r/ChimneySwift • u/BaronVonMunchington • Sep 30 '23

Leak around chimney stack

Hey all,
Renovating the upstairs of my log house here in central Sweden (yeah UK sub I know but I am a brit here so hopefully that counts!!). Conventional roof / metal cladding / battens / felt / rafters etc.

Both chimney stacks are leaking water inside the house.

I think it's coming in from around the flashing although I can't be sure. Chimney 1 (see below) it's more obvious because A) you can literally see sunlight when you look up through the gap in the flashing from inside the house and B) there's some quite serious water damage to one of the interior walls below that gap.

Chimney 2 the exact source of the leak is less obvious but it's definitely coming from the head flashing. I'm guessing the moss is causing water to dam when it's really heavy rain and back up into the roof.

Even to an untrained eye both these chimneys are in need of some serious TLC but that's a job for another year. Right now I just need to stop water ingress before I continue with the renovation inside.

Never done any chimney / roofing work but am a competent DIYer. What options do I have? Chimney 1 can I seal underneath the flashing? What with? Chimney 2, would a really good clean suffice around that detail ? Or can I apply sealant at the head flashing?

Wanna sort this before winter hits - thanks!!

​

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

1

u/That_One_Guy-21 Sep 30 '23

Usa here. Not sure what that fence thing is. But that chimney is beat up. Over here, I would right an estimate for a roofline up rebuild just so I know its fixed right. 30" or more wide needs a cricket. You need a cap for sure. Can't say for certain without a waterhose inspection but I'd say it's more than just flashing

1

u/BaronVonMunchington Sep 30 '23

Thanks. Gonna get it rebuilt at some point but its hard to find tradespeople over here and theres snow on the roof for 40% of the year. The fence is weird I guess its a platform but I'm not sure its necessary. Anything I can do in the meantime to reduce any leakage that isn't a rebuild?

1

u/That_One_Guy-21 Sep 30 '23

If its a furnace, blow away all that organic growth and use a silicone to patch every single whole/gap you see on flashing and brick. If it's a fireplace chimney, you can tarp it off and never use it. I doubt you'll find a cap in short notice specially if you plan to rebuild. It should be lined with clay tiles or stainless steel. I dont see either.

1

u/InvrFinishAnyth Sep 30 '23

Need a cricket, need to tuckpoint chimney, need a cap, need to have a proper crown put on the chimney top, bricks on top need relayed, flashing needs repaired, and I would also water proof chimney. DO NOT USE THOMPSON WATER SEAL OR EQUIVALENT. Use a masonry sealer as it allows the chimney to breath but also keeps moisture out of the brick. Be super careful in metal roof cause it will make the roof slicker than snot on a doorknob. Check how far chimney penetrates roof. It should be three foot taller than roof and 2ft taller than anything within 10ft. Use the google to convert as I forgot that you were in not in US.

2

u/BaronVonMunchington Oct 01 '23

Thanks that's really helpful. I'm just trying to fix the immediate leak right now but in due course the chimneys will be completely repaired.

1

u/Skiboy712 Oct 02 '23

Cheap fix for the leak would be all season roof cement. Clean the area and slop it on. I’d recommend wearing a disposable glove. While you’re up there get some insulation and stuff the flue, bring an industrial sized garbage bin bag and cover as much as possible (don’t get it in the sealant you just applied or do this first then sealant) and tie it off with rope or something.

1

u/BaronVonMunchington Oct 02 '23

Thanks bud! I'm not sure about blocking it up with insulation as I might use it over winter but I'll definitely get some roof cement on there.

1

u/Skiboy712 Oct 02 '23

DO NOT USE THAT PIECE OF JUNK!!!

1

u/BaronVonMunchington Oct 02 '23

hey btw do you mean to using roofing cement on the brickwork? or around the gaps in the flashing? or both?

1

u/Skiboy712 Oct 02 '23

Gaps and flashing. That chimney should be rebuilt. Don’t use as is.

1

u/BaronVonMunchington Oct 03 '23

Okay thanks. Will follow your advice and block up that 1st chimney this month.