Why is my chimney leaking?
Water stains by the fireplace or on the ceiling usually trace back to the top of the chimney or where it meets the roof. Finding the exact spot is the first step.
The short answer
What is going on
A chimney usually leaks for one of four reasons: a missing or damaged cap, a cracked crown, worn mortar and brick that soak up water, or failed flashing where the chimney meets the roof. An inspection finds the source, so the repair fixes the cause and not only the stain.
Where the water gets in
Water finds the weakest point, and on a chimney there are four.
A missing or damaged cap
Without a cap, rain falls straight down the flue. A new chimney cap is often the simplest fix.
A cracked crown
The crown sheds water off the top of the chimney. Once it cracks, water soaks into the masonry below. See crown repair.
Worn mortar and brick
Brick and mortar are porous. When the joints wear out, water moves through the chimney walls. Tuckpointing and masonry repair seal them again.
Failed flashing
Flashing seals the joint where the chimney meets the roof. When it pulls loose or wears out, water runs in along the outside of the chimney. We check it on every inspection.
Signs of a leaking chimney
Leaks are not always obvious. Watch for these:
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall near the chimney
- Water or rust in the firebox after rain
- A musty smell from the fireplace
- White staining or flaking on the outside brick
- A damper that has rusted or stuck
How we fix a chimney leak
We inspect the cap, crown, masonry and flashing to find where the water is getting in. Then we explain what we found, how urgent it is, and what each repair would involve. You decide what we do.
Oklahoma storms and freezing nights make small leaks grow quickly, so it pays to act early. Until we can look, put a towel or bucket under any drip, keep the damper closed and take a photo of the stain so you can see whether it grows. Note whether the leak shows up in every rain or only in heavy, windy storms, because that helps us find the source. Call (918) 361-4929 to book an inspection in Tulsa or nearby towns.
Ready to book?
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Related questions
Questions about this problem
Another question? Call us and talk to a real person.
Can a chimney leak damage my house?
Yes. Water that gets past the chimney can stain ceilings and walls, rot wood near the chimney and rust the damper. The sooner the source is found, the smaller the repair.
Is a chimney leak a roofing problem or a chimney problem?
It can be either. Flashing sits where the two meet. We check the chimney side, including the cap, crown, masonry and flashing, and tell you what we find, so you know who to call for the fix.
Why does my chimney only leak in heavy storms?
Heavy, wind-driven rain reaches spots that light rain does not, such as a cracked crown or loose flashing. It is a sign of a weak point worth fixing before it gets worse.
Common chimney problems
Something not right with your fireplace?
Start with the problem. Each answer explains the likely causes and what we do about them.
Why does my house smell like a fireplace?
Causes of a smoky or sooty smell, and how we fix it.
Why is smoke coming into the room?
What makes a fireplace smoke back into the house.
Book your sweep
Ready for a safe, clean burn season?
Request an appointment and we will confirm your time window.