How To Stop A Roof Leak Around A Chimney

Always run the water downhill.

How to stop a roof leak around a chimney.

If there is no leak on the front or low side of the chimney move the water one shingle at a time up along the side of the chimney. There are excellent crown coating materials such as chimney saver crown coat which cover the masonry and prevent small cracks from becoming a real problem. Pause at least one minute at each shingle as you move up the roof shingles on that side of the chimney but don t let the water get behind the chimney yet. If your home still has the original chase cover on it chances are it s made of galvanized steel which can rust and crack over time.

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. To repair chimney flashing leaks. Fixing chimney leaks caused by a damaged chimney crown can be repaired by filling the cracks or completely replacing the crown. How to stop a leaking roof during heavy rains.

Water test the roof at the area of the chimney using a garden hose. Apply roof cement to any gaps or cracks. We recently had a major. Chase covers are found on prefabricated or factory built chimneys.

If a leak is difficult to find enlist a helper and go up on the roof with a garden hose. 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. Inspect the flashing for gaps or cracks. For example soak the downhill side of a chimney first then each side then the top on both sides.

Once chimney crown damage is significant though the only fix it is to remove and relay the masonry. The chimney is covered in wood siding. You can t put a band aid on a gushing wound and you can t coat a structurally ruined chimney crown and expect it to work. A roof that leaks is a problem in any weather but a roof that suddenly begins to leak during a heavy rainstorm can quickly turn into an emergency.

The house is 10 years old and the problem has been a recurring one over the last 3 5 years.