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What Causes Chimney Leaks?
Chimneys are a small, but very important part of the home. If you have a leak, you might notice water coming in through a wall or into a fireplace. Both are places you would not expect water to be. A damaged chimney can cause expensive repairs if not caught quickly enough. Generally, there are three areas that could be the source of the chimney leak and they are:
Cracked or Loose Mortar
Crack in Chimney Flashing
Damaged Roof Shingles
The first step in your repair is identifying where the leak is coming from, then you’ll be able to make the appropriate fix.
1. Chimney Mud Cap
The mud cap, or the mortared area around the top of the chimney, is often a culprit. Cracked or loose mortar can allow rainwater to get into the fireplace. Symptoms are usually water in the hearth, but impediments may cause rainwater to change course and appear elsewhere in the home.
Repair Method
Replace the mortar cap and insert a flu cap. Or cover the entire chimney top with a full-sized metal chimney cap, not just a flu cap.
2. Chimney Mortar Joints
Mortar joints can deteriorate, leaving holes that admit water. In some cases, large sections of mortar in the joints may actually be missing, allowing water to enter during blowing rains. The water may enter a hole in the mortar joint, move to a hole in the bricks, then follow a zigzag course for a few inches or several feet. Water can enter through mortar joints, travel inside the brick holes to a point past the flashing, and then be directed onto a ceiling or continue all the way to the slab.
Repair Method
Repoint mortar joints with new mortar.
3. Chimney Flashing
Leaks around flashing can be particularly difficult to find since just one tiny hole in a corner during a hard rain can leak a sizable amount of water.
Repair Method
Don’t attempt to surface seal the metal. Have an expert sheet metal contractor or roofing contractor redo the flashing properly.
4. Roof Shingles
The roof shingles around a chimney can also have problems, although shingles are one of the least common causes for a chimney leak. If the leak does show up in this area, have an expert check and repair the shingles.
Repair Method
Don’t surface seal. Replace missing, worn, or damaged shingles in the appropriate fashion.
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