints.
- Ruined mortar joints and bricks – another chimney issue that might cause water or gas leaks is having damaged brick or mortar joints. These support the chimney’s structure, ensuring it lets out toxic gasses only at the top.
- Chimney condensation is a rare cause of chimney leaks, but it’s possible. This happens when you convert your chimney into a gas-burning type, from wood-burning, with an incompatible liner.
- Damaged flashing protects your chimney and roof from water leakage and penetration because of the waterproof seal it provides. Once your flashing has been damaged, you can expect leaks on your chimney.
WHY SHOULD YOU REPAIR CHIMNEY LEAKS IN YOUR MAPLE RIDGE HOME?
No one wants leakages from the chimney, similar to water leaks from your roof or slab coming out of your plumbing. But in the case of your chimney, simple rainwater leaking in might only be the surface of the problem. Your chimney ensures that harmful byproducts from your fireplace or stove go nowhere but outside your home or establishment. If you see leaks, it might mean structural damage to your chimney or any other problem.
Overlooking even the most minor leaks from your chimney might pose severe threats if left neglected:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning – your chimney has specific engineering that ensures it does its job of venting harmful gasses. A water or gas leak on your chimney might signify a more serious structural problem. This might affect your chimney’s functions and risk toxic gasses returning to your space.
- Damage in chimney structure – as mentioned, catching leaks on your chimney might be a sign of damage. But if further neglected, these structural concerns might progress into more significant problems, even risking collapse.
- Chimney fire – flammable products, like creosote and soot, might be collected in your chimney flue liner and cause a fire.
- Damage to the structure of your home or establishment – chimney leaks, especially with rainwater leakage, can cause structural damage, corroding your foundations.
- Health hazards from mold build-up – if your chimney or venting system has water leaks, it might have risks of mold build-up, creating health problems, like allergic reactions or respiratory issues to inhabitants.
- Expensive chimney repair services – minor chimney problems will worsen once neglected.
Because of this, it’s better to address these issues while they aren’t severe yet. You may face more expensive water or gas leak repair costs when they become more hazardous.
We offers world-class chimney inspections and leak repairs to address any leaks in your chimney immediately. We are equipped with specialized tools and advanced methods learned from more than 20 years of experience in the industry.
