Roof Leaking Around The Chimney? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

There are many areas of the home that homeowners don’t typically pay much attention to, like the roof. This may be a simple case of out of sight out of mind, after all, how many of us walk around looking up? This lack of attention could also be because these are parts of the house that don’t usually require or need much attention. That is until there is a problem that demands our attention, like a roof leaking around the chimney.

If the roof is leaking around the chimney, the most common reason is a problem with the flashing. To fix the leak, the base flashing (also referred to as step flashing) will need inspecting and sealed with a polyurethane sealant. Additionally, cracks in the brick or mortar can also be why the roof leaks around the chimney.

Hopefully, leaks from the roof and around the chimney won’t be discovered because you are getting dripped on. In the worst-case scenarios, however, that can be exactly how leaks are discovered. Fortunately, regardless of how the leak is recognized, there are some simple fixes for the most common types of leaks.

As with any problem that needs to be addressed, it begins with investigating the problem to find the cause and source. In the case of a roof leaking around the chimney, that will also require some climbing. Always take the necessary precautions when working above ground, and always have a partner to help.

Using a wire brush and chisel, be sure to thoroughly remove any of the old sealant from behind the flashing and on the brick. That will allow for better adhesion and a better seal. It is advised to use the chisel to loosen and remove larger and more stubborn sealant remnants. Then proceed to use a good wire brush to smooth the surface and remove and smaller particles of the remaining sealant.

Don’t forget to wear durable and protective gloves while clearing and cleaning the flashing. Some flashing edges can be sharp and present the risk of getting cut or scratched. The goal isn’t to get the surface spotless, only to remove the majority of the old sealant.

Using your drill and masonry screws, reattach and secure any loose flashing. Remember that the screws aren’t used to seal the flashing, but to hold it secure and in place. This also means that only a couple of tack screws will be needed.

This step should be done after applying the sealant to both loose flashing and the flashing edges. Once the flashing is secured with screws, double-check the sealant application to confirm the created seal is still intact. This is an important follow-up step, as the seal created by the sealant can be disturbed by the movement or vibration of drilling screws.

The final step is to use the sealant to cover the heads of the screws as these may permit potential access for water and moisture.

It is important to keep an eye on the roof and monitor it for a few weeks following the job. In most cases, if the leak persists, it is an issue with an edge not sealing fully or will require other minor readjustments to your fix.

If the roof continues to leak after attempting to fix the chimney flashing, it will be necessary to contact a professional roofing and repair service. Roof issues like leaks are also problems that should be dealt with sooner than later to avoid further damage and risk.

It is reported that homeowners who have had new roofs installed have discovered that there is no flashing present around the chimney. While this isn’t a common problem, it isn’t an unheard-of occurrence either. This is likely because there was no flashing installed when the first roof was put on.

It is also reported that on occasion the flashing wasn’t replaced when a new roof was put on, resulting in the roof leaking around the chimney. Without the flashing roofs, and in particular, chimneys, are likely to develop leaks sooner than later.

A leaking roof doesn’t particularly present any immediate threat, but it can be a dangerous and harmful situation if left unattended. These risks are also for both people and the roof itself. And people with breathing issues might experience even more potential health concerns as a result of sitting water, mold, and other moisture-related concerns.

If a leaking roof around the chimney isn’t fixed, the problem will only continue to get worse. That can be problems that create blockages in the flue, cause damage to chimney lining, and even cause a potential roof collapse. These are also problems that swift action and fixing the leak can resolve.