Have you noticed water stains near your chimney or the sound of dripping water from inside the fireplace? Chimney roof leaks can cause expensive damage, especially when you don’t attend to them quickly. Unfortunately, chimneys face high risks of water leaks, so learning how to prevent this issue can be a source of great frustration.
Below, our locally owned team from Sundown Exteriors in Bloomington, Normal, Lincoln, Pontiac, and Peoria, IL, discusses what you need to know about stopping chimney water leaks. Call our team at (309) 275-6801 for fast, expert chimney leak detection.
Signs of Chimney Leaks
Before learning how to stop chimney water damage, you need to understand the signs of a leak so you can respond promptly. Here are some of the main signs indicating that you may have water leaking in from around your chimney:
- Dripping sounds coming from inside your fireplace
- Condensation on the walls near or inside your fireplace
- Damp, musty smells emanating from your fireplace
- Mold growth inside your fireplace
- Water stains on the walls or ceiling near your fireplace
- Water stains on the shingles surrounding your chimney
- White stains on the bricks of your chimney
Understanding Why Chimney Roof Leaks Happen
To prevent chimney roof leaks in the future, you need to understand why they happen. Chimneys are especially prone to leaks because the structure creates problematic angles in your roof that can cause rain to pool when you do not have the appropriate flashing for water diversion. The crown of your chimney may also wear down or crack over time, allowing water to seep in from the top.
How To Stop Chimney Roof Leaks From Happening Again
So, how can you stop leaks and prevent them in the future so you don’t need to deal with another expensive roof chimney repair? Our top tips include the following:
Install the Correct Flashing
Roof flashing is a thin metal sheet covering any vulnerable roof joints, such as the chimney area, for better moisture protection and water diversion. Chimney flashing comes in numerous types and materials, so you must select the right option for your exact roof and chimney. The best type of flashing for most chimneys is step flashing, which protects sloped walls.
Whether you need a chimney flashing repair or a new type of flashing for better protection, we recommend taking care of it to avoid future chimney roof leaks. With properly installed flashing, you can lock water out and divert rain to stop leaks before they occur.
Consider Roof Crickets
Roof crickets are triangle-like structures built next to the chimney to decrease the depth of the slope running into the wall of the chimney. The structure can prevent chimney flashing leaks, allowing water to hit the peak of the cricket before running down the walls rather than gathering in the well of the flashing in front of the chimney.
According to the International Building Code, crickets must be installed for chimneys over 30 inches wide with a perpendicular slope. If you don’t already have a cricket, you may need to install one to prevent future leaks.
Conduct Routine Maintenance
After installing all of the correct materials, you still must conduct routine maintenance to stop leaks from occurring in the future. With regular maintenance, you can check for cracks in the chimney crown, gaps in the flashing, or other concerns to avoid issues before you end up with a major leak. We provide free roof inspections for all Bloomington area homeowners!
Let Sundown Exteriors Protect Your Roof Today
Prevent chimney roof leaks by calling Sundown Exteriors in central Illinois today at (309) 275-6801 for a free roof inspection. Need a roof replacement? We partner with top brands such as Owens Corning and CertainTeed.