A fireplace is a much-needed comfort for homes during the chilly, snowy season. But if the chimney exudes water, you will have trouble starting a fire. Since this can be a big inconvenience, you should habitually check your chimney for signs of leakage before winter sets in. But owing to the risky nature of a roof inspection, it's best to leave it to a trained general contractor. Here are ways to tell that a leak emanates from the chimney.

The Chimney Lacks a Cover

A bare chimney is a major recipe for leaks. Usually, the end of the chimney exposed to weather elements needs a cover such as a cap or a damper. This cover stops rainwater as well as snow from entering the chimney. In addition to this, the cover prevents animals and birds from finding their way into your residence. Also, remember that as water drips into the fire, it causes smoke production putting you and your family at risk of carbon monoxide exposure. For this reason, your general contractor will suggest a suitable cover for your chimney and install it to stop the unwanted leaks.

The Chimney's Cover Is Damaged

Perhaps your chimney contains a cover at the top but has holes that cause leaks. Whether a cap or damper, your cover will gradually deteriorate due to continued exposure to harsh weather elements. Chimneys made of galvanized steel also rust and eventually get punctured. Your general contractor can seal the cracks or install a new cover based on the level of damage. Where you have a galvanized steel chimney, the general contractor might suggest stainless steel since it is rust-resistant.

The Brick and Motor Joints Could be Getting Ruined

Your chimney requires functional brick and motor joints to operate effectively. But unfortunately, the joints are prone to damage due to continuous exposure to heat and cold. In this process, it may get cracked, allowing water to penetrate. If not fixed in time, the chimney is at risk of crumbling down.

There Is Condensation in the Chimney

Condensation contributes to leakage in the chimney. This normally happens when you switch from wood to gas but fail to install a liner. As gas fumes are emitted, they get mixed with moisture caused by the low temperature inside the chimney. This leads to moisture accumulation, which rolls back through the chimney walls. So if you have just switched to gas fuel, ensure that a general contractor installs proper lining in your chimney.

A leaky chimney in chilly weather is a nightmare. As seen above, there are various reasons behind this annoying problem. So call your general contractor to unearth and fix the underlying problem so you can enjoy a cold-free winter.