How to Fix a Roof Leak Around a Chimney
You should never ignore a leak in your roof. Over time, roof leaks can cause mould, damage your insulation, and compromise the strength of your ceiling. And, if left for too long, the cost of repairing a leaking roof will skyrocket.
The chimney is a common culprit responsible for roof leaks. Thankfully, it’s fairly easy to fix a leaking roof around a chimney. As long as you have the right equipment, you should be able to deal with the issue before it causes more expensive damage.
To help you do so safely, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about fixing a leaking roof around a chimney.
What Causes Roof Leak Around Chimney?
There are several common reasons for roof leaks around a chimney. They include:
- Damaged chimney flashing.
- Damaged or missing roof cap.
- Damaged chimney crown.
These problems are typically caused by water erosion as well as wear and tear from wind exposure. Thankfully, they can be fixed fairly easily, either by yourself or a contractor. And, if you tackle the problem quickly enough, you shouldn’t have to replace any expensive building materials.
What Tools Do You Need to Fix Roof Leak Around Chimney?
The easiest way to fix a damaged roof around the chimney is to repair the flashing. Crucially, though, you must have the right tools and materials, or it’s unlikely you’ll complete a repair that lasts. These include safety equipment like an extension ladder, safety harness, and work gloves. You will also need:
- Chisel.
- Drill.
- Masonry screws.
- Flashing sealant.
Or, to avoid having to make repairs altogether, consider investing in a sturdier, more efficient roof. RapidRidge dry fixed roofing is easy to install and requires no maintenance. So, you won’t have to deal with regular leaks like you do with even the best quality mortar roofs.
How to Fix a Leaking Roof Around a Chimney?
Once you have your equipment, just follow these five simple steps to fix roof flashing around a chimney:
- Step one: After you attach your safety harness and climb the ladder, inspect the chimney flashing. Look for gaps in the sealant and any loose lengths of flashing.
- Step two: Use a chisel to remove the old and crumbling sealant.
- Step three: Apply fresh sealant around the edges of the flashing. Remember that you might not have spotted all the gaps, so don’t skip an edge.
- Step four: Apply sealant behind any loose flashing. Then, secure the flashing using a drill and masonry screws. Cover the screws with more sealant.
- Step five: Allow the sealant to dry before testing your repair. Do so by running the hose around the chimney for a few minutes.
All You Need to Know to Fix a Roof Leak Around a Chimney
If you want to know how to fix roof flashing around the chimney, that’s all you need to know. You just have to gather some basic equipment and follow five steps. However, if the leak persists once you fix your chimney flashing, you may need to consider professional help. This will, of course, cost you more.
Or, to avoid roof leaks altogether, you could instead invest in a brand new, dry fixed roof. Over time, this will likely prove to be the most cost-effective option.