Has Beaumont, TX Rain Sprung a Leak in Your Chimney? Call Lords Chimney Today
Early in the 1900’s, the first big gusher of oil came pouring out of the middle of muddy Beaumont, Texas, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the oil industry, and propelling the region into an era of rapid industrialization and economic growth. The discovery, known as the Spindletop gusher, produced over 100,000 barrels of oil a day when most major wells produced only about 50 barrels of oil a day.
After the Spindletop gusher, Beaumont’s population nearly tripled in a matter of a few months, as a rush of oil prospectors, workers, and entrepreneurs flocked to the area in search of their own opportunities in the booming oil industry.
Today, you can visit the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum. It takes visitors back in time to experience what life was like for those that called this area home during the early 20th century boom days. While you’re out exploring, be sure to check out the Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk and the Beaumont Botanical Gardens. There’s a lot of beauty in the middle of a hot, humid environment, where nature thrives in unexpected and captivating ways.
We’re proud to serve Beaumont and its many surrounding areas. If you need chimney or fireplace services in the area, give us a call at 409-240-0013 or reach out to us online today.
How Often Should I Have My Chimney Professionally Inspected and Cleaned?
Chimneys should be professionally inspected and cleaned every single year – right before you start your burn season.
As the relentless Texas heat subsides, making room for the cooler embrace of autumn and winter, the people of Beaumont and the towns nearby call upon Lords Chimney to ensure their fireplaces are professionally inspected, swept, and ready to provide warmth and comfort all season long.
Now, when you hear that the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that your chimney and fireplace be inspected and cleaned on a yearly basis, it is common for those of us who only use our fireplaces a select few months out of the year to underestimate the importance of this advice.
Our relatively milder climate leads us to believe that our fireplace systems don’t undergo the same level of stress as those in colder regions. Yet, overlooking the proper maintenance your fireplace requires can result in unexpected issues that can compromise both safety and functionality.
Although snow is pretty rare in our parts, we are no stranger to heavy rainfall – and moisture happens to be a chimney’s worst enemy. It seeps into every crack and crevice, accelerating the deterioration of bricks and mortar, and potentially leading to costly repairs if left unchecked over time.
That’s why it is important for you to schedule your annual inspection or chimney sweep today by calling Lords Chimney at 409-240-0013 or by requesting an appointment online.
What Are Common Causes of a Chimney Leak?
Chimney leaks happen for a variety of reasons, and unless you have a keen eye and previous experience in diagnosing common chimney problems, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly where the issue is stemming from.
Some of the most common chimney leak issues we are called out to inspect include:
Damaged or Poorly Built Chimney Crowns and Chase Covers
The purpose of a chimney crown or chimney chase cover is to cover the top of your chimney, and to keep any moisture and debris from falling inside of it. Whether you have a chimney crown or chimney chase cover usually depends on what kind of fireplace you have. The top of a masonry chimney is considered the chimney crown, while the top of a prefabricated fireplace will have a chase cover attached.
A chimney crown should be made of cement, but is oftentimes made of mortar that was leftover from laying the bricks of the chimney. Because mortar isn’t as strong as concrete and actually absorbs water, it begins to crack and deteriorate rather quickly. With large enough cracks in the chimney crown, you may begin seeing rain falling and pooling in your fireplace.
A chimney chase cover is usually made of galvanized steel, which is prone to rust and corrosion. But even if rust isn’t present, the reason your chimney is leaking could be because the chimney chase cover wasn’t installed correctly. Improper installation may result in gaps, misalignments, or inadequate sealing, allowing rainwater to seep into the chimney flue and potentially causing damage to the chimney structure as well as the interior of your home.
Missing or Damaged Chimney Cap
A chimney cap is supposed to sit on the very top of the chimney, directly covering the flue. But because chimney caps haven’t always been considered a necessary component on a chimney, you may notice older fireplaces don’t even have one.
Unfortunately, if the chimney cap is missing or damaged, this not only allows rain to flow down your chimney, it can also provide access for animals and debris to enter your flue. This might cause further damage to the damper, flue, and firebox. Long story short, ensuring the chimney cap is present – and installed correctly – shouldn’t be overlooked, as it serves as an essential line of defense, and contributes to the longevity and safety of your fireplace system.
Leaky Flashing
The flashing is a thin metal material that acts as a waterproof seal between your chimney and roof. And properly installed flashing can last up to 30 years!
All that said, continuous exposure to the elements can cause flashing to deteriorate over time, leading to gaps or corrosion that can allow water to wreak havoc on the interior of your home. The problem with leaky flashing is if you don’t stay on top of yearly inspections, you may not notice it’s a problem until water damage has already started to compromise your chimney’s structure or your home’s integrity.
Leaking Bricks
You’d think any structure that is made of bricks and mortar would be completely impenetrable. But, unfortunately, brick is porous and naturally absorbs water when it rains. If there are any gaps in between the bricks, this can allow them to become too saturated with water, and you may begin to see water dripping on the inside of your chimney. At this point, there is likely extensive water damage that needs to be repaired.
Preventive maintenance – sweepings, inspections, waterproofing, tuckpointing, etc. – would have allowed us time to repair and seal the brick with a masonry water repellent, which acts as an extra line of defense in protecting you from these types of issues.
For multiple reasons, it’s important to always research reputable chimney companies near Beaumont, TX, like Lords Chimney, to ensure your entire fireplace system is installed, inspected, and maintained with the highest standards of expertise, reducing the risk of leaks and costly repairs down the road.
Other Services We Provide
While we handle any water-related issues like a pro, we are much more than a leaky chimney repair company. We also offer several other services in the Jefferson County area on a daily basis. This includes:
- Chimney Inspections: We offer level 1, level 2, and level 3 inspections. A level 1 inspection is the most common, during which we inspect all of the readily accessible areas of the chimney in the living area and exterior of your home. A level 2 or level 3 inspection will be recommended if there is evidence of a hidden problem, if you have recently experienced a chimney fire, or if you plan on buying or selling a home. Using a special camera that rotates 360 degrees, we are able to view every nook and cranny of the flue to ensure the condition of your chimney is safe for burning.
- Chimney Sweeps: A chimney sweep is more than just sweeping away ash and debris from a chimney. Specialized tools, including a series of rotating brushes and high-powered vacuums, are used to clean every component of the chimney – the firebox, smoke chamber, damper, smoke shelf, and flue liner. Creosote accumulates in hard-to-reach areas and must be removed to reduce the risk of experiencing a chimney fire. We aren’t the only ones to recommend this service be done alongside your yearly inspections. The CSIA recommends this as well.
- Chimney & Fireplace Repairs: Let’s face it – there’s a long list of things that can possibly go wrong with chimneys. Because of this, there’s a lot of repair services we offer in order to help with anything and everything. From pressure washing to tuckpointing to crown repair and more, we’ve got you covered for it all.
- Chimney Leak Resolution & Brick Repair: Water leaks can cause a wide array of issues within your home, such as mold and mildew growth, flue liner deterioration, water damage, and structural damage – just to name a few. Don’t let seemingly minor leaks go unchecked, as they can quickly escalate into significant and rather expensive problems. Instead, contact Lords Chimney today at 409-240-0013 to see what we can do to help with your leaky chimney problems.
- Chimney Relining and Repair: A chimney liner is a great way to protect the interior walls of your chimney against smoke and any toxic gases produced by your fireplace. It also protects your chimney from exposure to high temperatures. Based on the current state of your liner, we have two options for repair or relining – stainless steel line installation and HeatShield® resurfacing. Each option has its pros and cons, and our licensed chimney technicians can help you make an informed decision on which is best for you.
- Fireplace Replacements & Facelifts: Need help getting that old chimney looking and functioning like new again? We specialize in chimney restoration and repair. Our expertise and attention to detail will ensure that your chimney is not only aesthetically restored, but also brought back to its optimal working condition. Maybe your fireplace is in a state that is beyond repair, and you’re considering a sleek, new gas fireplace instead. We can help carefully remove your old fireplace and set you up with a customized solution that meets your exact needs.
- Dryer Vent Services: Similar to the chimney, the dryer vent functions to eliminate potentially harmful fumes and gases from your home. If you neglect to keep up with regular dryer vent cleanings, the vent can become clogged with lint – or even nesting materials if you have a rodent that has made its way into the system. A clogged vent restricts air flow, and your dryer is unable to function safely and efficiently. If you’re currently trying to figure out when the last time was that you had your dryer vent inspected and cleaned, it’s probably been too long. We can help!
Lords Chimney – A Beaumont, TX Chimney Company You Can Trust
If you take a quick look at our Google reviews, you’ll find hundreds of 5-star testimonials from satisfied customers. These reviews stand as testament to the quality of service and the trustworthiness that Lords Chimney consistently provides. If you’re ready to experience the difference of expert chimney care, provided by a team of certified technicians with a proven commitment to excellence, then it’s time to give us a call at 409-240-0013.
Your home and your family deserve the best in Beaumont, Rose City, Vidor, Cheek, Rose Hill Acres, and beyond, and Lords Chimney is here to deliver just that. Call or book with us online today.
Port Arthur is an appreciated part of our service area. Residents there love having us keep their chimney systems in tip-top condition year after year.