Typical Damage that May Occur if Your Chimney Masonry has Leaks

Dealing with a leak in your chimney masonry is never a fun scenario, but catching it as early as possible can save you from several potential headaches. As you start to take a look at the inside and outside of your chimney, here a few major signs to watch out for that will tip you off to the presence of a chimney leak in your home.

Wet/Mildew Smell

An unpleasant
odor is a fast way to determine something is wrong before you can see the issue.
A damp, mildew, or musty scent near your chimney will let you know that water
has somehow found its way within the chimney itself, and that it’s time to
locate the source of the moisture. This can often be associated with a dripping
sound coming from within the chimney as well. 

Brown Spots on the Ceiling

If moisture
makes its way through the masonry in your chimney, it can also find its way
into your ceiling. This could result in water spots emerging, generally brown
or slightly yellow, staining areas in close proximity to the chimney. This same
moisture could also partially soak into wood beams or insulation in the same
areas.

Rusting Firebox and Damper

Water leaking
and dripping onto metal dampers and fireboxes will, over time, erode the outer layers
and create rust. Once rust sets into metal pieces within your fireplace, they
will need to be properly replaced before the fireplace can once again be safely
used.

Spalling and Structural Issues

Moisture
seeping into masonry will break down the layers between the stone and brick,
causing the stonework to deteriorate structurally. Not only does this hurt the
individual pieces, but it can cause the entire chimney to shift or lean. If the
chimney has moved enough, this potentially creates the need for the chimney to
be rebuilt completely. 

Catching issues
early-on is a surefire way to avoid costly incidents from masonry leaks, and
ensures your fireplace will continue to provide warmth when needed, while
preserving its overall longevity. To keep your fireplace in tip-top shape,
identify issues before they become problems – and to give your fireplace a
fresh cleaning, contact Lindemann Chimney & Fireplace, or schedule your appointment online today.

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