Chimney Leak
#1
12-29-05, 09:29 PM
Chimney Leak
During very heavy rains (3 or 4 times since we moved in 18 months ago) we have had some water leaking down our chimney. Twice, enough water has accummulated that it starts dripping onto the foundation block in the basement below the fireplace.
This past summer I tried calking around the flashing at the base of the chimney, but we had the leaking problem since. This is the extent of my "expertise". I am not equipped to inspect the top of the chimney, because it extends 10'+ above the roof (2 story house, but one story at chimney location).
Any suggestions? What types of professionals are qualified to diagnose and fix this problem?
Thanks - Jason
This past summer I tried calking around the flashing at the base of the chimney, but we had the leaking problem since. This is the extent of my "expertise". I am not equipped to inspect the top of the chimney, because it extends 10'+ above the roof (2 story house, but one story at chimney location).
Any suggestions? What types of professionals are qualified to diagnose and fix this problem?
Thanks - Jason
#2
12-30-05, 02:24 PM
Often just calking at the base of the chimney is not enough.
If the leak is at the chimney at the roof line you may need new flashings.
Usually made of aluminum and installed in conjunction with the shingle in the area. A front flashing first, then step flashings along the side, side or counter flashings over the steps and then the back flashing last. This procedure is for a chimney without a saddle. If you have a saddle in back of your chimney you would use step and counter flashings where the saddle meets the chimney.
If the leak is at the chimney at the roof line you may need new flashings.
Usually made of aluminum and installed in conjunction with the shingle in the area. A front flashing first, then step flashings along the side, side or counter flashings over the steps and then the back flashing last. This procedure is for a chimney without a saddle. If you have a saddle in back of your chimney you would use step and counter flashings where the saddle meets the chimney.
#3
12-30-05, 05:42 PM
Member
Chimney Leak
If you have not had your chimney swept and inspected, I would call a chimney sweep.
During his inspection he may spot something like a cracked crown (mortar on top of the brick and around the flue) or a open joint between the flue and crown. It would be a minor job for him to fix something like this that could be the source of the moisture.
do you have a chimney cap or can the rain come down the flue?
Dick
During his inspection he may spot something like a cracked crown (mortar on top of the brick and around the flue) or a open joint between the flue and crown. It would be a minor job for him to fix something like this that could be the source of the moisture.
do you have a chimney cap or can the rain come down the flue?
Dick
#4
01-01-06, 07:43 AM
re: Flue has cap
The flue pipe includes a cap on top, so that rain cannot come straight down the flue. If it helps, the house (and chimney) is only 10 years old.
Thanks.
Thanks.
