Why is my chimney leaking water into the house?
Short answer. Water coming into the house at a chimney is usually entering through failed flashing where the chimney meets the roof, a cracked crown or missing cap on top, or brick and mortar that soak up rain. Where the water shows up is the best clue: a wet firebox points to the top of the chimney, while a stained ceiling or wall beside it usually points to the flashing.
Read the water
- Dripping in the firebox or a wet damper: rain is getting down the flue. Look for a missing or damaged cap, or a crown cracked around the flue liner.
- A stain on the ceiling or wall right beside the chimney: the classic flashing leak. Step flashing along the sides, the apron across the front, or the back pan on the uphill side has failed.
- Damp patches on the chimney breast after wind-driven rain: the brick and mortar are absorbing water. Old soft brick, open mortar joints and spalled faces all wick rain inward.
- Water only in long, heavy storms: often a missing cricket, which lets water pool against the uphill side until it finds a seam.
- Wet framing around a framed chimney: a rusted chase cover or failed siding around the chase.
Right now
Catch the drip, move furniture and rugs, and pull back wet insulation in the attic if you can reach it safely, since Georgia humidity keeps it wet long enough to grow mold. Photograph the ceiling, the attic and the chimney from the yard. Do not climb a wet roof.
Getting it fixed
Flashing, crickets and the roof around the chimney are roofer work. Crowns, caps and repointing may go to a mason or chimney specialist. Sealant smeared over the joint is a stopgap, not a repair. Interior damage from a sudden storm leak may be covered depending on the policy, while slow leaks from wear usually are not, as this guide to leak coverage explains. For the full list of causes, see chimney leaks and crickets and common roof leak causes.