A leaking chimney can wreak havoc on your home, but the signs of a problem aren’t always evident right away. While you may not be able to inspect your chimney daily, it’s a good idea to perform a visual inspection of key areas throughout your home regularly.

By looking for the following signs of damage every month or so, you may be able to enlist the help of a roofing contractor to repair your chimney before it leads to more serious damage:

• Attic Damage: Sometimes, homeowners will spot water damage in their attic and assume they’re in need of a full roof replacement. If it’s concentrated to the area around your chimney, though, it’s possible that faulty chimney flashing is to blame. Flashing is the metal panels found at the base of your chimney that seal off the chimney structure and the roof. Over time, flashing can become compromised and allow water to seep in. Roofing contractors can repair your flashing to recreate a tight seal.

• Water Stained Walls: If the areas of your home where the chimney passes through have become wet, it may be due to leaking brick or stonework. To prevent this from happening, roofers will make necessary repairs. Then, they’ll seal the chimney, which acts as an added layer of protection to keep water and moisture out. This is a necessary step, since brick and stone are naturally somewhat porous.

• Wood Rot: If you have a wooden chimney, it’s a good idea to take a glance around your home’s interior and exterior every so often to make sure there are no signs of wood rot. Even if your home’s interior has stayed dry so far, a rotted chimney will eventually cause water to come inside. Roofing contractors can perform carpentry repairs to restore your chimney to perfect condition.

Is your home experiencing any of the conditions described above? If so, Prizio Roofing & Siding Co. can help. Located in New Canaan, CT, these roofing contractors have decades of experience and maintain a stellar BBB® rating due to their customer commitment and quality services. To learn more about their chimney or roof repairs, call (203) 322-9009 or visit them online.