April Showers Bring May… Leaks?
A missing chimney cap can make or break the chimney structure and safety of your home. It’s true that April showers bring May flowers. It also can bring severe storms that, in the Chicagoland area, will be sure to damage your chimney. You need all the necessary protection for the Spring months. If you go outside and look up at your chimney, is there a small metal cap on top? If the answer is yes, your chimney flue is protected. Check for rust or deterioration (if you can see it from the ground). If you don’t notice this necessary little cap, it’s really important you call a certified chimney professional. So, what happens if your chimney doesn’t have a cap?
A Chimney with No Cap
Did you know that chimneys are designed to have a chimney cap? The two are inseparable! A chimney needs a cap for the same reasons a home needs a roof! A chimney without a cap will result in cold downdrafts, serious water leaks, visits from critters and damage to your home. Chimneys in the Chicagoland area are constantly exposed to the harsh elements. From rain, to snow, high winds, water, and animals, a chimney will quickly become damaged without the proper protection. Some drizzle may not sound like it can be damaging, but the porous bricks will store that water. Constant rain and humidity cause quick deterioration. As the chimney’s outside deteriorates, it becomes a fire hazard. Other objects like leaves or animals can clog the flue, causing a fire when it’s lit. A chimney cap protects the flue inside from water and other debris from entering it.
Does the Cap Stop Airflow?
Whether you have a chimney cap or not, airflow stays the same. The chimney cap is designed so that the wind from outside creates a small vacuum at the top of the flue, so the chimney should produce a constant draft, as designed.
My Chimney Cap Looks Off!
Don’t worry, a chimney professional can help! If your chimney cap looks a bit small or big, it’s time to call a certified professional to get a replacement. Sometimes the cap can be shaking and loose, which is a sign of it being too big or about to blow off.
There’s Still Water Leaking
Water leaking is not always because of a faulty chimney cap. Masonry deterioration or flashing deterioration will also cause leaks. Do you notice some drops of rainwater coming into your chimney? When the chimney flashing (the metal that seals the bottom of your chimney’s structure to the roof) becomes deteriorated, it will cause water leaks. Flashing can lose its seal due to harsh weather and wear and tear. Leaking from deteriorated flashing is also seen in walls, ceilings and the roof. If you’re noticing leaking in any of these places, it’s definitely time to call a certified professional for a chimney inspection.
Help With a Missing Chimney Cap
As spring rolls around the corner, call your chimney professional for help on installing a new chimney cap. If you notice a missing chimney cap, a faulty one, or worried about water leaks, a chimney professional will help put your mind at ease. Call Superior Chimney at 877-244-6349 and ask for a chimney inspection, today!
This post first appeared on https://www.superiorchimney.net
