Q: My chimney is leaking water from the roof. I cannot find where it is coming in from.
A: First, get a tarp. Wrap the entire top of the chimney. Take garden hose to the roof. Need two people. One waters the chimney one section at a time at the roof level around the flashing (part you left uncovered). The second person goes into the attic or room, wherever you are seeing the water. Shorten up on the tarp and continue to wet from bottom to top until leak is found. Another way, if water can get in, air can get out, remove cap, seal top of flue outlet with damp blanket, open damper (Very important), seal front of fireplace with clear polyethylene all but one lower corner. Get fireworks type smoke bomb. light roll into firebox through corner left open, tape down corner, Your chimney is now full of smoke. Now look for holes in chimney where smoke is coming out and patch.

Q: A chimney sweep recommended "sealing" the chimney. Anyone know whether this is a good idea for me to have done, or just a good idea for the sweep to do?
A: If you decide to seal your chimney, make sure the proper product is used. There are two major brands on the market "Chimney Shield" by Rutland which I carry and "Chimney Saver" by Homesaver. Both these products allow one way pass through. In other words, water can not get into the chimney, but any water inside and cross the barrier to the outside. Most chimney sweeps offer a ten year warranty in this. It is more important as you go north. If water gets inside the chimney bricks and mortar joints, it causes spalling. This is where the freezing/thawing action breaks off the front 1/4" to 1/2" of the brick.

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Last modified: August 13, 2010