At A-1 Foundation Crack Repair, we often receive calls from homeowners with basement leaks that originate from their chimney. These leaks are a common occurrence and can come from a variety of sources that will either occur from above or below grade sources.
Leaking Chimney – Above Grade Sources
- Cap
- Mortar Joints or holes in bricks
- Porous brick
- Crack Crown
- Flashing
- Gutter
- Condensation
Leaking Chimney – Below Grade Sources
- Leaking between wall, floor & footing
- Seam between concrete, block & brick
- Porous brick
Finding a water leak from a chimney is best done through a process of elimination. We recommend by first by inspecting the exterior of the chimney. Verify that your chimney has a cap on it and that there are no cracks in the crown or bricks. Next, inspect the flashing; make sure it is tight into the brick. On the below grade, run a garden hose on the ground on the exterior of the chimney to identify if the leaks are coming from below grade. An easy test to see if your bricks are porous is to spray water onto the bricks, if they absorb the water and do not bead up, your bricks are porous and can take on water. In such a case, we recommend a clear crystallized quartz-based sealant for porous bricks to prevent water infiltration and greatly extend the life of your chimney
Whether you live in Boston, Worcester, Belmont, Providence, Nashua or Hartford, if you have puddles or dampness in your basement, contact A-1 Foundation Crack Repair today to help you with your basement leak from your chimney.
E-mail: info@a1foundationcrackrepair.com
Toll Free: 866-929-3171