Why is my chimney leaking? 4 causes we see every spring in Ohio
Ohio's freeze-thaw cycle is brutal on brick chimneys. Here's where the water actually gets in — and what a fix looks like.
1. Failed flashing
The metal collar where the chimney meets the roof is the #1 leak point. Old tar sealant cracks within 3 to 5 winters. The fix is step flashing plus a proper counter-flashing, not another bead of caulk.
2. Cracked crown
The concrete cap on top of the masonry develops hairline cracks that funnel rainwater straight into the flue. We rebuild crowns with a sloped, overhanging pour so water sheds clear of the bricks.
3. Missing or undersized cap
Without a stainless cap, rain, snow, leaves and squirrels go right down the flue. A proper cap pays for itself the first season.
4. Porous brick
Brick absorbs water like a sponge. After tuckpointing, we apply a vapor-permeable sealer that blocks liquid water but lets the masonry breathe.
◆ Live in Columbus, Cincinnati, or Dayton?
