Water in Fireplace?

capecodder · 11-23-2011, 10:32 AM

During heavy rain storms. Im getting some drops of water in the fireplace. Is this normal? I do have a chimney cap but im still getting drops of water comming in.

Thanks,
Aaron

Windows on Wash · 11-23-2011, 01:22 PM

A picture of the fireplace from outside would help quite a bit.

What is the fireplace made of? Brick and mortar or is it siding with a flue chase?

capecodder · 11-30-2011, 06:40 AM

Sorry for the late reply. Had to chop this picture due to size requirements.

Any ideas?

Slyfox · 11-30-2011, 08:00 AM

I would start with checking the crown of the chimney:
1. Cracks in the cement.
2. Proper seal around the chimney cap where it sets on the crown.
3. Cap completely covers liner.

It's not normal to have water dripping in...

Windows on Wash · 11-30-2011, 08:35 AM

Crowns are the most likely suspect.

Fix it now because it will only get worse and take the chimney with it when it goes.

capecodder · 11-30-2011, 09:01 AM

I did go up there a while back and I did notice that there is a crack in the cement. It starts at the edge where the cement meets the brick and goes to the flue? (orange thing, correct term?) The crack does go under the chimney cap. Is there a way I can repair this myself?

joecaption · 11-30-2011, 09:13 AM

You need to cut out the area to make it wider and deeper clean it out and apply morter. Tuck pointing needs about 1/2 deep crack made so it will stay stuck to the old morter.
How far above morter does that tile stick up. (the orange thing as you call it)
There needs to be at least 1" or water can get in.
Also that's a horrible flashing job done around the base of the chimmney. I'd be looking in the attic for leaks around that area.

capecodder · 11-30-2011, 09:26 AM

As far as the tile, it sticks out 3 or 4 inches so I dont think that is an issue. As far as the flashing, thats another issue. I had my roofing replaced with certainteed centenial slate, and they reused the flashing at the bottom and sides, but made it look alot neater. The back side they replaced the flashing. It leaks during heavy rain storms. Thats another issue I will be posting about. As far as this repair, is this something I might be able to handle myself? or do I need to hire someone to repair this? I found this site that seems informative... http://www.handymanclub.com/projects.../chimney-crown

capecodder · 11-30-2011, 09:57 AM

I was reading that it is a possibility that this leaking chimney crown may be causing my leaks that I think may be flashing problems? When my roofing contractor came up 2 weeks ago he checked the flashing and applied some cauling to the seam where the flashing meets the brick? I looked at it myself and although im no expert it looked like the flashing was somewhat ok. I plan to go up on the roof soon to take some pictures.

joecaption · 11-30-2011, 10:29 AM

All we have to go on is the picture so it may well be ok when looked at on site. It just looked like to thin a material was used for the step flashing and it had opened up some.
We also add an extra step that would involve adding a second soild flasing over the step flashing, so from the ground it looks better and keeps driving rain from working it's way into the gaps on the steps.
http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Pr...g/Step-By-Step

capecodder · 11-30-2011, 10:39 AM

I get home around 6pm, and its usually dark by the time I get in. This weekend I will go up during daylight hours and take some detailed pictures of the flashing around the chimney and the cracks at the crown. I will also take some pictures from inside the attic. I do really appriciate the help. I just want to get this solved.

I pick things up quickly so I dont mind investing some time and money in tools to get this done properly.

I called my roofer back a second time and hes scratching his head. At this point I dont think I want him back. My problem is that I dont know if the problem is related to flashing or the cracks in the crown. I would also like to know if a cricket/saddle should be fabricated.

I will post pictures as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Aaron

joecaption · 11-30-2011, 10:46 AM

Without a cricket above that chimmney it's a great place for water and leaves to pool up and cause a leak.

rossfingal · 11-30-2011, 12:15 PM

"capecodder"
Yes, post better pictures!

rossfingal

Ironlight · 11-30-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossfingal

"capecodder"
Yes, post better pictures!

rossfingal

+1

Maybe it's me but it looks from the one photo you posted like the chimney cap is missing it's top. I've never seen one that did not have a flange that was a couple of inches wider in diameter than the cage.

rossfingal · 11-30-2011, 03:25 PM

Yeah "Ironlight" -
don't see any "wings" extending beyond the "cage"
sort of, looks like they're on the inside of the "cage".

RF
(I think you've got better eyes then I have!)

11-23-2011, 10:32 AM	#1
capecodder Cape Cod, MA Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 56	Water in Fireplace? During heavy rain storms. Im getting some drops of water in the fireplace. Is this normal? I do have a chimney cap but im still getting drops of water comming in. Thanks, Aaron

11-23-2011, 01:22 PM	#2
Windows on Wash Exterior Construction Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: VA, MD, DC Posts: 3,832	Water in Fireplace? A picture of the fireplace from outside would help quite a bit. What is the fireplace made of? Brick and mortar or is it siding with a flue chase? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-30-2011, 06:40 AM	#3
capecodder Cape Cod, MA Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 56	Water in Fireplace? Sorry for the late reply. Had to chop this picture due to size requirements. Any ideas? Attached Thumbnails

11-30-2011, 08:00 AM	#4
Slyfox Residential Roofer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Struthers, Ohio Posts: 803	Water in Fireplace? I would start with checking the crown of the chimney: 1. Cracks in the cement. 2. Proper seal around the chimney cap where it sets on the crown. 3. Cap completely covers liner. It's not normal to have water dripping in... __________________ God Family Country Work Play To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

11-30-2011, 08:35 AM	#5
Windows on Wash Exterior Construction Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: VA, MD, DC Posts: 3,832	Water in Fireplace? Crowns are the most likely suspect. Fix it now because it will only get worse and take the chimney with it when it goes. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Water in Fireplace?