Water leaking into the fireplace
Water should not leak into your fireplace. If it does, first be sure you have a chimney cap to keep water from running freely down the flue.
If you have a cap, the problem might be more serious. Cracks or holes in the chimney crown (the very top) or in other areas could be allowing water to leak into the chimney. If so, masonry repairs are in order, for safety and to fix the water leak.
Fireplace water leaks are often caused by pooling water that might be soaking through the structure and leaking in. A water repellent treatment will help if this is the case.
In any case, it is wise to consult a chimney professional, as water entering the chimney will gradually damage the chimney structure, and could indicate a serious problem.
More about water leaking into the fireplace
Look for leaks or stains inside the house near the chimney. Peeling wallpaper, stains on the walls, and dampness near the chimney are sure signs of chimney problems. Sometimes these problems are caused by faulty roof flashing around the chimney, but sometimes the source is the inside of the chimney, and this can mean trouble. Missing or damaged flue liners, interior decay, or excessive condensation in the flue could be the culprit. Consult a chimney professional.
A note about condensation in flues
Today’s gas-fired appliances emit a considerable amount of water vapor. If not vented into a properly-sized flue, condensation in the chimney can become a serious hazard. If you have a gas-fired appliance connected to your chimney it is critical to have the chimney checked periodically by a chimney professional. Don’t make the assumption that just because there is no smoke, there is no problem with the chimney. Odorless, colorless carbon monoxide fumes from improperly-vented gas appliances can be fatal.
~ Todd Woofenden
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