Is Your Oregon Chimney Leaking? Call Hansen & Sons Fireplace & Chimney Today!
When disaster strikes and you find yourself dealing with a leaky chimney, turn to Hansen & Sons Fireplace & Chimney. For over 70 years, we’ve happily provided expert chimney repair services to residents in Oregon, Madison, Fitchburg, Verona, Stoughton, McFarland, Monona, Cottage Grove, Belleville, Brooklyn, Deerfield, Mount Horeb, Waunakee, Middleton, Cross Plains, and neighboring towns.
Oregon, WI is the perfect place to live for outdoor lovers. With plenty of parks and green spaces, residents can enjoy activities like biking, hiking, and spending time at the community pool. There’s also easy access to nearby lakes for fishing and boating.
Visit one of the more popular local spots at Anderson Farm County Park to go hiking, bird watching, or simply explore the beauty that nature has to offer. Kiser Fireman’s Park is another well-known and frequented outdoor area that has attractions like playgrounds, a skate park, baseball fields, and dedicated picnic spots.
The great outdoors is just one side of life in Oregon. We’re also known for our rich history so when the weather takes a turn, you can spend the day revisiting the past with a tour of the Oregon Area Historical Society Museum.
Of course, some overcast days are best for settling in at home. But what should you do when a rainstorm leaves your chimney a leaky mess? Reach out to Hansen & Sons Fireplace & Chimney Service. We’ll get to the bottom of the problem and get your chimney back in working condition. Schedule an appointment with us now by calling us at 608-466-4185 or getting in touch with us online.
We Offer Chimney Inspections & More to Oregon Residents
Hansen & Sons is here to help you navigate your chimney problems. We can handle anything from standard maintenance to a full-on rebuild. For more than 70 years, we’ve been proud to offer the following services to homeowners in Oregon:
Chimney & Fireplace Services
- Chimney Sweeping
- Chimney Inspection
- New Fireplaces, Stoves & Inserts
- Wood Fireplace, Stoves & Inserts
- Gas Fireplace, Stoves, Inserts & Logs
- Electric Fireplaces, Inserts & Logs
- Chimney Repair
- Chimney Relining
- Flashing/Cricket Repair & Replacement
- Chase Covers
- Concrete Caps/Crowns
- Rain Caps
- Exhaust Fans
- Chimney Rebuild
- Top-Sealing Dampers
- Waterproofing/Water Repellent
- Smoke Chamber Repair & Sealing
- Prefabricated Fireplace/Chimney Repair & Replacement
- Fireplace, Stove & Insert Repair
- Fireplace Remodeling/Refacing
- Mantels, Hearthstones, Glass Doors
- Firebox Repair & Rebuild
Home Masonry Repair
- Brick/Stone Repair & Tuckpointing
What Causes Chimney Leaks?
Water can seep into your home through your chimney due to several issues. These are some of the most frequent culprits:
- The chimney cap is damaged or missing. The chimney cap is a metal cover that sits on top of the chimney flue. It stops rain, animals, and other debris from getting into the chimney system. A damaged or missing cap allows water direct access to the chimney.
- The crown is damaged. The crown is a concrete slab at the very top of the chimney. It is designed to redirect water away from the bricks.
- The mortar joints are deteriorating. The mortar is the material that holds the chimney bricks together. Over time, mortar can crack and crumble, creating gaps where water can enter the chimney system.
- There is a problem with the flashing. Flashing is a thin sheet of metal that seals the area where the chimney and the roof meet. Damaged or improperly installed flashing can allow water to leak into the roof structure and eventually move down to other parts of the chimney system
- Exposure to the elements. Constant exposure to harsher elements such as rain, snow, and ice can render the chimney’s protective barriers ineffective with enough time and make it susceptible to leaks.
How Do I Know if My Chimney Is Leaking?
Sometimes, a leaky chimney is painfully obvious. More often than not, chimney leaks are subtle – especially in earlier stages. Spotting a chimney leak can call for you to put on your detective cap to search for clues in and around your home. When you’re indoors, keep an eye out for water stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings near the fireplace – these are often the earliest evidence of hidden leaks. Peeling paint or wallpaper are also red flags that can indicate a water intrusion problem.
Beyond sight, pay attention to new smells or sounds. A musty odor – often linked to mold or mildew – can signal lingering dampness. Sounds of dripping water that intensifies following a bout of rain is another issue that warrants a thorough chimney inspection.
It’s very common for a chimney leak to go undetected until you have a chimney inspection. Some signs of water issues are located in areas of the chimney that are harder to see unless you’re up on your roof. During an inspection, one of our chimney technicians may uncover mortar joint damage, problems with the flashing, cap, or crown, and corroded metal components.
How Often Should I Inspect My Chimney for Leaks?
A regular chimney inspection is the first step in keeping your chimney leak-free and in top shape. These checkups are crucial because they catch potential problems early, preventing them from ballooning into bigger issues. As a general rule, we echo the suggestions of leading chimney industry organizations like the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and recommend annual chimney inspections for homeowners who use their fireplace either infrequently or at an average level. You should consider multiple inspections per year if you use your fireplace very often, live in an area with harsh weather, or have an older chimney that has a history of issues.
To secure your appointment before the burning season returns, we recommend scheduling annual chimney maintenance like inspections and cleanings during the spring and summer months. Remember – consistent maintenance and timely repairs not only extend your chimney’s life but also safeguard your home from expensive water damage.
What Should I Do if I Find a Chimney Leak?
If you suspect a chimney leak or find proof of one, taking prompt action can make a huge difference in the scope and final cost of repairs needed to remedy the issue. The first thing you should do is get in touch with Hansen & Sons to schedule a chimney inspection so that we can confirm the diagnosis and locate the source of the leak instead of taking matters into your own hands.
Certified chimney professionals have the knowledge and experience to identify and address the right problems. With our expertise, you can rest assured that we will be able to correct the issues and find potential danger zones that can lead to future recurrences.
Can a Chimney Leak Be Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
The coverage for a leaky chimney under your homeowners insurance depends on the specifics of your policy and the culprit behind the leak. Homeowners insurance is intended to help alleviate repair costs that are associated with sudden and accidental damage.
If your chimney leak is due to damage that was caused by bad weather or a falling tree causes the leak, your policy will likely cover the repair costs. However, leaks stemming from wear and tear, neglected maintenance, or gradual deterioration are unlikely to meet the criteria for coverage or reimbursement. For specific details of your coverage, review your policy and reach out directly to your home insurance carrier.
Leaky Chimney? Trust the Hansen & Sons Team
A chimney leak can strike at any point and leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Fortunately, Hansen & Sons is here to take the weight off your shoulders. We’ll perform a thorough chimney inspection to find the source of the leak and come up with a plan to resolve it. If you have questions about your options or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, reach out to us online or call us at 608-466-4185.
Testimonials
Hansen & Sons replaced our old gas fireplace with a beautiful new one. We considered converting to gas and through the whole process they were very transparent and open about the pros and cons of both. They were always on time and extremely professional in our home. They did a wonderful job and we definitely recommend them.
We were so impressed with the work that Hansen & Sons did on our chimney and fireplace. They were so informative and communicative during the whole process. I would HIGHLY recommend working with them. First rate service!
Need your chimney inspected or repaired? Verona residents know to call on us for professional chimney service in this portion of our service territory.