Rainwater intrusion is the No. 1 enemy of any chimney system. Rainwater often enters the flue when the raincap/or spark arrestor is missing, broken or too small. Most of the water will land in a depression called the smoke shelf. The smoke shelf will keep the water from entering your house, but water accumulation will weaken your chimney. Water can also enter your chimney through a cracked or un-waterproofed mortar crown, or through upper chimney mortar joints or poorly sealed flashing.

Rainwater entering your chimney is absorbed like a sponge by mortar. Water penetration can rust and weaken steel reinforcements, dampers and other metal parts. It can also weaken mortar, producing cracks and holes when lime leaches out or when the water freezes during cold weather. Fire and smoke under pressure can seep through these holes and ignite surrounding walls and lumber. This is how tens of thousands of house fires start every year in the United States

So, if you’re concerned about a leaking chimney, call Kevin at 417 231-1379.