Custom Home- Why Do Brick And Masonry Fireplaces Leak?
A fireplace chimney involves a large number of pieces and parts as well as multiple trades, so the likelihood that something is going to go wrong is high. Add to that, the exposure to all types of weather conditions and there is going to be a problem unless you have the right Builder. Constructing it correctly requires a Builder that supervised his jobs closely, knowledgeable and cares.
Below is a link to a great detail that points out all the little pieces that have to be done properly.
Masonry Fireplace Detail......
I would bet, 90% of the masonry fireplaces leak or have leaked in the past. The specific areas that I see most often cause a problem are:
- A saddle missing or improperly sized.
- Counter flashing, surface applied, to the brick instead of being cut into the mortar joint. I don't care what the roofer says, it has to be cut into the mortar joint and he probably doesn't have a masonry blade for his saw on the truck.
- Using mortar instead of concrete on the top of the FP cap. Mason's have lots of mortar but normally don't have a bag of concrete on the truck.
Chimney Top With Concrete.....
4. Not sealing the cap and the concrete cracking over time. This has to be done every few years.
Installing a masonry fireplace involves the efforts of the Architect (proper details), Builder (supervision), framer (to build the saddle), mason (concrete cap), roofer (flashings and saw cutting mortar joint for counter flashing), painter and homeowner (seal the chimney top).
As you can see there are a number of individuals involved that have to do their job properly (almost perfectly) for all of this to work out correctly.
I play tennis with a friend that for years complained that his roof was leaking. Had a number of roofers out to fix the leak but it was still leaking. I offered many times to come out and take a look and finally in frustration he agreed. It only took one look to tell him what the problem was and 15 minutes to run a hose on the improperly constructed area to prove where the leak was. By the way, I was on the roof and he was in the attic waiting to see the water leak through.
In conclusion, if you buy or build a home with a brick or masonry fireplace make sure it’s constructed properly and the application matches the detail I provided or you will inherit a leak that will drive you crazy until the details are properly applied.
Have an awesome day!
Mike
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