Chimney Leaks Archives | Sootmaster Chimney Sweep

Should I Seal My Brick Chimney?

by Elizabeth | Feb 5, 2021 | Chimney & Fireplace Repairs, chimney inspection, Chimney Leaks

The southern United States receives a lot of rain. From afternoon thunderstorms to hurricanes, Southerners are very used to wet weather. However, many people don’t think about the effects that rain can have on their chimneys. Unfortunately, water damage can...

Types of Sealants For Your Chimney

by Elizabeth | Jan 20, 2021 | Chimney Cap, chimney inspection, Chimney Leaks, Chimney Sweep

From the street, your home is not the only thing that is noticed. People can notice your car, yard, and even your chimney. It may seem ridiculous but it has an impact on the home. Your chimney is subjected to continuously changing climates throughout the year. The...

Damages Uncovered in Chimney Inspections

by Elizabeth | Dec 29, 2020 | Chimney Cap, chimney inspection, Chimney Leaks

Think about your chimney. Do you know the current state of all the components? Do you know where there is damage or breakdown started? What are the signs of serious damage? As the homeowner, you cannot answer these questions with any certainty. To have that certainty,...

The Menacing Leak

by Tyler | Sep 4, 2020 | Chimney & Fireplace Repairs, Chimney Leaks

Recently noticed water around your fireplace, chimney, or surrounding area? You probably have a leaking chimney on your hands, which can be a bump in the road for you and the comfort of your home and everyday life. However, A leaking chimney does not always manifest...

Chimney Terms You Should Know

by Tyler | Aug 28, 2020 | Chimney Leaks, Chimney Sweep, Fireplace Safety Tips

When conversing with an expert in any field can be scary particularly if you do not comprehend the phrasing being utilized. Your chimney and fireplace framework comprises of various segments that cooperate to give you warm and comfortable fires. There are a wide range...

Why Install a Chimney Cap Even if You Don’t Use Your Fireplace

by jacob | May 29, 2020 | Chimney & Fireplace Repairs, Chimney Cap, Chimney Leaks, Proudly Serving The Gulf Area

Even if you only use your fireplace as part of your decor, the chimney still needs a cap. Many homeowners assume that they don’t need to worry about their chimney if they never light up a fire in their hearth. This isn’t true. Leaving your chimney without a cap puts...

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Caps, Covers, & Damper Repairs

Living in the south, mainly along the Gulf Coast, then you know there are lost of rain storms. Actually, we get more rain than anywhere else in the country, including Seattle. The ranking of the most amount of rainfall goes as follows: Mobile, Pensacola, and Seattle in 41st.

This region has such a big deal about rain when it comes to chimneys and fireplaces. As the Chimney Safety Institute of America explains, “water, not fire, causes most chimney damage.”

“Whether masonry or factory-built,” says the CSIA, “prolonged water exposure can result in cracks or gaps in chimneys where creosote can collect and increase the risk of fire or where noxious gases can escape into your home and expose your family to carbon monoxide.”

Fireplaces, Chimneys and Leaks

In basic terms the problem with fireplace and chimney leakage is that water combines with the creosote that remains from fires to form an acidic mixture. Over time that mixture can eat out the silica in the mortar joints.
Once the joints are no longer secure, moisture — remember all that Gulf Coast rain — can get into the house through the chimney. For example, if water comes in through the chimney and is released under the shingles it can lead to the need for a roof replacement.

Also, without proper sealing, heat from fires can travel into areas which should not be exposed to heat, dry out wood, and in some cases actually cause the wood to catch on fire.

In fact, according to a staff report by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are about 22,000 fires a year which are associated with fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors. Such fires can cause substantial damage and in some cases may lead to fatalities.

Also, without caps it does happen that birds and animals get into fireplaces. Sometimes nests are built and in some cases animals unable to get out die inside chimneys and fireplaces. Noises and odors can result from such problems.

Caps, Covers and Dampers

You can protect your household with caps, covers and dampers. Caps with spark arresters are devices that go over the flue. They keep out both moisture and animals, plus they help prevent sparks from leaving the chimney. Covers are at the top of the chimney, go around the flue, and protect against moisture. Dampers are inside the chimney itself. They can help create a proper draft to achieve the best fire, plus when closed they prevent animals from getting into the house.

Cap, Cover and Damper Services

We can install, repair and maintain caps, covers and dampers. We inspect such devices as part of our basic chimney sweep services. We have many devices in stock and can recommend the equipment which is right for your fireplace and chimney, whether it is masonry or metal, new or historic.