Chimney fires cause around 25,000 house fires every year in the United States. Regular chimney inspections and cleanings can prevent most of these fires. The plan is to identify issues early on when they’re easy to resolve. You may also need to learn how to fix a leaking chimney. Your goal is to enhance the functionality and safety of your chimney. Keep reading how to inspect your chimney for leaks.
Inspect the Roofline
Your inspection should start from the roofline. This is where most chimney leaks start, so inspect it thoroughly. Pay attention to any looseness, absence of shingles, or spaces around the chimney. Such defects may allow water to seep in, resulting in leakage.
Also, focus on the flashing, which is the piece of metal that is used to secure the area between the chimney and the roof. The flashing must be in line with the chimney and roof without any sign of rust, corrosion or dislocation. If you happen to see any of these, it might be time to fix or replace the flashing.
Examine the Chimney Cap
Chimney caps are structures that are aimed at preventing the entry of rain, snow, or any other debris into your chimney. Nevertheless, over a period of time, the cap may get worn and, thus, become dislodged or fall off and let water seep inside your chimney.
Inspect the chimney cap carefully, and make sure it is not loose or broken. Check for any appearance of cracks, rust or deterioration. Damaged caps should be replaced as soon as possible as they will allow water to run down and into the chimney and leaks will ensue.
Test for Leaks with a Water Hose
One of the problems you may face as a homeowner is a chimney leak which you can’t identify the source. If you encounter this problem use a garden hose to spray water around the chimney and roofline for around 15 minutes. Inspect your house for signs of water infiltration. If water seeps in, then your chimney is leaking and you need to act fast. Look for resources on how to fix a leaking chimney.
Know When to Call an Expert
Although you can inspect your chimney for leaks yourself, you might miss certain issues. You most likely have no idea what key areas to check. Besides, you might not know how to fix a leaking chimney. So, make things easy for yourself by seeking professional help.
Look for a reputable company near you offering chimney inspection and maintenance services. With the help of this company, you can detect chimney issues early and fix them. Besides, you’ll get tips on how to maintain your chimney in good condition, mitigating the risk of a fire.
Conclusion
Proper chimney inspection can help you detect leaks and fix them. So, ensure you inspect your chimney at least once every year. Simplify things by outsourcing the work to a professional chimney inspection and repairs company. Read online reviews and testimonials to find this company.