There are lots of things to worry about as a homeowner. It seems like there’s always projects to tackle or maintenance to schedule. Then, throw in other issues like frozen pipes, dirty gutters, and the inevitable broken down appliance, and your to-do list can grow pretty long before you know it!
That said, one of the most troublesome issues is water dripping from the ceiling, as most assume it has to do with a roofing-related issue. And if you’ve ever had your roof repaired or replaced, you know how costly it can be!
Well, if your first instinct is to call a roofing company after spotting those drips and water stains, we urge you to reconsider. Oftentimes, roofers aren’t actually the most qualified professionals to tackle these jobs, as many are more to do with the chimney than the roof!
When to Call Your Sweep
So… when should a sweep be called?
When it comes to chimney-related leaks, you’ll often notice water stains and discoloration on the walls near the fireplace. In fact, one of the most common areas for leaks is where your chimney meets the roof, as these two materials expand and contract at different rates. And in order to protect this spot, you need a customized flashing system, which consists of metal sheeting wrapped around the chimney.
But since flashing helps both the vulnerable parts of your roof and vulnerable parts of your chimney, it can be hard to know which tech to call for flashing-related issues.
In these cases, a chimney expert is the better choice.
Here at Ashbusters, we install flashing in two types of layers – step flashing and the counterflashing. Once the two layers of flashing have been installed, a high-quality urethane caulk is used to seal any cracks that may exist around the corners of the layers of metal sheeting. After the job is done, you won’t have to worry about water again anytime soon!
You may also notice leaks in your home if your crown, chimney cap, chase cover, or brickwork is showing signs of decay, rust, or deterioration. Keep an eye out for water running down the flue or down the brickwork in the attic/house, discoloration on the sides of your chimney, damage to your masonry, and unpleasant odors, all of which indicate your chimney is the issue – and that it’s time to call in a pro!
When to Call a Roofer
Now, when it comes to chimney leaks, we’re definitely the crew to call. But which times would a roofer actually be more appropriate?
Well, a good way to figure this out is to consider the age of your roof. And how long your roof lasts will depend a lot on what materials it was constructed with. Wood shake roofs typically last about 30 years, cement-shingle roofs have an average lifetime of 25 years, and roofs built with asphalt shingles will generally last for 20 years. If your roof isn’t near the end of its lifespan, then there’s a good chance your chimney is the culprit behind your leaks.
If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, then it’d probably be best to call a roofing company to check it out. And if you have an older roof, you’d benefit from getting it inspected every year by a roofing professional, so that small problems can be caught and fixed before they lead to more extensive and expensive repairs.
Leak Prevention & Your Chimney
Looking to avoid leaks altogether? Our preventative maintenance services will help! Rely on us for the following products and services:
- Flashing: We’ve touched on the importance of quality built flashing already, but it’s worth mentioning again. Don’t forget to invest in professional flashing installation services to ensure your chimney and home stay better protected for the long haul!
- Chimney Caps: Chimney caps are essential for keeping out water. They fit overtop your chimney, so that no rain, sleet, or snow can work its way in. They’re also helpful for blocking out animals, debris, and downdrafts.
- Crown Repairs: The crown is designed to withstand water exposure and push rain and moisture out and away from the sides of your chimney. If your crown is damaged, then your masonry will suffer, so don’t put off repairs, if needed.
- Professional Waterproofing: Waterproofing is an imperative step for keeping your brickwork protected. And we only use products that are 100% vapor permeable, so you won’t have to worry about pre-absorbed moisture or combustion gases becoming trapped inside the bricks and mortar joints and causing more damage.
Don’t Wait to Reach Out!
When it comes to water and your chimney, what may start as a small leak can escalate into big (and costly) issues before you know it. Don’t let affordable maintenance turn into something worse. Give us a call now and gain the peace of mind you deserve!
Our experts would be happy to help with it out, so reach out today.