Chimney leak repair
A stain by the fireplace or in the attic means water is getting in somewhere. Here's how chimney companies track it down.
Chimney leaks are rarely a mystery once someone gets on the roof. The water usually comes in through one of four places: the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, a cracked crown, an uncapped flue, or porous brick and mortar that soaks up wind-driven rain.
Signs of a chimney leak
- Stains on the ceiling or wall next to the chimney
- Damp, musty smell from the fireplace, especially after rain
- Water or rust in the firebox or on the damper
- Peeling paint or wallpaper near the chimney
- Wet framing or insulation around the chimney in the attic
Common fixes
- New flashing with step and counter flashing let into the mortar joints
- A cricket on the uphill side of wide chimneys to steer water and snow around them
- Crown repair or replacement
- A chimney cap on open flues
- Repointing and, where appropriate, a breathable water repellent on the brick
Ice dams and snow
With around 53 inches of snow in an average Rochester winter, snow piles up against the uphill side of chimneys and melts slowly against the flashing. A cricket and properly lapped flashing make a big difference.
Re-roofing and the chimney
Rochester has required permits and inspections for residential re-roofing since May 1, 2025. If you're replacing the roof, plan the chimney flashing as part of that job and coordinate any masonry repair so it happens first.
The chimney company prices the job after looking at the chimney, usually from the roof and down the flue with a light or camera. We don't quote prices, and any figure you hear over the phone before an inspection is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Can caulk fix a leaking chimney?
Sometimes temporarily. Lasting repairs usually mean new flashing set into the mortar joints, or fixing the crown or brick.
Who fixes chimney flashing, a roofer or a chimney company?
Either can. If the masonry also needs work, a chimney company can often handle both in the right order.
Related services
- Chimney inspection and sweeping
- Tuckpointing and masonry repair
- Chimney crowns and caps
- Chimney liners and relining
More background: Rochester chimney guide.
Crumbling mortar, a stained ceiling or a stove due for a sweep?
Call now and a local chimney company will take a look and quote the work.