It’s Best to Call a Roofing Expert for This Problem!
There are more vulnerable points in your roof and chimney than you might think. For instance, chimneys have multiple potential leaking points. And other roof features, such as skylights and degraded flashing in valleys, can also cause leaks in your home. Rain water leaking into your house from outside is an urgent situation, and it’s important to know who to call.
But how can you recognize damage from chimneys and other areas? And how do you find the right person or roofing company to handle the situation?
Signs of a Chimney or Other Roof Leak
Do you know that chimneys and skylights are the most common places for roof leaks? If you think there might be a leak in your chimney, skylight, or any area of your roof, look for the following:
- Brown water stains or leaks on walls or ceilings.
- A musty odor from the fireplace – more noticeable after heavy rain.
- Water or condensation inside the chimney.
- Masonry cracks inside or outside the chimney.
- Brick and mortar damage.
These are the signs of damage. So, let’s pinpoint some of the culprits.
Chimney Components That Tend to Leak
Your chimney’s exterior needs different types of protective coverings to fend off harsh weather. If you don’t keep those coverings in good repair, it won’t be long before they leak – sometimes directly into your home.
Flashing
Flashing is a thin metal sheet installed around your roof features including chimneys, vents and skylights to create a waterproof seal and prevent leaks. Unfortunately, flashing can rust and wear out – as can its caulking material.
Chimney Cap (Cover)
A chimney cap sits atop your chimney. These covers often have mesh metal sides and panels to prevent rain from entering your chimney since moisture can damage your chimney’s mortar and bricks. Water can also damage dampers or cause cracks in the flue. The cap also keeps embers and sparks contained. If your chimney cap is damaged or missing, you will quickly see signs of water damage.
Rusted Chase Cover
A chimney chase cover or top pan is a metal cover that protects your chimney’s top. Chase covers help direct rain, snow, and ice away from the chimney opening toward your gutters. A rusted chase cover can leak and fail to properly redirect water to your gutters.
Leaking Chimney Crown
Your chimney crown is designed to prevent precipitation from entering your chimney and is often made of concrete. It creates a water-tight surface to prevent moisture from getting inside. However, crowns can develop cracks and degrade due to weather exposure. This damage accelerates water expansion during freeze-thaw cycles, enlarging the cracks enough for water to enter.
Leaking Masonry
Since brick and stone are porous and absorb moisture during heavy rain, your chimney may become saturated. In addition, mortar joints with excess sand are prone to water absorption and can start chimney leaks. While most mortar lasts 25 to 30 years, masonry issues can be helped by a waterproofing chimney sealant, which lasts five to ten years before needing reapplication.
Leaks in Roof Parts Other Than Chimneys
Improperly Sealed Valleys
Improper installation of roof valleys can be the underlying cause of roof leaks. That’s why you should always work with an experienced contractor who knows the correct measurements and uses top-notch sealing materials. However, heavy rainfall and built-up ice dams can also erode the sealing material of your roof valley. You can identify this problem by checking for water spots along the seams.
Improperly Installed Skylights
Poor skylight installation can result in a leaking roof. Some hapless contractors either used poor measurements or flimsy sealants. Sometimes, skylight sealants can decay or wear away from heavy rainfall and strong winds. So, you might notice dripping water around these rooftop windows, especially during heavy rain.
We’ll Stop Chimney Leaks and Help Prevent More of Them
At JW Roofing we recommend getting regular chimney and roof inspections to head off weather-related damages. If you have a leak from a heavy rain storm, call local, reputable roofers you trust. Be sure to ask them how they would proceed with the problem to ensure it’s fixed properly – without shortcuts or shoddy materials.
And if there’s an urgent problem with rain water leaking into your house from outside, the only roofer to call is the team here at JW Roofing. Call us today at (937) 520-5201 or book your inspection online.
