Chimney Leak Detection and Repair

A wet brick chimney cap with rainwater dripping off, and a logo of the National Chimney Sweep Guild, Certified Chimney Professional, featuring a chimney sweep holding an umbrella, on a dark rainy night.

Water can enter through damaged crowns, saturated masonry, chase covers, flashing interfaces, storm collars, or failed sealant. I inspect accessible interior and exterior areas to identify the most likely source and recommend the appropriate repair.

Common Signs of a Chimney Leak

Ceiling with water stains above a white brick fireplace and wooden mantel in a living room.
Ceiling with water stains above a white brick fireplace and wooden mantel in a living room.

Water stains near the fireplace or chimney

Close-up of a stone brick wall with some stones showing moss or algae growth.
Close-up of a stone brick wall with some stones showing moss or algae growth.

Musty odors, loose brick, or damaged firebox materials

Empty fireplace with soot and ashes
Empty fireplace with soot and ashes

Rust on firebox components or factory-built chase covers

Indoor fireplace with water dripping from above, blackened interior, and black metal grate inside.
Indoor fireplace with water dripping from above, blackened interior, and black metal grate inside.

Dripping sounds or visible water during rain

Brick chimney on a house with a black metal chimney cap, surrounded by green trees.
Brick chimney on a house with a black metal chimney cap, surrounded by green trees.

Discolored, cracked, or spalling masonry

Find the Source Before Repairing the Symptom

A Thorough Assessment. A Repair Plan Based on Evidence.

I use thermal imaging, moisture clues, photos, and a detailed visual assessment of accessible areas to trace likely water-entry paths. You receive clear findings and repair recommendations based on the evidence.

Neon outline of a handheld GPS device with a screen showing a map with a house icon and water.
Neon outline of a handheld GPS device with a screen showing a map with a house icon and water.
Neon orange magnifying glass icon on black background.
Neon orange magnifying glass icon on black background.

Thermal Imaging

Helps identify temperature patterns and moisture clues in accessible interior areas.

Exterior and Interior Assessment

The $75 assessment covers accessible interior and exterior areas and is credited toward approved chimney-leak repairs. Depending on the findings, repairs may include crown work, masonry tuck-pointing and waterproofing, chase-cover replacement, storm-collar or sealant repairs, and chimney caps.

This limited assessment identifies likely water-entry sources, but it does not evaluate full fireplace or chimney function. Because exterior-only and accessibility limitations cannot verify concealed flue or venting conditions, I cannot guarantee safe function based on this assessment alone. A Level 2 inspection with camera-assisted scanning is required to evaluate the complete accessible system.

Brick chimney with damaged cracked crown and rusted metal chimney cap requiring repair.
Brick chimney with damaged cracked crown and rusted metal chimney cap requiring repair.
Close-up view of a brick chimney with a missing mortar joint, with an orange banner at the bottom reading 'MISSING MORTAR'.
Close-up view of a brick chimney with a missing mortar joint, with an orange banner at the bottom reading 'MISSING MORTAR'.
Close-up image of a metal chimney cap with rust stains on the top, installed on a white house, with background of colorful autumn trees and neighboring houses.
Close-up image of a metal chimney cap with rust stains on the top, installed on a white house, with background of colorful autumn trees and neighboring houses.
A vertical view down into a rusty flue or chimney with visible damage to the brick lining, indicating flue damage.
A vertical view down into a rusty flue or chimney with visible damage to the brick lining, indicating flue damage.
Attic with damaged, water stained wooden beams, rubble on the floor, brick chimney, and an exposed lightbulb.
Attic with damaged, water stained wooden beams, rubble on the floor, brick chimney, and an exposed lightbulb.
Close-up of a brick chimney with a failed flashing around the base, showing deterioration and damage to the flashing material.
Close-up of a brick chimney with a failed flashing around the base, showing deterioration and damage to the flashing material.