Flat Roof Leaking Around Chimney

Chimney roof leaks are usually caused by gaps or cracks between the metal flashing used to join the chimney to the roof and the chimney.

Flat roof leaking around chimney.

Mortar cracks chimney flashing and crown deterioration on a chimney will contribute to leaks on a flat roof. Sometimes a leak starts in a different place but finds its way to the chimney and then visibly enters the inside of a room at the point of the chimney. It could be your chimney that s the issue. To repair chimney flashing leaks.

The flashing is a piece of sheet metal that covers the overlapping areas of the chimney and roof. Inspect the flashing for gaps or cracks. Oh yeah don t use the fireplace with your chimney covered with plastic and this is not how to fix a leaking chimney. Most of the time the metal flashing has to be inserted into a slot into the face of the brick.

Apply roof cement to any gaps or cracks. That part of the flashing is very vulnerable to leaks. Water test the roof at the area of the chimney using a garden hose. Or you may have a poorly designed valley at the bottom of the roof slope and directly above your chimney that catches debris snow and ice.

But if you have problems with water leaking around the outside of your chimney down into your walls you may have a problem with worn out flashing or sealant. Re pointing a chimney is not a simple process and is often messed up by novice people that try to do it. To do this ask an assistant to observe the area of the ceiling near the chimney and run water along the sealed gaps of the. For example your roof might have a leak through the attic vent or roof shingle at the top.

Gas appliances output a lot of water vapor and if it s not venting properly it will condens. Wrap the chimney with plastic and tape it securely. You must also make sure the shingles and flashing surrounding the chimney are in proper working order. All chimneys need maintenance over time.

The outer structure of your chimney often retains water which can make the roof leak in a hard rain. The mortar grout is usually the first to go. Sometimes a chimney may start to leak only after a very wet series of storms.