Quick Answer
Chimney problems often start below the visible brickwork because of damaged or failing flashing around the base of the chimney.
Flashing is designed to stop rainwater getting between the chimney wall and the roof tiles. When it splits or deteriorates, water can run down through these gaps and enter the property.
This means a chimney can appear to be in good condition while still allowing water through around its base.
At Mendip Roofing Contractors, we recommend checking the leadwork flashing and surrounding roof area to identify the source of the leak, rather than focusing solely on the visible brickwork.
Finding Where The Problem Originates
Chimney leaks aren’t always caused by damaged bricks or mortar. In many cases, the problem starts lower down, where the chimney meets the roof.
At Mendip Roofing Contractors, we regularly deal with roofing problems caused by damaged or failing leadwork & flashing around chimneys. These areas are particularly vulnerable because they’re where rainwater needs to be directed safely away from the gap between the chimney and the roof tiles.
Understanding how chimney flashing works can help explain why water sometimes gets into a property even when the visible brickwork looks perfectly fine, and can save costs on chimney repairs.
Why is chimney flashing so important?
When rain hits a chimney, the water naturally runs down its sides towards the roof.
Flashing is installed around the junction between the chimney and the roof covering to prevent that water from getting underneath the tiles.
However, if the flashing splits or fails, it can leave a gap where water can enter.
Instead of being directed safely over the roof covering, rainwater can run down between the chimney wall and the tiles, potentially causing a leak inside the property.
Chimney Leak Checklist
Tick any signs you've noticed around your chimney.
Tick any signs you've noticed. Chimney leaks can occur even when the visible brickwork looks fine.
For general guidance only. This checklist cannot diagnose the cause of a roof leak. Do not climb onto the roof to inspect it.
How can damaged flashing cause a chimney leak?
The difficulty with chimney leaks is that the point where water enters isn’t always immediately obvious.
You might look at the chimney and see brickwork that appears to be in reasonable condition, but the flashing around its base could be allowing water through.
Our director & founder explains:
“When water hits the chimney, it runs down towards the flashing. That’s there to stop water getting between the tiles and the chimney. If the flashing splits, water can run straight down through that gap.”
This is why it’s important to inspect the area where the chimney meets the roof when conducting chimney repairs, rather than focusing solely on the visible brickwork.
Why it's important to fix the source of a chimney leak
If water is entering around a chimney, repairing the visible brickwork alone won’t necessarily solve the problem.
The important thing is identifying where the water is getting through and whether the flashing needs repairing or replacing.
At Mendip Roofing Contractors, we carry out chimney repairs and leadwork across Somerset and the surrounding areas.
If you’ve noticed signs of a leak around your chimney, we can inspect the affected area, identify the likely cause and recommend the appropriate repair.
The key is making sure the water can’t continue getting underneath the roof covering, rather than simply addressing the most visible part of the chimney.