Roof leaks can happen anywhere on your roof. However, they are most common around chimneys and skylights. Leaky chimneys can cause damage to your home, including drywall warping, ceiling staining, insulation saturation, mold growth, and interior damage. Do not ignore small leaks as they can cause serious damage. Schedule a professional roof inspection if you notice that your chimney is leaking during inclement weather.
Why Chimneys are prone to Leaking
There are 5 main reasons why chimney leaks occur:
- Chimney cap missing or damaged
- Cracked chimney crown
- Flashing problems
- Leaky bricks
- Faulty chimney liner
One reason is that chimneys can develop cracks and crevices over time that allow water to penetrate them. High winds and other inclement weather can cause the metal sections between the chimney and roof to come loose or crack. A poor chimney flashing installation could also lead to roof deterioration. Sub-standard flashing allows moisture to enter the roof’s interior structure, rather than keeping snow and rain out of the roof seams. Water seepage can lead to mildew, mold, and premature aging.
How to Handle Leaky Chimneys: Repair & Inspection Tips
What can you do? Hire a professional roofer to inspect your roof and then make roof repairs immediately. Your roofer will inspect your chimney for damage when they arrive.
- Broken bricks and stone
- Loose mortar joints
- Cracks around the chimney foundation
- Deteriorating flashing
Proper repairs will be required after a thorough inspection. This will include inspections of chimneys, skylights, and vents as well as checking the drainage systems.
Depending on the extent of damage and the cause of leakage, the roofing contractor might seal brick cracks or apply water repellant to stop further leaks. Flashing damage can cause a chimney leak if the chimney material isn’t damaged. Flashing is a metal that is placed around the chimney base and then covered with shingles to stop water infiltration. While some flashing can be repaired by you, if it shows signs of weather wear, your contractor might need to remove the shingles in order to install new flashing. This is not something you can do yourself, as improper flashing installation can void your roof warranty.
The cement chimney cap should be inspected by your local Greenville roofing contractor for cracks, breaks, or leaks. Your chimney may need masonry repair if the mortar joints or cap are damaged by structural shifts.
Contact KM Roof and Home Repair today to book a roof inspection. We pinpoint problem areas and provide necessary measures all at a reasonable rate and timeframe.
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KM Roof and Home Repair
Greenville, SC 29609
864-990-3252
www.kmroofers.com
Areas we serve: Piedmont SC, Fountain Inn SC, Simpsonville SC, Greer SC, Taylors SC, Greenville SC, Travelers Rest SC