Expert: James Ball - 12/15/2008

Question
I have a brick fireplace on a 1966 home. We have owned the home with no leaking problem for 5 yrs. After record rainfalls in Sept, our fireplace began leaking down the interior of the flu...it appears to be from the top or close to on down. We two sweeps who claimed it was cracked crown. So we replaced it. No leak all fall.Just in the last two weeks, when it was freezing rain it began leaking. Called the same sweep out who noticed a draft and suspected some tile might be compromised he also felt a draft. There was frost from about Ft down from the top, hs assumed it was moisture freezing and when it got warmer it melted. I reminded him when he came in Sept that there was no freezing and melting...we still had a leak. After he opened and closed the damper, his partner noticed the draft stopped. He suspected that maybe the ice caused the damper to lift or shift. After he pressed it down hard, the draft stopped and no more leaking. Well, now we have rain again and its leaking again (1 week later). I checked CSIA certified ppl only and that is who I used, but he isnt listed with the bbb or other business that I can verify. I plan to try a CSIA that shows he has more certifications such as fireplace physics, diagnostics and school...but there is only one company with that certification and he isnt listed with bbb either. I dont know who to trust or what to do.

Answer
Hello Lesley, lets start with a water problem is very hard to fix (you start with the obvious and fix from there) you can try some one with more training (that wont hurt) I would start with a top mount damper if the crown is still in good shape. second being a member of the BBB is not required to be a sweep it is just one more organization to have (I am not a member) but what you can do is check with the BBB to see if there was ever any complaints against any company you hire. also check they are registered with your state/county/town to have a business license or consumer protection for compliants.
James