Chimney leak repair in Chanhassen, MN that finds where the water gets in
Water usually gets in through the flashing, the crown, an open flue or worn brick and mortar. Moisture can also form inside an unlined flue. We trace the path from the stain to the source, fix it and tell you what we changed.
How can I tell my chimney is leaking?
Leaks show up inside the house, far from where they start. Look for these.
- A brown stain on the ceiling or wall near the chimney
- Water or dampness in the firebox after rain or snowmelt
- A musty smell from the fireplace in wet weather
- A rusted damper or rust streaks in the firebox
- Peeling paint or wallpaper on the chimney wall inside
- White staining or flaking on the outside of the chimney
Drips in the fireplace do not always mean the roof is failing. Rain falling straight down an uncapped flue gives the same signs, and so does condensation in a flue that is too large.
Where does a chimney leak come from?
The source decides the fix, so we check each in turn.
Flashing
The metal where the chimney meets the roof. The sealant dries out, the metal rusts or lifts, and water runs behind it. It is the most frequent source.
Crown
A cracked crown lets water into the brick and the space around the flue.
Missing cap
An open flue funnels rain and snow right into the chimney.
Brick and mortar
Brick and mortar absorb water. When joints wear, water finds the gaps, and spalled faces expose soft brick that soaks up more each season.
Condensation
An oversized or unlined flue can make moisture inside the chimney. Relining may be the real answer.
How do you find and fix a chimney leak?
Trace the water
We follow the stain back through the attic, fireplace and roof to the likely entry point.
Check each entry
We inspect flashing, crown, cap and mortar joints, and look for the gap that matches the stain.
Repair the source
We reseal or replace flashing, seal or rebuild the crown, fit a cap or repoint the brick.
Talk through next steps
You hear what else the water may have affected, such as insulation or the ceiling below.
Most chimney leaks come back when a repair treats only the stain. Our goal is to stop water at the entry point so the same spot does not give you trouble next spring.
Can a small chimney leak wait?
A small leak grows. Water that sits in a chimney rusts the damper, rots the framing near the chimney, feeds mold in the attic and spoils insulation. Winter makes it worse, because trapped water freezes and widens every crack.
Put a bucket or towel under any active drip and call us. A quick repair now tends to cost less than the damage a season of wet weather leaves behind.
Chimney leaks after Minnesota snowmelt and storms
Chanhassen sees freeze, thaw and freeze again each spring and fall. Meltwater from a snowy roof runs against the chimney, and any weak spot in the flashing takes it in. Heavy summer storms drive rain sideways at the chimney too.
Debris piled behind a chimney holds water against it, and we clear that while we work.
We repair leaks in Chanhassen, Victoria, Chaska, Carver, Waconia, Mound and the other towns we serve. For masonry that needs more than a leak fix, see chimney repair.
What affects the cost of chimney leak repair?
- The source: a flashing reseal differs from a rebuilt crown
- How easily the leak can be traced, which may take time with a hidden path
- Roof pitch, chimney height and the roofing around it
- Whether a cap or liner is also needed
- Damage inside the house that the leak has already caused
Chimney leak questions
Is it the roof or the chimney that's leaking?
Water often travels along the roof deck before it drips, so the stain sits away from the source. We trace the path to see whether the chimney is the cause.
Can I seal the chimney myself with a waterproofing spray?
A breathable masonry sealer can help sound brick. It will not close cracks in a crown or fix flashing, so the source still needs repair.
Why is there water in my fireplace when it rains?
Rain is probably entering through the top, either an uncapped flue or a cracked crown. A chimney cap often stops it.
What is chimney flashing?
It is a strip of metal sealed into the roof and the chimney, built to steer water away from the joint between them.
Will a leak ruin my fireplace?
Over time, yes. Water rusts the damper and firebox parts and breaks down mortar. Early repair avoids most of that.
Can I use the fireplace while it's leaking?
A damp flue and wet masonry are poor conditions for a fire. Wait until we have found and fixed the source.
Chimney service across the southwest metro
From our base in Chanhassen (ZIP 55317) we work in every town below.
Minnesota River valley and the southwest metro
Further reading
Chimney service across the southwest metro
From our base in Chanhassen (ZIP 55317) we work in every town below.
Minnesota River valley and the southwest metro
What you can count on
- 10 years in the chimney tradeSweeping, inspection and repair on brick and factory-built chimneys
- Licensed and insuredBrickstone Chimney Sweep is licensed and insured
- Open every day, 8 AM to 8 PMCall any day of the week to set a time
Further reading