As a homeowner, you have a lot on your plate, and getting around to all household chores, routine maintenance, and repairs that constantly need done is challenging. However, some tasks are more urgent than others, one of which is chimney leak repair. In this post, we’ll tell you why taking care of your leaky chimney now is crucial instead of putting it off.
Structural Damage
Water is your chimney’s number one enemy, especially if you live in an area that undergoes a freeze/thaw cycle. Masonry materials are porous and absorb water, and when the chimney leaks, water seeps into the bricks, mortar joints, and lining.
Over time, the water weakens these components, and the freeze/thaw cycle worsens it, causing cracks to form and expand. Eventually, you could be faced with significant structural damage that not only makes the chimney unstable, but could put your family at risk.
Mold and Mildew
A leaking chimney creates a damp environment in and around the fireplace and nearby walls, and dampness is the ideal climate for mold and mildew to grow and spread. Not only is mold unsightly and embarrassing, but it poses health risks for people with respiratory issues or allergies. Moreover, cleaning the mold isn’t a long-term solution; you must eliminate the moisture; otherwise, it will grow back.
Interior Damage
A chimney is designed as a controlled conduit for fire and heat, and when leaks compromise it, the structure could break down. As time passes, the chimney is less capable of containing the high temperatures put out by your fireplace or wood stove. Furthermore, a damaged chimney could allow heat to get to the surrounding structural elements of the house, putting you at risk of a fire.
Efficiency Loss
A well-maintained chimney ensures your fireplace or wood stove runs efficiently. However, when chimney leaks cause structural damage, it could impair drafting, leading to poor performance and increased fuel consumption. Poor drafting also results in smoke flowing back into the house, which is a health hazard.
Higher Repair Costs
Like any home maintenance or repair chore that you put off, problems compound over time. A small leak today will quickly grow to be worse down the road. Consequently, not investing a little money and time to repair minor damage now could result in exorbitant and complex repairs later. Bottom line: the sooner you fix the problem, the less likely you’ll have to spend in the long run.
Expert Chimney Repair in Kansas City
We know how busy you are and how quickly household repairs can pile up, and we’re here to help. We’re the top-rated chimney specialists in Kansas City and the surrounding area because we do it all. You can count on us whether you need sweeping, inspections, repairs, installations, or a complete rebuild.
Another reason people rely on us time and again is that all our chimney specialists are certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America — something not every chimney service company can say. That means you can trust our work to keep your home and family safe. If you need those pesky chimney leaks fixed now or any other service, call us today at 913–236–7141 or fill out our handy online form.
