Leaky Chimneys Fixed

Outside of chimney inspections and chimney sweeping, 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.

Why Is My Chimney 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 and top mount dampers
• Install chimney flashing
• Apply water repellent to all masonry

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 (leaking into your ceilings, walls, and floors, and adding up to some very expensive repair bills). 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.

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”

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 need to be fixing chimneys and chimney sweeps don’t need to be fixing roofs, 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 is no “blame game,” and we are able to work together to solve your water problems quickly and efficiently.

If you believe water is leaking into your home and it seems to be coming from your chimney, call us! We will evaluate your chimney and give you several options for stopping the leak(s). Call Jack Pixley Sweeps, at 763-422-0481 today or click here to schedule your appointment online!

Preventing animals from getting into your chimney is no job for amateurs! Let the professionals at Jack Pixley Sweeps provide this important chimney service for your safety and peace of mind.