Chicago’s Suburbs Can Be Rainy - Repercussions if your Chimney Leaks Undetected

1. Chicago’s Suburbs Can Be Rainy - Repercussions if your Chimney Leaks Undetected Your roof is not the only thing that can leak in Chicago, as water can enter through your chimney as well. Let’s face it; we have harsh winters and rainy summers. It doesn’t matter if you live on the Northshore of Chicago or further west by Crystal Lake and Naperville. In some cases, chimney leaks can be even more serious because they are harder to detect. Here are just a few things that might occur if your chimney does begin to leak. How do Chimney Leaks Occur? Your chimney is designed to withstand severe elements, but that does not mean it isn’t susceptible to damage. Harsh conditions such as the constant thawing and refreezing we see here in Illinois can weaken mortar joints over time. This leaves your chimney vulnerable to leaks, which can further damage your mortar. Improper capping may also allow water, debris, and even small animals to enter your chimney. Dangers of a Leaking Chimney Even small leaks can cause significant damage over time. In the beginning stages, more creosote than usual might build up inside your flue liner. This makes it more likely that smoke will enter your room, and greatly increases your risk of a fire. As time goes on, large cracks may develop and brick can erode away. By this time, the structural integrity of your chimney has been greatly compromised. A full collapse is possible-something that can not only be expensive to repair, but dangerous. Reduces Efficiency Leaks can do more than just cause structural damage, as they also make it harder for you to heat your home. Even small amounts of water can cause your chimney liner to rust, crack, or sustain other damage. As a result, your chimney will not hold warm air in as efficiently as it once did. Not only that, but the inside of your chimney may become hotter than normal. This can further damage your chimney, and might also increase your risk of a fire. Increases Carbon Monoxide Risk Carbon monoxide is a natural by-product of wood fires. A properly-vented chimney allows this gas to escape so that harmful levels do not accumulate. When your liner has cracks or gaps due to leaking, proper ventilation becomes more difficult. Carbon dioxide has to go somewhere, so if it cannot leave through your chimney it has no choice but to filter out into your home. The gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless and potentially deadly. Allows Mold to Form Moisture inside your chimney cannot easily evaporate. In addition, chimneys are dark and often come with poor ventilation. As such, the odds that mold spores will form are very high. This mold is often very difficult to see, and may therefore not show up on a mold inspection. You may notice an increase in

2. asthma or allergy symptoms, yet not know exactly what is causing them. The only real way to eliminate mold is with a thorough chimney cleaning followed by capping, sealing, and waterproofing. Chimney leaks are often not noticed until they become severe. Do not wait until you encounter a major problem-have a chimney inspection performed now in order to catch leaks early on. In doing so, you’ll save yourself a great deal of heartache and cash.