Seeking Leaky Chimney Repair Services in Chicagoland? For Fast & Long-Lasting Fixes, Call Leonard & Sons

How Do We Repair Your Chimney Leak?

Wondering how to fix a leaky chimney? Commonly, we deal with leaks originating from a variety of places, including the flashing, the crown or chase cover, the chimney cap, and the masonry.

• Chimney Flashing Repair: Metal chimney flashing seals the chimney base and roofline and keeps water out of this vulnerable area. When flashing fails, many people may think they have a roof leak – when really, they simply need to have their chimney flashing repaired or sealed using FlashSeal.
• Chimney Crown Repair & Rebuilds: The crown is a cement section that seals off the top of a masonry chimney. Although a good crown will be made of cement and built to send way away from the sides of your chimney, many crowns are poorly built and quickly wear through. If cracks or poor construction have rendered your crown ineffective at keeping moisture out, we can help.
• Chimney Caps, Rain Pans & Custom Chase Covers: Without caps and covers, water has a direct path into your chimney, which is why we always urge our customers to invest in quality chimney caps and chase covers. Weak metals will wear through fast, but a quality stainless steel or copper cap or chase cover will do the trick.
• Masonry Waterproofing: Many people don’t realize it, but your masonry is very absorbent and can also allow moisture into your chimney. Both brick and mortar are porous materials – and the more damaged and worn they get over time, the more moisture they’ll allow in. Fortunately, we can help. We’ll repair masonry damage, then waterproof your chimney for years of moisture protection.

What Causes a Chimney to Leak?

A leaking chimney is one of the most common chimney problems homeowners face. Many people assume a chimney leak means water is simply falling straight down through the flue opening, but the reality is that water can find its way into a chimney system through several different entry points.

The most common causes of chimney leaks include:

• A damaged or missing chimney cap. The cap sits directly over the flue opening and is the first line of defense against rain and snow entering the chimney. A missing, broken, or improperly sized cap leaves your flue completely open to the elements.
• A cracked or deteriorating chimney crown. The crown is the concrete or mortar layer that covers the top of the chimney structure around the flue. Cracks in the crown allow water to seep directly into the masonry and work its way down through the chimney.
• Failed or damaged flashing. Flashing is the metal seal between your chimney and your roof. It is one of the most common sources of chimney-related water leaks. When flashing separates, rusts, or is improperly installed, water runs directly down into your attic or walls every time it rains.
• Porous or deteriorated masonry. Brick and mortar are naturally porous materials, and over time they absorb water, especially in climates with significant freeze-thaw cycles. As water freezes and expands inside the masonry, it accelerates cracking and crumbling, allowing even more water in.
• Crumbling mortar joints. When the mortar between bricks deteriorates, it creates direct pathways for water to enter the chimney structure.

Because leaks can originate from so many different points, a thorough inspection by a trained professional is essential before any repair work begins. Treating the wrong source won’t solve the problem.

What Are the Signs That My Chimney Is Leaking?

Chimney leaks are notorious for being easy to overlook until significant damage has already been done. The water entry point on the chimney and the place where damage becomes visible inside your home can be far apart – which means by the time you notice a water stain on your ceiling, the leak may have been going on for quite some time.

Visible signs inside your home:

• Water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney
• Water stains or rust inside the firebox
• Rust on the damper or firebox components
• Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint on walls adjacent to the chimney
• Damp or musty odors coming from the fireplace
• Water pooling in the firebox after rain

Visible signs on the exterior of your chimney:

• White efflorescence staining on the brick
• Spalling bricks
• Crumbling or missing mortar joints
• Visible cracks in the chimney crown
• Flashing that is lifting, rusting, or pulling away from the chimney or roof

If you’re noticing any of these signs, don’t wait. Water damage to a chimney compounds quickly, especially once it works its way into the masonry or your home’s framing and drywall. The sooner a leak is identified and addressed, the less extensive and expensive the repair will be.

Will a Chimney Leak Cause Damage to the Rest of My Home?

Absolutely – water is relentlessly destructive, and a chimney leak that goes unaddressed doesn’t stay contained to the chimney. It will continue to work its way through your home’s structure, causing damage that compounds over time and can become significantly more expensive than the original chimney repair would have been.

• Roof decking and framing near the chimney can rot when flashing fails and water is allowed to run beneath the roofline consistently.
• Attic insulation can become saturated, losing its effectiveness and potentially developing mold.
• Interior walls and ceilings adjacent to the chimney can develop water stains, bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper, and eventually mold growth.
• Drywall and framing that are repeatedly exposed to moisture will eventually develop mold, which creates a health concern and a costly remediation project on top of the original chimney repair.
• Finished living spaces on upper floors may sustain cosmetic and structural damage as water migrates downward through the home.

A chimney cap replacement or crown repair today costs a fraction of what a partial chimney rebuild, roof repair, mold remediation, and interior restoration would cost if the same leak is left unaddressed for a few seasons. Chimney leaks do not resolve on their own – they only get worse. Acting quickly is always the more cost-effective choice.

We’re Chicagoland’s Trusted Chimney Leak Experts

Are you having problems locating and fixing a chimney leak? Let Leonard & Sons help. We’ve been serving our neighbors in Chicagoland since 1966 and we’ve fixed countless leaky chimneys over the years. We’ll put a stop to your leak, whatever the cause, and help you prevent water problems for years to come. From chimney relining to chimney flashing repair, we can do it all, call 847-658-7659 or fill out our online scheduling form to request an appointment today!

If you’re looking for a new fireplace, insert, or stove, we can help with that too. Our chimney and fireplace services ensure you’re covered, no matter your needs!