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chimney moisture

gprett99 | Posted in General Discussion on September 19, 2007 06:44am

Hello. Over the last year, I’ve noticed moisture above our fireplace during the winter causing some bubbling to the existing paint. Our house exterior is stucco (including the chimney) and our flashing was replaced 2 years ago when we had a new roof installed. Recently I have noticed stucco pieces falling from the chimney (I believe that we have cynder block underneath the stucco).
Does anyone have some information on what may be happening to our chimney, and why we are getting moisture inside our house? Also, who would be the most qualified person to repair this type of problem if I cannot take care of it myself?

Thanks.

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  1. Piffin | Sep 19, 2007 11:58am | #1

    If all other systems are right - like the roof and flashing and cap, then it is highly likely that your problems is from condensation.

    If you are leaving the damper open, a lot of interior air is chuting right up the chimney. The moisture from the interior air hits the cooler masonry surface and drops to the dew point making dew where it then wicks into the masonry.

    What is your climate - your profile is empty of this information and it could offer a clue.

     

     

    Welcome to the
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  2. User avater
    RichBeckman | Sep 19, 2007 05:09pm | #2

    Notice what Piffen said: "If all other systems are right - like the roof and flashing and cap"

    ...and cap.

    You don't mention the cap. That's the top of the chimney. Most are capped by a pile of mortar that is sloped from the middle down to a thin edge and is certain to crack after awhile and eventually to start falling apart allowing water into the brick from above every time it rains.

    If you can safely get a look at the top of your chimney, then you should do so.

    Rich Beckman

    1. seeyou | Sep 19, 2007 06:21pm | #3

      From the little info he's given, I suspect the top of the chimney as well. Also, just because the flashing is new doesn't mean it doesn't leak.http://grantlogan.net/

       

      I was born in a crossfire hurricane..........shooby dooby do

      1. Piffin | Sep 20, 2007 01:36am | #4

        And the chorus said, AMEN brother. I have seen as much poor flashing that keeps water out by luck more than skill as I have of good flashing done right 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

    2. gprett99 | Sep 20, 2007 04:02am | #5

      Sorry I mistakenly left that info out. We had a cap placed on the top and had it recrowned 2 years ago. Additionally, rain seems to have no effect on inside moisture above the mantle. The moisture issue only happens in the winter, but the outside structure continues to deteriorate.

      1. User avater
        RichBeckman | Sep 20, 2007 07:13am | #6

        LOL!!In that case, go back to post #2 by Piffin.He doesn't miss a trick!!!

        Rich Beckman

      2. timkline | Sep 20, 2007 01:20pm | #7

        how many flues are in this chimney ?

        is there another flue in addition to the fireplace for an oil or gas fired heating unit ?

         carpenter in transition

        1. Piffin | Sep 20, 2007 01:41pm | #9

          Good point! I would not suppose that it would be a shared flue, but a gas appliance or a high efficiency oil burner in another flue in the same chimney structure would definitely create condensate and it would be worse in winter. If that is the case, the fix is a SS liner all the way from appliance to cap. 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          1. jet | Sep 20, 2007 03:41pm | #10

            Had a similar problem after I replaced my furnace for a high efficiant model.
            ANd yes the fix was a SS liner that the furnace installer "forgot" to install."No doubt exists that all women are crazy; it's only a question of degree." - W.C. Fields

          2. gprett99 | Oct 16, 2007 05:28am | #16

            Thanks for all the valuable information. I'm definitely leaning toward the SS liner option. How can I check if I have this tpe of liner? Can I simply look up the chimney with a flashlight?

          3. Piffin | Oct 16, 2007 05:35am | #17

            Not alwways.
            Easier to be sure by looking down from on top 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      3. Piffin | Sep 20, 2007 01:38pm | #8

        That is classic description for condensation problems. if you do not use this fireplace to burn, seal the flue or even put a decorative fireboard panel over the front of it with sealing tape or butyl caulk.Or - burn a fire in it to keep the flue warm instead of cold!So - what is your climate?Do you keep the house humidified highly in winter? 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        1. gprett99 | Sep 20, 2007 09:03pm | #11

          Thank you for the much needed help Piffin. I live in northern new jersey and we do not use the fireplace much at all.
          The last chimney company that came to our house 2 years ago, said the liner "was fine".

          1. User avater
            rjw | Sep 21, 2007 12:54am | #15

            What kind of combustion appliances vent into the chimney? Into each flue (if multiple?) Has the furnace/boiler been replaced with a condensing type which now vents through a side wall?Be aware that flue gases have significant levels of moisture, and it is possible that there are carbon monoxide issues as well.I recommend a heating contractor who has trained with the National Comfort Institute - they maintain a list at their site. (many, maybe most, heating contractors have minimal training in recently developed information about combustion and venting issues.)May your whole life become a response to the truth that you've always been loved, you are loved and you always will be loved" Rob Bell, Nooma, "Bullhorn" "We Live" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kuBgh0VCqI&mode=related&searchAnd Annie Ross's "Twisted" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lqivrCIRGo&mode=related&search=

            Edited 9/20/2007 5:55 pm ET by rjw

        2. gprett99 | Sep 20, 2007 09:06pm | #12

          Also, our house has very low humidity in the winter. I'm not sure if I mentioned earlier, but it could be of importance to note that m house was built in 1928.

          1. Piffin | Sep 21, 2007 12:18am | #13

            It could be that the clay flue liner is fine with regards to fire safety but still be able to absorb moisture at the joints and wick it into the mass of masonry where it is creating the problem.At least now you have a clue from whence it originates. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          2. seeyou | Sep 21, 2007 12:26am | #14

            Do you have any bathroom fans or dryer vents blowing into the attic?  We solved one this past summer when we found a bathroom fan duct that had originally been connected to a roof vent and had dropped down on top of the insulation a few feet away from the chimney. The moisture was condensing on the back side of the chimney flashing and running down the chimney.http://grantlogan.net/

             

            I was born in a crossfire hurricane..........shooby dooby do

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