Most people don’t know that there are many parts to a chimney system that can allow water in. These weak points are different depending on if it’s a masonry chimney or factory-built chimney. Most parts of the chimney degrade with time, UV rays from sunlight, hail damage, and the freezing and thawing of typical Colorado weather. There are usually several suspected weak points when there are signs of water intrusion; but it can be challenging identifying exactly where the water is coming in from. Often, where the signs of water damage appear is not indicative of the leak’s actual location.

Leaky Masonry Chimneys

You may believe because you have a masonry chimney that it will last forever, but that is simply not true. Masonry chimneys are susceptible to degradation just like any material. We see damage to masonry chimneys from rain and hail, but most especially the freeze/thaw cycle, which is why it’s so important to keep water flowing off and away from your chimney. Masonry chimneys are made of flue tiles, supported by cinder blocks and stone or bricks. They also have a concrete crown at the top which is designed to shed the water away from the sides of the chimney. The drip edge of the concrete crown is there to prevent water from running down the mortar joints between the stones or bricks, eroding them away. Also, if the mortar joints get saturated with water, they can allow water to seep through. This becomes an even larger problem when the moisture freezes and expands, creating cracks which then allow more water into the mortar. Over time this damage compounds, and eventually there may be no mortar left, allowing rain or snow-melt right into your home.

Your first line of defense against a leaky chimney is a proper chimney cap. If you look up at your chimney and don’t see a cap, call us right away! Also, if you don’t see a 4-5” thick concrete slab atop the masonry; that can be a sign of water problems now or to come. Despite being made of stone and concrete, water can get in to your home through your chimney if you are missing a proper chimney cap, have a degraded crown, eroded mortar joints, or worn out flashing.

Leaky Chases

If you have a framed wooden box enclosing your venting system, called a “chase”, those materials can also wear out over time allowing water into your home. The top of a chase system must have a proper cover, chimney cap, and storm collar. The weakest point is the sheet metal chase cover. Over time, the chase cover gets dented or sags, allowing water to pool on top which will cause rusting. A new chase cover is sloped from the center with drip edges to shed water away from the sides of the chase. If the water is running down the sides of your chase, it can enter through the gaps in the stucco, stone veneer, or siding. Chases are also flashed to the roof-line, and that can be another area water can sneak its way in and wreak havoc on your home.

Have Your Chimney Inspected for Leaks

Our leaky chimney inspection evaluates your entire chimney or chase. If you’re noticing any suspicious water stains, or hear dripping that you cannot find the source of, call us right away! Our certified technicians have the experience and knowledge of chimney systems to complete an assessment that solves your problem right away. We also have industry specific techniques, such as special flashing for sealing the uneven edge where masonry chimneys meet the roof-line. Put our 20+ years of experience working on chimneys in the foothills to work for you!

If the one thing about spring that you are not enjoying is the mysterious water leak in your ceiling, we can help! Give Mountain Hearth & Patio and Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney a call today at 303-679-1601. You can also reach us at Office@MtnHP.com. You’re invited to visit our showroom at 7001 Highway 73 in Evergreen.