My 1930-built house has a small brick secondary chimney that only vents the gas water heater in the basement. It runs through an interior wall in the first and second floors. Though the roof and flashings were completely replaced 4 years ago, I have noticed for the past 6 months that the paint is peeling and the plaster thincoat is cracking in some of the walls and ceiling areas adjacent to where the chimney runs, especially in rainy weather. I've always been able to hear water running down the chimney during a rain (both chimneys are open top) but this dampness and cracking are new. Would a vented chimney cap prevent this or do you think I have a cracked liner that will need to be replaced? Or could it be that the caulking has shrunk away from the flashing?
It's a 2 1/2 story house with about an 8/12 roof pitch, so it would not be easy for me to climb up there. Also, there is no access to the attic/headspace. Should I call a roofer or a chimney guy?
2007-10-05 08:05:28 · 7 answers · asked by c_kayak_fun 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Water is getting behind the flashing, either at the flashing or above it. Seal the top of the flashing with some silicone caulking, then seal the whole outside of the chimney (above the flashing) with some clear, spray-on, masonry sealant.
2007-10-06 01:15:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all that many roofers know how to flash that well if at all. I would ask around and find the best most experienced roofer for an opinion. I actually have a sheetmetal guy who builds A/C ducts do my flashings The way you describe the damage it leads me to believe that water is getting access to the outside of the chimney rather than coming down the inside
2007-10-05 15:13:26 · answer #2 · answered by vladoviking 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My Husband works for a fireplace company and fixes these things all the time. My bro in-law owns a rofing company.
You need to call the chimney people. They will get on top of your chimney and take a look. There is a lot of things that can cause this so, call the chimney guys if you are sure it is coming in the chimney somehow. If it isn't that call the roofers.
Good Luck.
2007-10-05 15:25:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Broken pipe?
2007-10-05 15:12:31 · answer #4 · answered by bubblestea 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need a mason quick,call home owners insurance also for damages
2007-10-05 17:16:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a flashing problem...call a bricky...
2007-10-05 20:54:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
put a vent cover on it, called Chinese hat,
2007-10-05 15:15:36 · answer #7 · answered by William B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋