Wisconsin Chimney Technicians - Fixing Leaking Chimneys in Wisconsin

Solution for Identifing you leak the first time: A Leak Detection / Diagnosis Test

We know that chimney leaks can be a pesky item. In fact it is the number one reason people call us for repairs! Leaking chimneys are usually caused by something small, however determining with small thing is it can be a chore and get expensive. We have encorporated an industry standard test combined with our own test (Fog Testing) to help determine the source of your leak and we will guarantee it!

Our leak detection test include:

A visual inspection of the chimney and flashings to determine if they were installed correctly to begin with.
A MAT (Masonry Absorbtion Test) to test the masonry on the chimney itself.
An Attic Fog testing to test the flashings and roof around the chimney.

Chimney Flashing:

Unsealed or loose chimney flashings are usually the first thing that we look at. Resealing the chimney flashings is common maintenence item that should be at least checked if not done every few years.

Lack of Cricket or Saddle:

The lack of a chimney cricket or saddle is another reason chimney appear to leak. In Wisconsin, the snow and ice that accumulates behind the chimney can cause ice damming behind the chimney. The shingles can raise up due the ice and when the ice melts, water has an easy path into the house. A cricket (saddle) flashing behind the chimney will cause snow / ice / water to divert around the chimney instead of building up behind it. Code states that chimney over 30" wide on the downward slope of the roof should have a cricket (saddle) installed, however it is our experience that even the smallest chimneys can suffer from ice damming.

Crumbling Masonry:

Broken bricks and mortar joints are another reason chimneys leak

Crumbling or defective bricks and mortar joints are another common reason chimneys leak. If you can see cracks in the brick, stone, or mortar joints, there is a good chance water IS getting in. Replacement of bad brick and tuckpointing is the most common method of fixing leaks in this situation.

Even new brick and mortar can over-absorb water during a heavy or extended rain storm, especially if the some of the joints are not completely full. Usually proper application of a water repellant is the solution for over absortion.

Lack of Proper Flue Lining:

Open Joints are a cause chimneys leaking into your house

Chimneys that don't have a proper flue liner and are burning gas-fired appliances such as a water heater, boiler, or forced air furnace connected to the chimney, can actually leak from the inside out. One of the main by-products of burning gas is actually water. Normally, in a proper chimney system, the water would be vented as steam to the outside. However if the flue liner is too large or is defective or in some cases not even there, the moisture can recondense in the chimney and absorb through the brick and mortar into the house.

Cracks in the cement crown / wash:

Cracks in the Cement Cover of your chimney can cause leaks and damages

Cracked chimney caps, washes, or crowns can be a major contributor in leaking. Water not only gets into the house but also gets behind the brick. In Wisconsin, during our extreme freeze thaw cycles, that water becomes ice and can crack the bricks and mortar, causing the bricks and mortar to leak.

Lack of Rain Cap:

Flue caps are a very simple way to prevent costly damage to the inside of the chimney, including damage to the liner, damper, and backwalls of fireplaces. When water is mixed with certain types of soot. It can create a mild acid that will deteriorate the chimney. A simple investment now can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars later.

Stainless steel rain caps are a great way to save money and protect your chimney