CHIMNEY LEAK DETECTION IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY
At Chimney Saviors, we use state-of-the-art technology and tools to detect and repair any leaks in your system. Our highly trained technicians will perform a thorough inspection of your fireplace system to identify the source of the leak and develop a plan to fix it. We use high-quality materials to ensure that the repairs are done right the first time. We also offer preventative maintenance services to help protect your system from future problems. So if you're in Los Angeles County and suspect you have a leak in your fireplace system, don't wait any longer—contact Chimney Saviors today and get your system back in working order.
Signs Your Chimney May be Leaking
1. Water in your firebox
Missing chimney caps are the most common reason for leaks. A missing chimney cap will allow rainwater to fall straight down the chimney's flue into the firebox leading to water damage and more costly repairs.
2. Wall or Ceiling Stains
Water stains on your ceiling or peeling wallpaper also indicate a leak. If you notice this level of damage, there is a bad leak, and you need to call your local chimney sweep for help. This could be due to numerous reasons, such as improperly sealed vertical flashing or roof flashing, a cracked crown, or deteriorated mortar joints.
3. Musty Smell After Heavy Rain
If you have a room with a fireplace that smells musty, like mold or mildew, after it rains, then it's likely your chimney is leaking.
A leaking fireplace can lead to expensive chimney repairs and may overwhelm homeowners whenever it rains. Luckily, Chimney Saviors can perform leak detection to find the cause of your leaks.
Chimney leaks take a specially trained technician with chimney repair experience.
Leaks Often Go Unnoticed
A leaky chimney can be frustrating to diagnose because masonry and chimney flashings can leak without it being apparent. Most chimney leaks (even new ones) are often caused by a poorly designed chimney crown or flashing installed when the home was built.
For example, a chimney that is allowed to have rainwater pool on its peak side may not leak for a few years! By the time the damage shows up, it's too late.
Only after years of "ponding" water does the chimney flashing rust to the point of water entry into the home and then fireplace leaks or ceiling stains appear.
Long Lasting Repairs
If the home builder had insisted on a chimney cricket, the pooling and subsequent rusting would likely never have happened. Similarly, prefab chimneys have issues with the home siding resulting in chimney leaks. Prefabricated chimneys are covered with the same siding product as the rest of the home. If the sections of hardboard siding are not installed with a water diverter, in time, the caulking will fail, and a leaky fireplace will be the result.
Even well-built gas chimneys or fireplace flues can develop gaps and cracks that allow in water, causing various chimney leaks. This is because masonry chimneys are prone to freeze/thaw damage. Since the chimney must extend above the roofline, it doesn't stay above freezing in the winter. Consequently, the damp chimney forms small cracks that only get bigger as time goes by. While waterproofing alone won't keep a crack from leaking, it can help our cold chimney from freeze/thaw damage on those cold winter nights.
Installations & Repairs We Perform to Stop Water Entry Into Your Home
The chimney cap/crown, brick waterproofing and professional flashing all play a part in our plan to keep your hearth safe and dry.
We understand the frustration and consequences of a leaky chimney (and sometimes a wet fireplace surround). Chimney Saviors will perform a complete evaluation of the roof flashing, crown/cap, the "chimneys cricket" and can even waterproof a chimney to protect against future moisture issues that threaten your home.
5 Ways to Fix Your Water Problems
1. Chimney Caps
A Chimney Cap or rain cover protects your chimney's liner, the smoke chamber, the fireplace damper, and the firebox from water damage. An open flue liner (a chimney top missing a cap) allows the most water into a chimney.
2. Chimney Crown Repair
Chimney Crown damage is the most common cause of water-related masonry damage. The chimney crown should extend past the edge of the brickwork for added masonry protection.
3. Brick Waterproofing
Waterproofing masonry goes beyond applying a chimney sealer, and it includes quality bricks and masonry mortar adequately assembled. Chimney Waterproofing treatments should be vapor permeable to allow moisture inside to evaporate out.
4. Counter Flashing
Counter Flashing is embedded into the brickwork/masonry chimney and then sealed. The counter flashing diverts the water to cascade down the brick chimney onto the roofing below. Counter Flashing protects your home from water leaking in from the chimney.
5. Step Flashing
Step Flashing is layered into the roof shingles to ensure water always drains onto a lower surface. The way Step Flashing is designed keeps moisture from reaching the roof decking or attic, which protects your home from chimney leaks.