Can Chimney Issues Make Your Roof Leak? – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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Can Chimney Issues Make Your Roof Leak?

One of the main culprits for roof leaks is chimney issues, especially after a long, soaking rain.  Water comes down inside or outside of the chimney, inside the flue, or along the roof line from the chimney.  A professional will check your roof and flashing first for installation and maintenance issues but many leaks are due to the chimney cap or the brick and mortar itself.

Chimney Leak Causes

There could be a number of reasons why your chimney is leaking water, which is why it’s important to get it properly inspected by a chimney repair specialist. Some of the most common reasons for a chimney leaking water are:

Chimney flashing

Chimney flashing is the material around the base of the chimney stack, where it joins the roof.  If the flashing becomes damaged or has deteriorated, the seal will no longer be watertight and water will be able to penetrate through.  Flashing is found at the point where your roof meets your chimney.  It’s supposed to create a waterproof seal that protects your roof and chimney from moisture penetration.  When chimney flashing is properly installed, it can last over 30 years depending on factors such as where you live, the shape and size of your chimney and the materials used.

Parts of Chimney Flashing

There are a few parts that make up the entire chimney flashing.  The first is the base or step flashing which is found under your roof’s shingles and bent upwards against your chimney’s exterior.  On top of the step flashing is the counter flashing.  Counter flashing is bent down and installed in the mortar joints of your chimney. It’s purpose is to seal off the top of the base flashing.

For chimneys wider than 30″, there should be a saddle flashing installed.  Saddle flashing creates a peak that allows water and snow to run off and prevents it from building up on your roof and chimney.  It’s important to make sure your chimney has all the proper flashing parts so that your home can stay free of water damage.

Chimney crown

The chimney crown is the top layer of the chimney stack, usually a mortar covering, that holds the chimney pots in place and stops rain and snow from getting into the chimney.  If the crown is cracked or broken, it won’t be able to protect your chimney stack as it should.  Cracks can often be repaired before they become more of a problem. However, if ignored, parts of the crown can break off, and it may need to be completely rebuilt.

The chimney crown is a large slab that covers the top opening of the chimney.  Unlike a chimney cap, which is typically made of metal and merely covers the opening to the flue, the chimney crown covers the entire top of the chimney.  Chimney crowns may be made of metal, concrete, or stone.  However, they should never be constructed using bricks and mortar, as these materials are not waterproof and will deteriorate quickly when exposed to the elements.

Why are they important? 

The main and most important purpose of a chimney crown is to protect the chimney structure from deterioration due to weather exposure.  Properly installed chimney crowns are able to achieve this by extending over the walls of the chimney structure.  This overhang should extend 2-2.5 inches over the chimney structure.  Doing this creates a form of a rain gutter, allowing rain, snow, and other moisture from finding its way onto the chimney.  Instead, it directs the water onto the roof where it can then harmlessly drain without damaging the bricks and mortar of the chimney structure.

Chimney stack

The chimney stack is constantly exposed to the elements, and as such, it’s inevitable that over time, cracks can appear in the brickwork.  If this occurs, water will be able to penetrate the chimney stack, causing a leak.

Chimney tuckpointing

Chimney pointing is the mortar joints, in between the bricks of the chimney stack.  Over time, this will weather and deteriorate, making it susceptible to leaks if it’s not renewed.  You don’t want moisture or insects creeping into these cracks and causing further damage.  To mitigate this, have a professional perform clean and effective tuckpointing, which is the removal of old, damaged mortar and the packing of new mortar in its place.

Chimney cap

A chimney cap is the fixture — usually metal — that covers the top of a chimney.  It rests atop the masonry that’s known as the crown or crown cap.  A chimney cap may not have been installed when your chimney was constructed, but it’s a vital part of the chimney to prevent rainwater from entering.

A chimney cap fulfills several needs:

  • A spark arrester. A chimney cap typically has a screen that will catch any sparks that could go out and catch leaves, roofing or areas of the yard on fire.

  • A water barrier.  A chimney cap is all that stands between rain and your chimney.

  • A debris blocker. All it takes is one good storm to blow tree branches and other debris into your chimney, potentially blocking it.  A screened chimney cap prevents this.

  • A critter deterrent. Your chimney is an inviting shelter for birds, squirrels and other animals, especially when not in use.  Wildlife can often become stuck and die. A chimney cap with an intact screen  keeps animals out.

Open Flue Pipe

Without a cover over the flue pipe, water and debris can enter the chimney.  The easiest and best solution to keep 90% of the rain out is with a cover.

Chimney Cricket

The most crucial purpose of a chimney cricket is to divert water and snow that would otherwise pool on the backside of the chimney where a vertical intersection is created.  While some homes have crickets built directly into the roof next to the chimney, others have metal crickets that are installed on top of the roof.

It is for 2 important reasons:

  1. To protect the chimney

  2. To protect the roof

What to do if your chimney leaks

As a leaking chimney stack can create significant damage to your home, it’s advisable to get your chimney leak repaired sooner rather than later.