Bad Rotten Chimney Fixed
The homeowner did not detect this bad, rotten chimney. They were unaware that their chimney was rotten. Later, the homeowner went into areas of the house they usually never go into (it’s a huge house) because their kids are grown and off to college. They noticed stains in the closets and hallway and called us, thinking the roof may be leaking. By entering the attic, it was determined that the chimney was the cause of the leaks. After investigation, the chimney was leaking inside behind stucco undetected.
Bad Rotten Chimney Fixed Due To Design
The attached pictures show how the wood behind the stucco was rotten from water getting inside the chimney box. The rooftop on the chimney had tile as the roof material. The weight of this chimney with stucco and concrete tile for its roof was a lot. But the chimney straddled only two trusses. See pictures. The chimney box should have been supported by additional framing in the trusses, which we did. We could rock the whole chimney back and forth.
The Corrections
The design with a raised roof on top of the chimney created trouble areas for water to sit on the chimney cover, and weight caused the roof to flex, cracking the stucco and allowing water to enter the chimney box behind the stucco. Removing the small roof on top of the chimney reduces the total weight of the chimney. We tore off all the plywood and replaced rotten or damaged 2×4 lumber. Also, we beefed up the truss area where the chimney was sitting with additional lumber. In addition, we built a cricket behind the chimney or saddle, a ridge-shaped roof that diverts water out around the chimney. Bad Rotten Chimney Fixed!
A chimney leak can cause water damage in various areas of your home, including the chimney itself, walls, ceilings, and attic. To avoid additional damage, it’s crucial to fix a chimney leak promptly.
Causes
- Flashing around the chimney is damaged.
- The chimney cap or cover is leaking.
- There are cracks in the stucco or wood siding.
- The brick joints have deteriorated.
Signs
- Water stains on the ceiling or walls near the fireplace.
- Musty odors near the fireplace.
- Roof damage around the chimney.
- The water inside the firebox area.
- Significance of professional support
While it might be tempting to attempt chimney leak repairs yourself, it’s essential to involve professionals for several reasons:
- Expertise: Professionals have the skills and experience to identify the source of leaks and offer appropriate solutions effectively. Their knowledge guarantees that issues are addressed correctly on the first attempt, avoiding additional damage.
- Safety: Working on a roof or chimney poses risks, particularly for those lacking adequate training and equipment. Experts are trained to manage the dangers of chimney repairs, safeguarding your property and well-being.
- Insurance coverage: Reliable chimney companies and roofing contractors maintain essential insurance to safeguard against possible liabilities. This includes workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, ensuring peace of mind throughout the repair process.
- Sustainable solutions: Experts utilize top-grade materials and adhere to industry standards to provide durable repairs. Their craftsmanship guarantees that the repairs endure over time, averting future chimney leaks.
Locating a trustworthy roofing or chimney contractor
Selecting a trustworthy professional is crucial when looking for a roofing or chimney contractor to fix your leak. Here are some factors to consider to help you make a well-informed choice.
- Credentials: Ensure the contractor is licensed, insured, and certified by reputable industry organizations. These credentials showcase their expertise and commitment to quality workmanship.
- Experience: Look for contractors with substantial experience in chimney repairs and a history of satisfied customers. Checking online reviews and asking for recommendations from reliable sources can offer useful insights into their capabilities.
- Written estimates: Gather written estimates from various contractors to compare prices and services. Ensure the estimates provide detailed information about the repairs required for your chimney leak.
- Warranty: Ask about the contractor’s warranty. A trustworthy professional will support their work and offer a guarantee including materials and labor.
You can choose a reliable expert leak specialist by carefully evaluating potential contractors using these criteria to fix your chimney.
Contact the chimney repair experts at Florida Roofing and Renovations Inc.
Chimney leaks can be frustrating for homeowners, but with the right expertise and professional help, these issues can be effectively addressed. If you’re facing chimney problems, contact us today to schedule a complimentary estimate with one of our repair specialists.
Experts
Bad Rotten Chimney Fixed by us; we are experts in finding and fixing roof leaks. Our experience building and rebuilding chimneys gives us the knowledge to repair chimneys correctly.
Feel free to call us for a free estimate at 321-914-3360 or fill out the form with your information.
We are featured members of the Better Business Bureau.
