What to Do
Chimney Leaking After a Storm: What to Do Now
If water is coming in near your chimney after a storm, move belongings away from the affected area, check the attic near the chimney chase for dampness, photograph any visible flashing or mortar damage, and request an inspection promptly -- chimney leaks often come from a flashing or mortar failure rather than the chimney structure itself.
Direct Answer
If water is coming in near your chimney after a storm, move belongings away from the affected area, check the attic near the chimney chase for dampness, photograph any visible flashing or mortar damage, and request an inspection promptly -- chimney leaks often come from a flashing or mortar failure rather than the chimney structure itself.
What to Do Now
- Step 1
Move belongings away from the affected area, including attic storage near the chimney chase.
- Step 2
Check the attic near the chimney for damp insulation or staining, which can appear before a ceiling stain shows up below.
- Step 3
Photograph any visible gaps in the flashing or cracked/missing mortar around the chimney from the ground or attic.
- Step 4
Avoid climbing onto the roof to inspect the chimney flashing yourself.
- Step 5
Request an inspection that checks the full flashing system (step, counter, and base flashing) and the surrounding mortar, not just a single point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a chimney leak always mean the chimney itself is damaged?
Not necessarily. The flashing where the chimney meets the roof, or deteriorated mortar around it, are more common leak sources than damage to the chimney structure itself.
Can I tell if it's a flashing leak or a mortar leak myself?
It's difficult to tell without a close inspection, since both can produce similar interior symptoms. A professional inspection can determine whether a roofer, a mason, or both are needed.
How urgent is a chimney leak compared to other roof leaks?
Treat it with the same urgency as any active roof leak -- delayed attention risks water damage to decking, framing, or interior finishes near the chimney chase.