You should call a chimney repair professional to fix a leak
A chimney leak is a serious issue, and ignoring one can lead to health hazards and structural problems. The best person to contact to fix the problem is a dedicated chimney repair professional, although you may also be able to work with a roofing contractor if they have plenty of experience with chimneys. Keep reading to learn more about who to call for a chimney leak.
There are a number of benefits to choosing a local chimney repair pro to fix a leak. With their years of experience and robust professional networks, they’ll be able to diagnose the problem quickly, source the necessary supplies for the repair job, and possibly even help you navigate insurance coverage for the work.
Here’s a closer look at why these contractors are the best match for the job.
Chimney knowledge: This may sound obvious, but chimney repair techs service chimneys all day long. An experienced chimney pro will be able to quickly suss out the cause of a leak and offer repair options. They’ll also likely have some preventative tips up their sleeve.
Access to parts: These professionals likely have contacts that are readily available to provide them with the appropriate parts for your specific chimney. Not all leaks are equal. Some are caused by rusted chase tops, and others are caused by damaged flashing or bricks. It could be any number of things, which means the fix will require any number of parts.
Can easily find related damage: Unfortunately, chimney leaks can quickly lead to structural damage. Seeping water can contribute to the deterioration of bricks and mortar and can cause damage to chimney liners, for example. And of course, any type of leak can trigger mold growth. A chimney repair pro has plenty of experience checking for these types of related problems.
Waterproofing: Repairs are great, but the best cure is always prevention. Chimney pros will often offer waterproofing services as part of a service call.
Can help navigate insurance: It’s hard to say if a chimney leak will be covered by insurance. It depends on the cause and the specifics of your plan. In other words, getting an answer can be frustrating. Professional chimney repair techs have plenty of experience dealing with insurance companies to help you get coverage.
In the vast majority of cases, you cannot DIY chimney leak repair. This is highly specialized work that requires years of relevant experience. It’s also dangerous, since these repair jobs are often conducted on top of a roof. Finally, the risks of poor workmanship are simply too great. Chimney leaks can cause mold and mildew throughout the home and contribute to leaks elsewhere. Damaged chimneys can also cause carbon monoxide and other dangerous gasses to enter the home.
A roofing contractor is a great secondary choice for chimney repairs. When you contact a local roofing pro, make sure to discuss their experience with different types of chimneys. Some roofers have nearly as much experience with chimneys as a dedicated technician, but others may outsource the lion’s share of their chimney work. Discuss the specifics of your problem to get a feel for how comfortable the pro is with chimneys.
The repair process differs depending on the source of the leak, but all repair jobs have one thing in common: They start with a thorough inspection. A chimney sweep will likely be sent in first to diagnose the problem, followed by the team of repair professionals. The actual repair process could be as simple as waterproofing the area, or it could require a new chimney cap or an update to the flashing. The pros may also recommend the installation of a chimney cricket, which diverts water away from the chimney.
