Chimney & Fireplaces/chimney problem

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Expert: - 9/12/2007


Question
Hi Bart:

I get about 10 gallons of water in my basement whenever we have a heavy rain.  I have traced source to 1ft x 1ft hole in basement with steel trapdoor that leads to base of chimney.  The water is coming from a 2 inch gap between chimney and wall of house.  

I have also traced problem to poor masonry on outside of chimney.  Where chimney joins side of house, there are gaps allowing water to seep in.  Gaps are difficult to get to because of house siding, but I have partially filled in gaps by using liquid foam.  Problem has lessened but has not gone away.  

Alternatively I have been thinking about going to base of chimney and filling in gap with hydraulic cement.  However, I am afraid that if I do this I will be trapping water which can eventually freeze and cause permanent damage.  What do you think?  Also, have you heard of other people having this problem?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Maxwell,

This is a common problem, that has many possible solutions.

You've got to stop the water coming in and usually that will involve some excavation and grade correction as well as some proper prep and sealing of the entry point, obviously.

I recommend you contact a local foundation repair company for some specific solutions to this issue.  They should be equipped with the knowledge and tools/materials to address this specific issue on your chimney.

Thanks for using AllExperts.Com and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,
A. Bart Ogden, President
Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc.
Wichita, KS
Voice: 316-265-9828
Fax: 316-265-9890
www.homesafeks.com

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Bart Ogden

Expertise

I can answer questions related to chimney and fireplace cleaning, construction and repair as well as questions related to the performance of chimneys and fireplaces. I can also answer questions related to clothes dryer vent cleaning and repair. Additionally, I can field questions related to masonry repair.

Experience


Experience in the area:
28 years experience in the chimney service/installation/repair field
President, Home Safe Hearth & Chimney, Inc. Wichita, Kansas

Professional Organizations:
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG)
Member, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
Member, Kansas Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps (KGPCS)
Member, Midwest Chimney Safety Council (MCSC)
Member, Kansas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (KAREI)
Past At-Large Director of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past At-Large Director of the Chimney Safety Institute of America
Past Secretary, National Chimney Sweep Guild
Past Secretary, Chimney Safety Institute of America
Member, National Chimney Sweep Guild Technical Advisory Council
Member, Chimney Safety Institute of America Certification Committee
Past Chairman, CSIA Chimney Safety Education Brochures Committee
Past Chairman, NCSG Nomination Committee

Publications:
SWEEPING Magazine, The Journal of Chimney & Venting Technoloty, A Publication of the National Chimney Sweep Guild
SNEWS, The Chimney Sweep News
THE KANSAS SWEEP, The Voice of the KS Guild of Professional Chimney Sweeps

Education/Credentials:
BA, Wichita State University
C.S.I.A. Certified Chimney Sweep
C.S.I.A. Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician
N.F.I. Woodburning Specialist
N.F.I. Gas Specialist
Chimney Diagnosis & Documentation Seminar
Ahren's Masonry Restoration School Graduate
Advanced Gas Certification
Master Gas Certification
Licensed Mechanical Contractor
Pellet Appliance Specialist
Venting Design Specialist
Dale Carnegie Course Graduate

Awards and Honors:
Superior Dealer Award, Ventinox Chimney Lining Systems

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