Chimney Leaks

Identifying Chimney Leaks

Water leaks on brick chimneys are a common problem. Below is a list of common causes for chimney leaks and how to asses the leakage associated with brick chimneys.:
1) Water runs down the ceramic insert (Flue liner).
2) Water soaks through brick often times thruough damaged and loose mo

3) The Chimney flashing is not properly installed and water leaks form at the flashing








1) Most masonry chimneys consist of a ceramic liner called the flue quite simply, the flue is the vertical passageway that allows smoke and debris to escape from your house. Usually, there is one flue for each heating appliance in your home, which includes fireplaces, furnaces and wood stoves. However, each brick chimney can contain more than one flue. The flue is open and exposed at the top to allow for ventilation. This will also allow moisture to drain done the center of it. This is really the simplest “leak” issue to fix. The way to repair your leak is to install a chimney cap. Most chimney caps are a stainless steel cover that attaches to the top of the chimney. A chimney cap consists of a spark arrester to prevent fires and a mesh of expanded metal section to prevent animals from entering the chimney.


2) It may be that the Masonry it self is damaged. . The first step is gain access to the chimney. If your chimney is 30 feet tall and inaccessible it may be wise to hire a chimney repair specialist. Most reputable masonry contractors will provide you with a free estimate. Once you have gained access to your chimney you can examine the extent of the damage. If the concrete of the top of the chimney is damaged or the mortar between the bricks is cracked and deteriorated it may be time to bring in a professional to replace the chimney crown and or tuck point the mortar joints.

3) It may be that the flashing around the chimney is inadequate, worn, corroded, or that it was improperly installed in the first place. This is simple enough to access all that is necessary is to take your typical garden hose and run water over the flashing where it meets the masonry

The above information has been provided for the benefit of homeowners by Mark Allen Maupin of Brick Repair LLC He is a local Michigan masonry contractor with the last 12 years specialized in masonry restoration and Chimney repair. He is an expert at matching brick and mortar color. He will offer free estimates or answer question for any of the following services: Chimney rebuilds, Tuck pointing, Natural stone, Limestone replacement, Cultured stone, brick porch repair, Brick porch construction, Brick wall construction, pointing and work, grout replacement, and historic restoration.


Mr. Maupin looks forward to the opportunity to help you with and brick, block or stone project. Brick Repair LLC is building an extensive library of DIY devoted to the masonry Trade For more information about chimneys click here

Brick Repair LLC is happy to serve the following communities: Oakland County Keego Harbor, Lake Orion, Romulus, Roseville, Auburn Hills, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Lathrup Village, Sterling Heights, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Utica, Walled Lake, Waterford, West Bloomfield, White Lake Oakland Count, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Madison Heights, Milford, New Hudson, Northville, Novi, Oak Park, Orchard Lake, Orion, Orchard Lake, Ortonville, Pontiac, Redford, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Brighton, Canton, Clarkston, Clawson, Commerce, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Ferndale, Drayton Plains, Eastpointe, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Grosse pointe, Highland, Highland Park, Bloomfield township,Howell, Hunington woods, Royal Oak, South Lyon, Southfield,, Wayne County, Macomb County, Livingston County