Where chimney leaks come from
| Source | What you'll notice | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked crown | Water in the firebox or on the damper after rain | Crown sealing or rebuild |
| Flashing | Ceiling or wall stain next to the chimney, water in the attic | Reset or replace step and counter flashing |
| Chase cover (prefab chimneys) | Rust streaks down the siding, water in the firebox | Sloped stainless chase cover |
| No cap | Water dripping straight down the flue | Chimney cap |
| Porous brick or mortar | Damp or white-stained brick inside, flaking brick faces outside | Tuckpointing and breathable water repellent |
Roofer or chimney company?
If the stain is right next to the chimney, the problem is usually the flashing or the chimney itself, not the roof field. Roofers often re-caulk flashing, which can stop a leak for a season. We cut the counter flashing into the mortar joints so it moves with the masonry. If the leak turns out to be the roof, we'll tell you and you can call your roofer.
Why DFW chimneys leak
North Texas puts masonry through a rough cycle. DFW averages about 20 days at or above 100°F and 29 freezes a year. Heat cracks crowns and sealants. Water then gets into the cracks and expands when it freezes. During the February 2021 storm, DFW stayed at or below freezing for 139 straight hours, and spalled brick showed up across the metro for months afterward. Spring hail adds dents and cracks on top of that.
How we find the leak
- We look at the stain inside and match it to where water can enter.
- We inspect the crown, cap, flashing and brick from the roof and photograph each one.
- When needed, a camera inspection shows water damage inside the flue.
- You get the photos and a written price for the repair that addresses the source.
Questions about chimney leak repair
Why does my chimney only leak in heavy storms?
Wind-driven rain reaches gaps that light rain doesn't, usually in the flashing or a cracked crown. A leak that only shows in big storms is still worth fixing before it rots framing or ceiling drywall.
Will waterproofing stop my leak?
Only if the brick itself is the problem. Water repellent won't fix a cracked crown or failed flashing. We apply it after those are fixed, using a breathable product that lets the brick dry.
Is a chimney leak covered by insurance?
Storm damage, such as hail-dented chase covers, is often covered. Gradual wear usually isn't. Your policy decides. We document what we find with dated photos either way.
How much does chimney leak repair cost?
It depends on the source. Crown sealing and flashing repairs are at the low end, and crown rebuilds or masonry work cost more. See ranges in our Dallas price guide. Our written quote comes after the inspection.