Hire Us for Leaky Chimney Repair Services
Outside of chimney inspections and chimney sweepings, repairing leaking chimneys in the Andover, MN area is what Jack Pixley Sweeps does most often. When we are called out to evaluate a chimney with water issues, we follow a 31-point checklist to try and narrow down where the water problem could be coming from. If the source of the problem is not immediately apparent, we will run a water test to see where water could be entering the chimney. We then give you our suggestions for fixing the problem.
How To Stop a Chimney From Leaking
Following an inspection of your chimney, we commonly determine that in order to fix your leaky chimney we need to do one of the three following things:
- Install rain covers an top-mount dampers
- Install or repair chimney flashing
- Apply water repellent to all masonry surfaces
If those most common fixes, don’t do the trick, no worries. We can get to the bottom of any chimney or fireplace issue, then offer you the solutions you need to get things back in working order.
What’s So Bad About a Leaking Chimney?
A leaking chimney is a serious problem. It can not only impair your chimney, compromising its safety and efficiency, but it can cause enormous damage to the structure and soundness of your home. If water leaks into your ceilings, walls, and floors, it can add up to some very expensive repair bills as well as mold removal services.
Installing a rain cap, having your chimney professionally waterproofed, and making sure that your flashing and damper are in good shape are surefire ways to keep water out of your chimney for good.
How Can I Tell if My Chimney Is Leaking?
Only a professional can say for sure whether or not your chimney is leaking, but if you notice any of the following, you can pretty much bet that you have a leak on your hands:
- Water in your attic
- Moisture in your firebox or at the base of your chimney
- A dripping sound
- Water stains on the ceiling around your chimney
- Rotting adjacent wood or ruined wall coverings
- Rainwater in your furnace thimble
- Deteriorated metal, masonry, or rusted fireplace accessories
- A musty smell
- Stained chimney exterior or decaying exterior mortar
- A cracked or deteriorated flue lining
- A chimney that is leaning or that looks “settled”
- Presence of mold or mildew growth
How Do I Know if It’s My Chimney or My Roof That’s Leaking?
It can be difficult for homeowners to determine whether it’s their roof or chimney that’s leaking. And because roofers don’t specialize in fixing chimneys (and chimney sweeps don’t know how to fix roofs, for that matter), we know it’s not easy to determine who to call to make sure that your leak is fixed for good.
To make things easier for our customers – and ourselves – we often consult with Royalty Roofing and Remodeling, a BBB-accredited business out of St. Paul. That way you can trust that both your roof and your chimney have been inspected for leaking. In some cases, we find that the leak is actually coming from a low spot in the roof where water is able to pool. This area allows the water to penetrate the roof and can oftentimes be the actual source of the leak. By working with a roofing company, there are no “blame games” going on, and we are able to work together to solve your water problems quickly and efficiently.
To sum up – we’re just about finding you a solution, whether that means working with us or a roofer.
Call Today for Chimney Leak Solutions
If you believe water is leaking into your home and it seems to be coming from your chimney, call us at 763-422-0481 today. We will evaluate your chimney and give you several options for stopping the leak(s). You can also book with us online.
Our crown repair services extend to installing rain covers and top-mount dampers…there’s more than one way to stop those pesky chimney leaks.
