Brick Fireplace Leaking
#1
03-13-10, 04:35 AM
Brick Fireplace Leaking
I have a brick fireplace on an outer wall. During heavy rain, I have water running down the outside of the brick INSIDE my house. I have a new roof and had it checked. Someone else said it is cracks in the mortar of the outside brick. What are the likely causes for this? Thanks!
#2
03-13-10, 05:29 AM
Member
One likely cause would be from the installation of the flashing between the brick chimney and the new roof.
Do you have a proper chimney crown and cap to keep water out of the brick portion of the chimney?
Keep in mind you are only seeing when the water leaks out and that is not necessarily the smae place it enters, since water can move horizontally a grat distance until it reaches an obstruction and then can only go down.
Dick
Do you have a proper chimney crown and cap to keep water out of the brick portion of the chimney?
Keep in mind you are only seeing when the water leaks out and that is not necessarily the smae place it enters, since water can move horizontally a grat distance until it reaches an obstruction and then can only go down.
Dick
#3
03-13-10, 02:20 PM
When the new roof was installed, they redid the flashing and it is now an inch or so above the old flashing. I had the roofers come back and check and they said it was ok.
As for the chimney crown and cap; the crown had some cracks and was repaired a few years back. It does appear to have some new cracking though. (There also seems to be some small cracks in the mortar around some of the bricks)When I had the chimney cleaned last fall, I was told the crown appeared too flat. I do have a proper cap.
If I understand you correctly, cracks in the mortar could allow water to seep in, then travel until it finds an outlet...and I see that by water on the inside bricks at the top of the ceiling...
So that would mean repairing any problems with cracks, etc and then waterproofing...Would that be correct?
As for the chimney crown and cap; the crown had some cracks and was repaired a few years back. It does appear to have some new cracking though. (There also seems to be some small cracks in the mortar around some of the bricks)When I had the chimney cleaned last fall, I was told the crown appeared too flat. I do have a proper cap.
If I understand you correctly, cracks in the mortar could allow water to seep in, then travel until it finds an outlet...and I see that by water on the inside bricks at the top of the ceiling...
So that would mean repairing any problems with cracks, etc and then waterproofing...Would that be correct?
#4
03-13-10, 03:42 PM
Member
Do you actually think that the roofer would say anything different.
If the new top of the flashing is now 1" higher, how did they tie it into the brick chimney? Dod the saw cut new joists for the new flashing to go into or did they just rip out the old flashing and cover it up with new and smear some caulk or goop on the top.
You need an independent person to look at the actual problem and new chimney/roof flashing installation. Without photos or a good explanation, all you will get is guesses.
The next thing you can expect is someone to offer to spray on a waterproofing material.
If the new top of the flashing is now 1" higher, how did they tie it into the brick chimney? Dod the saw cut new joists for the new flashing to go into or did they just rip out the old flashing and cover it up with new and smear some caulk or goop on the top.
You need an independent person to look at the actual problem and new chimney/roof flashing installation. Without photos or a good explanation, all you will get is guesses.
The next thing you can expect is someone to offer to spray on a waterproofing material.
