Chimney Leak Repair by ARCM Roofing
Stop water damage at its source with expert chimney leak repair that protects your home from the top down.
5 Highlights on Chimney Leak Repair
Water Finds the Smallest Gap. We Close Every One.
Chimney leak repair is one of our most requested services — our technicians seal, flash, and waterproof every vulnerable point where your chimney meets the roofline.
Complete Flashing Replacement
We remove corroded step flashing and counter flashing, then install new galvanized steel or copper flashing that locks water out for decades.
Chimney Crown Restoration
Cracked concrete crowns let moisture seep into the masonry. We patch minor cracks or rebuild the crown entirely with weather-resistant crown coat sealant.
Masonry Waterproofing
Our team applies breathable siloxane-based repellents that block rain absorption while letting trapped vapor escape the brick.
Chimney Cap Installation
A stainless steel cap keeps rain, snow, and animals out of your flue.
Cricket Construction
For wide chimneys on steep slopes, we build and shingle a cricket that diverts water around the stack instead of letting it pool behind it.
Every repair comes backed by our written 1-year repair warranty.
Why Choose Us
Fixed Once — Not Patched Repeatedly
Many contractors smear roofing cement over failing flashing and call it done. That shortcut fails within a year or two. We diagnose the actual entry point — flashing, crown, mortar joints, or the brick itself — and repair it correctly.
Our crews are licensed, insured, and trained specifically in the intersection of roofing and masonry. That combination matters: a chimney leak often involves both trades, and hiring a roofer who doesn't understand masonry — or a mason who doesn't understand roofing — leaves half the problem unsolved. Our technicians handle both.
You get written inspection reports with photos of every defect, transparent pricing before work begins, and water testing after repair to confirm the leak is gone. A straight answer, a fair price, and a chimney that stays dry through every storm season.
A workmanship warranty that covers labor, not just materials — and manufacturer-certified installers for flashing and sealant products.
Warning Signs
Signs You Need Chimney Leak Repair
Catching the warning signs early saves you thousands in structural repairs.
Water Stains on the Ceiling Near the Chimney
Brown or yellow rings on drywall around the chimney chase point to failed flashing or a cracked crown. The stain often appears several feet from the actual entry point because water travels along rafters before dripping down.
Dripping or Moisture Inside the Firebox
If you hear dripping after rain or spot standing water on the smoke shelf, your chimney cap is missing or your crown has cracked. Uncapped flues funnel rainwater straight into the firebox.
Spalling Brick and Crumbling Mortar
When brick faces flake off or mortar joints turn sandy, moisture has penetrated the masonry and gone through freeze-thaw cycles. Spalling accelerates fast once it starts, and tuckpointing alone won't stop it without waterproofing.
Musty Odors From the Fireplace
A damp, smoky smell signals that creosote inside the flue has absorbed water. Wet creosote produces a strong odor and indicates ongoing moisture intrusion through the crown or liner.
Rusted Damper or Firebox Components
Metal doesn't rust without water. A corroded damper, rusted flue liner, or oxidized firebox screws confirm that moisture is entering from above on a regular basis.
Two or more signs? Water's been getting in a while. Book an inspection.
How We Work
Our Chimney Leak Repair Process
Find the leak. Fix it. Verify the result.
01
Full Inspection
We examine the crown, cap, flashing, mortar joints, brick condition, and surrounding shingles. We check the attic for water trails along the chimney chase and document everything with photos.
02
Water Testing
When the source isn't obvious, we run a controlled hose test, isolating one section at a time until we reproduce the leak. This pinpoints the exact failure instead of guessing.
03
Written Estimate
You receive an itemized quote covering materials, labor, and timeline. We explain what failed, why it failed, and what we'll do about it. No pressure, no surprise charges.
04
Repair Work
We replace step and counter flashing, rebuild or seal the crown, repoint deteriorated mortar, install a new cap, apply masonry water repellent, or construct a cricket — then shingle and seal every disturbed area to match your existing roof.
05
Final Water Test and Cleanup
We spray the repaired chimney again to confirm it's watertight, then clear the job site completely. You get before-and-after photos and warranty documentation for your records.
Most residential chimney leak repairs finish in a single day.
Brands We Use
Masonry and Roofing Materials, One Truck
ChimneySaver
Water repellents and crown repair coatings
CrownCoat
Flexible brushable crown sealant
HY-C
Stainless steel chimney caps
Gelco
Multi-flue caps and chase covers
GAF
Shingles and roofing accessories around the chimney
Grace
Ice & Water Shield self-adhering underlayment at the chimney base
Geocel
Tripolymer sealants for flashing joints
Quikrete
Mortar and masonry patching compounds
CDA-Certified Copper
Premium flashing material
Sakrete
Crown rebuilding mixes
Safety drives every job site: OSHA fall protection, anchored harnesses on every roof, ladders staged to spec, and your landscaping and gutters protected throughout the repair.
FAQs
FAQs About Chimney Leak Repair
›What causes a chimney to leak?
Chimney leaks start at four common failure points: deteriorated flashing where the chimney meets the roof, a cracked or missing crown, porous brick and mortar that absorb rain, and a missing chimney cap that lets water pour directly down the flue.
›When should I schedule chimney leak repair?
Schedule repair as soon as you notice stains, drips, odors, or spalling brick. Fall is the busiest season, so booking in spring or summer gets you faster scheduling and dry conditions before winter freeze-thaw cycles worsen the damage.
›Why does my chimney only leak during heavy rain?
Light rain runs off before penetrating small gaps. Heavy, wind-driven rain forces water through hairline crown cracks, loose flashing edges, and porous mortar joints that stay dry in normal weather.
›How long does chimney leak repair take?
Most repairs, including flashing replacement and crown sealing, finish in one day. A full crown rebuild or extensive tuckpointing may take two to three days.
›Can I repair a chimney leak myself?
Homeowners sometimes apply sealant to visible cracks, but most leaks originate at flashing hidden beneath shingles or inside the crown. DIY caulking usually masks the symptom while water keeps entering. Professional diagnosis costs far less than repairing rotted framing later.
›Does homeowners insurance cover chimney leak repair?
Insurance typically covers sudden storm damage but excludes gradual wear. We document every repair with photos and written reports to support your claim when coverage applies.
Related Services
Dry Firebox. Sealed Crown. Tight Flashing.
Water-test verified · Roofing + masonry in one crew · Most repairs done in a day