With the arrival of warmer weather to the Indianapolis area, heavy rains are often in the forecast. After a rainy day, you may have noticed signs of a chimney leak, including standing water inside your fireplace or stained ceilings and walls. When you notice these signs, it is important to take quick action and contact The Mad Hatter to check out your chimney. Our staff knows the most common areas for chimney leaks, and we can repair leaky chimneys as well as prevent them from occurring in the future. We would like to tell you more about the main causes of chimney leaks and how our repair and maintenance services can help.
SPALLING DAMAGE
If you have noticed cracked, loose, or missing bricks and mortar joints from the exterior of your chimney, your chimney has suffered from spalling damage. Since masonry materials are porous, the bricks and mortar naturally absorb water from rain and melted ice and snow. When the cold temperatures of winter arrive, any water that is trapped within the masonry materials will freeze and expand every time the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. As the temperature warms up, this water thaws, and its force can cause the bricks and mortar joints to crack and break apart. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles can lead to a quick deterioration of the structure of your chimney, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). Over our years of working on chimneys, The Mad Hatter has seen severe spalling damage that has caused the collapse of entire chimney structures. Neglecting this type of damage is dangerous, and we provide masonry repair services to restore the integrity of deteriorating chimneys. After we have replaced the damaged or missing bricks and mortar joints, we can protect your chimney from suffering from more spalling damage by applying a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney that will create a barrier against water penetration. Our waterproofing services come with a 10-year warranty, so you will have protection from this type of damage for a decade.
FLASHING DAMAGE
One of the most common places for chimney leaks, the area where your chimney meets the roof is very vulnerable. In order to best protect this spot, you need a customized flashing system, which consists of sheets of metal that are wrapped around your chimney at the roof and secured to provide a watertight seal. Over the years, the flashing can become damaged by wind, rain, and other weather events. Poorly-constructed flashing jobs can also be problematic as there could be gaps that could actually lead to chimney leaks. The Mad Hatter can repair any problems your existing flashing system may have, and we can also build a new flashing system if your system is missing or beyond repairing. You can trust our chimney experts to protect your chimney where it meets the roof with durable flashing.
Don’t hesitate to get help if you suspect your chimney is leaking. Contact The Mad Hatter Chimney Service today to schedule an appointment to take care of your leaky chimney to prevent further damage and deterioratio