Hello All,
I am looking for some advice from the experts on this forum. My problem…new home (3 yr. old) with wood burning fireplace on outside wall in the kitchen. The inside of the fire box is getting wet during rain storms.
A few facts…
Reputable builder. Very pleased with all aspects of his work. We were still friends when the job was finished.
Masonry fireplace construction with manufactured stone veneer on outside surfaces.
Masonry sealer was applied to the stone veneer during construction.
Stainless steel chimney cap installed on flue.
Builder did return and check flashing and pronounced it sound and properly installed.
Water, in the form of noticeably wet bricks and efflorescence is showing up on the back wall and floor of the firebox. It’s not a lot of water, but enough to discolor the bricks, making it noticeable.
My observation is that the water is likely behind the bricks that make up the firebox. I say that because the water seems to be soaking into the bricks from the back side as opposed to running down the inside surface of the firebox. The bricks above the wet area seem to remain dry.
Also, interestingly there are two individual wet spots showing up in the drywall directly above the mantle…precisely where two drywall screws are located. No water stains on ceiling or any other areas except around those two screws.
Obviously, there is water getting in somewhere. Will the experienced readers here at FHB please offer some suggestions? I am especially concerned about the effects that a Pennsylvania winter will have on water trapped in the masonry, as well as the threat of moisture related building issues.
If I haven’t provided all of the relevent information, please speak up. I’ll fill in the details needed to help identify the problem.
Thanks in advance.
BillB
Replies
What's the condition/make up of the wash/crown of the chimney?
I'd suspect water is entering somewhere on the wash - at the junction between flue tile and wash or brick and stone veneer.
http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Seeyou,
Thanks for the suggestion. If that's the case, I should be able to see it if I ladder the chimney and inspect it visually? If that's what I find, what is the appropriate method of repair. I do use the fireplace, so I suspect thermal expansion of the flue tiles must be taken into consideration when doing a repair?
BillB
The best solution, IMHO, is a full chimney cover. If the wash is made from mortar, it won't last long. Concrete is better, but the joint at the flue tile(s) is always suspect. There are coatings that can be applied, but they are a maintenance item. Good luck.http://www.quittintime.com/ View Image
Flashing around chimney? Especially at the side where the DW is wet.
You already have chimney cap, maybe the cover as seeyou suggested.
I have always been a "show me" type - I would be on the roof / ladder with a hose during a dry spell - hosing the flashing, top of chimney, etc., looking for water in the attic ........... usually if one can see it, one can stop it at the point of origin.
May not be feasible with the house configuration.
Jim
Can you post some pictures of the cap and flashing?