Why Does My Roof Leak Around the Chimney?

Roof leaks can be highly challenging to tackle, especially because roofing systems contain far more components than most homeowners realize. For example, a roof leak around a chimney may stem from issues like poor installation, and with the possibility of underlying problems, you’ll always want to address a chimney leak as soon as possible.

Below, Elite Remodeling Services covers what you need to know about leaks around chimney structures. If you think your roof has a leak, call us for a free in-home consultation and roof leak repair estimate!

Signs That You Have a Leak Around Your Chimney

How can you tell whether you have roof leaks near or around your property’s chimney? You don’t want to climb inside your chimney or even onto your roof to look for issues, especially if you’re concerned about the system’s structural integrity.

Instead, experts like Elite Remodeling Services recommend checking for the following signs:

Dripping sounds near or inside your fireplace.
Condensation or moisture on the walls inside or near the fireplace.
Damp musty smells emanating from the fireplace.
Dark water stains on the walls or ceilings near the fireplace.
White moldy stains on the bricks of the chimney.
Noticeable water absorption on the shingles surrounding the chimney.
Curled or warped shingles around the chimney.

If you notice any of these issues, contact a roofing company as soon as possible before the leak-related damage worsens.

Causes of a Roof Leak Around the Chimney

Understanding why a roof leak around a chimney occurs can help you prevent the problem entirely. Learning about these common causes of roof leaks can also help you locate the culprit.

For example, chimneys can leak for various reasons, but the most common causes have to do with the roof’s flashing or the chimney cap. Let’s review these potential problems below.

Incorrect Flashing Type

Roof flashing is a special, highly waterproof material applied to certain areas of the roof that are more prone to leaks. For example, you may see flashing in the seams between where the chimney meets the sloped areas of the roof. Since flashing comes in numerous materials and configurations that can impact its overall performance, the wrong type for your roof or the chimney may mean water can get in after a while.

Here are some common types of flashing:

Continuous flashing: Long pieces of metal designed to divert water toward the gutters.
Counter flashing: Two pieces of metal that can expand with the roof.
Step flashing: Multiple rectangular metal pieces with 90-degree angles.

Typically, step flashing offers the most effective weather protection for a chimney, but your roofing contractors may install the wrong flashing if they don’t know this. An inexperienced or unscrupulous roofer may even skip this step altogether, leaving your roof system vulnerable to the elements.

Poorly Installed Flashing

Even the correct flashing can malfunction and cause leaks if installed incorrectly. For example, if the roofing contractors leave any gaps in the sealant, water can leak in. If it does, you’ll see moisture absorption, mold growth, and major leaks over time.

Choosing a highly experienced and knowledgeable roofing expert for your chimney, roof, and flashing installation prevents this problem.

Failure to Maintain the Flashing

Flashing and all roofing components require routine maintenance.

With annual inspections, roofing contractors can mitigate minor problems, such as:

Sealant issues.
Debris buildup.
Weak spots that might leak.

Cement Cap Problems

Lastly, you’ll have to watch for cracks in the chimney crown or cement cap of a masonry chimney. Extreme freeze-thaw cycles cause these materials to expand and crack.

Do You Need To Repair a Chimney Leak?

A roof leak around a chimney can cause major, expensive problems. Call Elite Remodeling Services at (952) 646-2480 if you think you have a roof leak!