Leaky Chimney Services in Minneapolis, MN
Chimneys appear—outwardly, at least—as extremely sturdy and almost indestructible. This is true, to some extent. A well-built chimney can often last for a hundred years, continuing to do its job of venting out heat, smoke, and exhaust fumes from the fireplace.
However, in order for a chimney to survive this long, it must receive occasional repair services. When a chimney starts to develop water leaks, it can cause serious trouble, and the structure will need professional repairs as soon as possible. 2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. offers the sealing and resurfacing necessary to keep your chimney watertight and prevent leaking from causing serious damage. With the assistance of our chimney and fireplace experts in Minneapolis, MN, you can expect your chimney to last for generations, allowing your family many years of warmth and coziness around the hearth.
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. provides leaky chimney repairs in Minneapolis, MN and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule service.
Why a Leaky Chimney Is a Problem
A chimney receives exposure to the elements: wind, rain, snow, sleet. It’s designed to stand up to a large amount of punishment, and most homeowners assume that the largest danger to a chimney is from the heat and fire coming from the fireplace. However, most chimney damage comes from water, not fire, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
The problem that water poses when it starts to infiltrate a chimney is that prolonged exposure will create cracks and gaps along the chimney and flue liner. These gaps are prime spots for creosote to start to collect and create a higher risk of serious damage to the chimney and poor venting.
The situation is even worse in a cold climate such as we experience in Minnesota. Water entering through leaks in a chimney will freeze during the winter; as the water expands when it turns into ice, it will cause even larger cracking to occur.
What to Do if You Have a Leaky Chimney
There are a few indicators you can watch for that will warn you that your chimney is sustaining water damage from leaks, such as rust stains inside the fireplace and the presence of standing water. If you suspect a chimney leak, you should make a call to a CSIA–certified chimney sweep right away to investigate the issue.
If the chimney sweep discovers that you indeed have a leaking chimney, he or she will take care of the necessary repair work to seal up the leaks. Usually this involves applying waterproofing agents to the inside lining of the chimney that allow moisture to escape from the chimney interior, but keeps the moisture from getting back in. (Do not try to seal the chimney yourself, since most sealing material and paint will end up trapping moisture within the chimney, making the situation worse.) A chimney sweep can also install a rain cover on the top of the chimney if you do not already have one to help stop rainwater from entering.
Call Us for Leaky Chimney Repair Work in Minneapolis, MN
2nd Generation Chimneys, Inc. provides all types of repairs for all types of chimneys and fireplaces throughout the Minneapolis, MN area. We are familiar with the damage that water and rain can inflict on a chimney, and our technicians are CSIA–certified to handle the repair work that will get the job done and protect your chimney for many years. Our work lives up to the best industry standards, and we are proud of the level of service we provide.