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Leaks & waterproofing

Chimney leak repair in Pittsburgh

A stain on the ceiling by the chimney rarely tells you where the water is getting in. We trace the leak to its source, whether that's flashing, the crown, the cap or the brick itself, and fix the cause.

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Where leaks come from

Five ways water gets into a chimney

Water can run down the inside of the brick or along a rafter and stain the ceiling a few feet from where it got in. That's why patching the stain, or smearing roofing cement around the chimney, so often doesn't work. When it leaks is a good clue to where.

SourceOften shows up asUsual fix
Open flue, no capWater in the firebox after most rains, a rusty damperChimney cap
Cracked crownLeaks after most rains, damp brick near the topCrown seal or rebuild
Porous brick, open jointsLeaks in wind-driven rain, white staining, flaking brickRepointing, then water repellent
Failed flashingStains on the ceiling or attic framing beside the chimneyStep and counter flashing
No cricketLeaks during snowmelt on a wide chimneyCricket behind the chimney

Pittsburgh adds wind-driven rain on exposed hillside homes and plenty of freeze-thaw, so a small leak can turn into damaged brick and a rotten roof deck within a few winters.

Signs of a chimney leak

What homeowners notice first

  • Water stains or bubbling paint on the ceiling or walls beside the chimney
  • Dripping or puddles in the firebox after rain
  • A rusty damper, firebox screen or fireplace doors
  • A musty smell from the fireplace, especially in humid weather
  • White staining, flaking or crumbling brick outside
  • Damp or stained framing beside the chimney in the attic

More on chimney leak signs

How we find it

Diagnosis before repair

  • Your story first. When does it leak? Every rain, only wind-driven storms, or during snowmelt? The pattern narrows it down.
  • Top of the chimney. Cap, crown and the top courses of brick, from the roof when it's safe.
  • Flashing and cricket. Every side of the roof joint, including the uphill side that's hard to see from the ground.
  • Inside. The firebox, damper and, if accessible, the attic framing beside the chimney.
  • Camera if needed. Inside the flue, where cracks and water staining can confirm a source.
  • Photos and a written estimate. Showing the likely source and the repair, before anything is done.
How we fix it

Repairs that match the source

Flashing repair

Proper chimney flashing has two layers: step flashing woven in with the shingles, and counter flashing set into a mortar joint and lapped over it. We repair or replace it. A bead of caulk or roofing cement is not a lasting repair.

Cricket (saddle)

A small peaked roof built behind the chimney to split water and snow around it. Building codes generally call for one on chimneys more than 30 inches wide that don't sit at the roof's peak, and older homes often don't have one.

Caps and crowns

A cap over the flue and a sound, sloped crown stop water at the top of the chimney. Caps & crowns

Masonry repair

Open joints and spalled brick soak up water like a sponge. Repointing comes before waterproofing. Masonry & tuckpointing

Breathable waterproofing

A vapor-permeable water repellent made for masonry. It sheds rain but lets moisture inside the brick dry out, which is what you want.

Condensation, not rain

Some "leaks" are condensation from a gas appliance venting into an oversized flue. The fix there is usually a properly sized liner.

About waterproofing

Why "breathable" matters

Brick always takes on some moisture from inside, from the flue and from the air. It needs to dry out. Paint, ordinary sealers and other coatings that form a film on the surface trap that moisture inside, where it freezes and pushes the face off the brick. That can make spalling worse, not better.

A masonry water repellent made for chimneys soaks into the brick and mortar instead of coating them. It repels liquid water while letting water vapor escape. We apply it only after repairs are done, to clean, dry masonry, and we'll tell you if your chimney doesn't need it.

Good candidatesSound brick and mortar that soaks up water, chimneys on exposed sides of a hill, and freshly repointed or rebuilt chimneys.
Not a fix on its ownRepellent won't stop a flashing leak, seal a cracked crown or hold together crumbling brick. Those get repaired first.
Water near wiring or lights?If water is dripping near a light fixture or outlet, keep clear, turn off that circuit at the breaker if you can do it safely, and call an electrician.
Related services

Dry chimney, sound chimney

Caps & Crowns

The first line of defense at the top of the chimney.

Masonry & Tuckpointing

Repair the water damage that's already been done.

Chimney Inspections

A camera can show water damage inside the flue that you can't see from the roof.

Chimney leak repair across Greater Pittsburgh

See also: How freeze-thaw damages chimneys

PittsburghMt. LebanonUpper St. ClairBethel ParkPeters TwpFox ChapelSewickleyCranberry TwpWexfordMcCandlessRoss TwpMonroevilleMurrysvilleMoon TwpRobinson
Common questions

Chimney leak questions

Leaking right now? Call. We'll tell you what you can do today to limit the damage.

(412) 555-0142
Should I call a roofer or a chimney company?
If water is showing up around the chimney, start with someone who looks at the whole chimney, not just the roof joint. Plenty of leaks blamed on flashing actually come from the crown, the cap or the brick. We repair and replace chimney flashing, and if the roof itself is the problem we'll tell you so you can call a roofer.
How much does chimney leak repair cost?
It depends on the source. Sealing a crown or adding a cap is a smaller job than new flashing, a cricket or masonry repair. We find the cause first, then give you photos and a free written estimate before any work begins.
Why does my chimney only leak in some storms?
Leaks that only show in wind-driven rain often point to porous brick or flashing on the side facing the wind. Leaks during snowmelt usually point to water ponding behind the chimney, which a cricket fixes. Leaks after every rain often mean a missing cap or a cracked crown. Tell us the pattern; it helps.
Can't I just seal the flashing with caulk?
It can slow a leak for a while, but sealant on the surface cracks and pulls away as the roof and chimney move and the seasons change. Lasting flashing has step flashing under the shingles and counter flashing set into the masonry, so water is shed rather than held back by a bead of sealant.
Is waterproofing the same as sealing the brick?
Not quite. Many "sealers" form a film that traps moisture inside the brick, which can make freeze-thaw damage worse. We use a breathable masonry water repellent that soaks in, sheds liquid water and still lets the brick dry.
Why does my fireplace smell musty in summer?
Humidity and moisture in the chimney react with soot and creosote deposits and produce that smell. A sweep removes the deposits, a cap keeps rain out, and a top-sealing damper can stop humid air from flowing down the chimney. If the smell comes with stains or dampness, there may be a leak too.
Book your visit

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Send the form and we'll text you within one business hour to confirm your service, your price and a 2-hour arrival window.

  • Price in writing first. Nothing starts until you've seen it and said yes.
  • 2-hour arrival window, with an on-the-way text and your technician's name.
  • No mess. Drop cloths, shoe covers and a HEPA vacuum.
  • Photo report texted to you the same day.
  • Licensed & insured. Saturday appointments available.
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