Finding the chimney leak and fixing it in Riverland
A free inspection, findings that separate the proven from the possible, and an estimate you approve first.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Where a chimney leak tends to show
- Damp patch on the wall near the fireplace
- Damper that has started to stick
- Chunks of concrete or tile in the firebox
- Brown streaks on the chimney breast
Jump to
Leak repair that starts with the path
Water during the rain or hours later
When water shows up matters as much as where. Water that appears while rain is still falling usually has a short, direct path, such as an open joint at the roof line or a missing cap. Water that appears hours after the rain may have soaked slowly through masonry first.
Tell us which pattern matches your leak. A fast leak sends us toward openings. A slow one sends us toward saturated brick, mortar and the crown. The distinction can change the whole repair, so it is worth recording carefully.
What to look for from the ground
You can learn a lot about a leaking chimney without leaving the yard. With binoculars, look for a missing or bent cap and cracks at the crown edge. Check for metal lifting at the roof line and dark wet patches on the brick after rain.
Look at the rust streaks, crumbled mortar and anything that looks recently patched. Write down which face showed what. Please do not climb up to look closer. A wet roof and a loose chimney top are serious fall and injury risks.
When the leak comes with movement
Some leaking chimneys have a bigger problem underneath. Cracks running through several courses, a stack that has started to lean or a widening gap at the roof line suggest movement. A patch on a moving chimney will not hold.
If we see signs of movement, we say so before quoting any leak repair. The question becomes whether the chimney can be repaired or needs part of it rebuilt. We explain the evidence and the options, and the leak work waits until that decision is made.
Holding off on fires until it is checked
If water is getting into the chimney, wait to use the fireplace until it has been looked at. Wet debris, a rusted damper that sticks and damp masonry around the firebox are all worth checking first.
The leak itself may not make a fire dangerous, but the conditions it creates can. Tell us whether you have been using the fireplace and whether anything has changed in how it works. The inspection covers what the water may have affected inside the firebox and flue.
What we look at before quoting leak repair
- Chase cover and storm collar
- Wall joint on an outside chimney
- Staged hose water test when the job calls for it
- Interior restoration left to its trade
Your chimney leak questions
Can I keep using the fireplace while the chimney leaks?
It is wiser to wait until we have looked. A leak can leave wet debris, a sticking damper or damp masonry around the firebox. The inspection covers what the water may have affected inside the chimney.
What should I have ready when you come to look at the leak?
Your notes on when water appeared, pencil marks on stains, a clear path to the attic hatch and any papers from earlier chimney or roof work. Debris that fell into the firebox is useful evidence too.
What makes one leak repair bigger than another?
The part involved, how far the damage has spread and how hard the part is to reach. A resealed joint is small and a new crown is larger. The estimate explains each factor so you can see why the scope is sized as it is.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Fireplace Hearth RepairRepair the hearth surface after considering the supporting assembly and fireplace requirements.
- Chimney Crown RepairRepair the damaged chimney top with an approach matched to the crown and supporting masonry.
- Chimney Liner Installation and ReliningPlan a compatible chimney liner installation with the existing passage, connections and maintenance access considered together.
- Chimney RebuildRebuild the affected chimney section with the retained structure, roof connection and passage included in the plan.
We received your request
Our team will contact you to arrange your inspection.
Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo