There is not much worse of a feeling than waking up to water inside your home. A leaking chimney can lead water throughout your home and cause damage to everything from floors to interior painting. That is why it is important to spot areas that need chimney repair as soon as possible. Proper chimney maintenance can point out any weaknesses in your system, hopefully, while they are still minor issues.
A leaking chimney can present a whole host of problems to your home and your family, so you must do everything you can to keep this from happening. There are a variety of ways you can help secure yourself from a chimney disaster, but the most important thing is to remember to take care of it. You can have the best intentions in the world, but forgetting to carry out regular chimney maintenance can cause some major problems.
Keep reading below for some great tips to avoid an expensive chimney repair due to a leaking chimney.
Check Mortar Joints
This is probably a task that is best suited to a professional, as it is quite possible to miss something with your untrained eye. The best time to have this stuff checked out is when you are having your annual chimney cleaning done. The seasonal changes in Cincinnati tend to make the mortar retract and expand, thus creating weak spots and breaks. Your chimney specialist can take care of any joints that are not looking good anymore and make sure there is no possibility of water leaking in through your roofing.
Caps Prevent Leaks
Adding a cap to the top of your chimney is not just for aesthetic purposes as they serve a big purpose. The harder it is for water to get inside your chimney, the harder it will be to do any damage inside your home. Chimney repair is an expensive process once the water gets to it, so adding a cap will give you a much better chance of keeping it in good shape.
Check The Chimney Crown
During your regular chimney maintenance, it is quite likely you will have someone power washing it and getting up-close and personal to do inspections. An educated professional will take a look at the crown, which is normally a concrete slab that protects the chimney interior from nature. There could be cracks or damage to the crown which will allow water to get in, thus causing more issues in the long run.
Add Vapor Barrier
These days a lot of experts agree that a waterproof vapor barrier is the best way to go for extra leak protection. Installing a barrier will cost very little compared to chimney rebuilding, and it can save the rest of your home as well. It pays to get extra protection for your home in areas such as this.
Chimney Repair And Maintenance Stop Leaks
There is a very common theme here when we talk about leaks in your chimney; most of them can be prevented. Chimney repair may be expensive, but it is the price you must pay to keep your home safe and warm. The alternative will cost you a lot more, so it is always best to play it safe and do the required maintenance.
