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For most people with fireplaces in their homes, nothing beats curling up in their favorite blanket on a cloudy or rainy day and just reading the local newspaper, listening to cool music, or doing what they are most comfortable with. in front of the fireplace. A warm house during the cold or rainy season is what everyone looks forward to going to after a busy day.
It becomes almost unbearable to live in a home where the major source of heat and comfort is damaged. When not attended to, it could lead to avoidable health conditions, decay, and also reduce the market value of your home. As a homeowner or occupant, when you notice a leak in your fireplace, you must fix it immediately. In subsequent paragraphs, ways to fix fireplace leaks and their causes will be discussed.
What Causes Fireplace Leaks?
The most common cause of fireplace leaks is wear and tear on the chimney. Others are leaks in the flashing, mortar, or chimney cap. The following are some of the causes of fireplace leaks:
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is a protective layer, usually made of aluminum or steel, that acts as a sealant between the base of your chimney and your roof when combined with tar. You run the risk of letting water into your fireplace if the flashing seal is damaged or comes loose in any way. The good news is that flashing damage can be detected early and then fixed by a professional.
Chimney Cap Damage
A chimney cap is a metal piece that fits on top of your chimney to keep animals and water out of your fireplace. Water can easily enter a chimney cap if any area of either the solid top or mesh siding develops big gaps. It may simply become worn out over time or damaged by severe storms or animal intrusion. This kind of damage is often difficult to detect.
Deterioration of the Mortar and Bricks
When the mortar that holds your fireplace bricks together begins to deteriorate, it does a poor job of keeping water out. It is possible that your mortar is nearing the end of its useful life if you see areas near your chimney that appear worn out or are unusually wet. This can be fixed, just like the causes of other fireplace leaks
Faulty House Siding
The siding of a house could impact the efficiency of a fireplace. If the wood siding on your home is warped, missing, or peeling away, water may seep through the siding and into your chimney. It is important you replace or repair your siding when it is faulty.
Completely Unconnected Damage
There are times when a leak originates elsewhere but is eventually able to get to the chimney, where it then visibly enters a room at the point of the chimney.
What Should You Do if Your Fireplace Leaks When It Rains?
Your fireplace leaking when it rains can be caused by a variety of problems. It could be as a result of flashing or chimney cap damage, old mortar and bricks, faulty house sidings, or other unrelated damage in the house.
The first thing to do when you notice a leak in your fireplace is to identify the source of the leak. Once it has been identified, you should then invest in a repair job for your fireplace. Simple damage can be fixed by yourself, but complex and difficult ones should be fixed by a professional using the best repair solutions. The following should be done to repair a leaky fireplace:
1. Seal the Gaps
The easiest way to fix a flashing problem around the base of your chimney is to seal the gap that causes it to leak. This can be accomplished most effectively by using sandpaper to smooth out the metal of your flashing and using wet cement to fill the hole. A sturdy barrier forms when the cement dries, sealing the hole. One of the simplest methods for repairing a fireplace or chimney leak is to do this. In cases of very severe damage, you may need to seek the help of a professional.
2. Cover the Chimney
For those that have chimney caps, you should check and be sure that they properly cover the crown of your chimney. It should be properly fitted to avoid rain seeping into your fireplace through the opening. It typically takes quite a degree of expertise to repair or replace a chimney cap, so you might not be best off attempting it yourself. To install a new chimney cap or even make your own cement mixture to serve as the foundation for your new chimney cap, you will need to climb up onto your roof. It is recommended that you get a professional for the repair or replacement of your chimney cap.
3. Fix the Siding
To avoid doing further damage to a badly damaged home siding, you should contact an expert to help check it out and work towards a renovation or replacement. If the problem with your house siding is minimal, for example, if it has a crack or small hole, you can quickly patch holes and replace siding pieces, so you shouldn’t experience any difficulties.
4. Waterproofing
You should invest in waterproofing your chimney or roof. There are two ways to waterproof it. You can do it yourself or hire a pro. Utilizing the services of a seasoned chimney brand is necessary to ensure that the most suitable and durable waterproofing solutions are used for your roof.
5. Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your fireplace and chimney is the easiest way to minimize leaks. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your fireplace and chimney in good shape and work properly.
Conclusion
Your fireplace leaking when it is raining can be caused by a lot of things. Once you have identified the source of the problem, you should hire a professional to fix it. A trusted roofing company can be contacted for chimney leak issues. In addition to repairing shingles, roofers have expertise in patching leaks, mending brick damage, replacing chimney caps, and more.
