(630) 553-5995

Valley Chimney Can Fix Your Leaky Chimney!

Chimney LeakingChimney leaks are super common. As a matter of fact, a majority of the phone calls we get from homeowners regard a leaky chimney. However, many homeowners don’t realize their chimney is having a leaking issue until they see noticeable damage. By then, serious harm could have been imposed on your chimney. So, what are the main causes of chimney leaks, and how can you prevent them before it turns into a bigger issue?

Main Causes of Chimney Leaks

  • Cracks in the chimney crown. One of the most common causes of water leakage is through a cracked chimney crown, which is located at the top of your chimney. The chimney crown is susceptible to retaining moisture and can become damaged during harsh winters due to freezing and thawing. Even the tiniest of cracks can invite moisture into the chimney.
  • Chimney flashing. Flashing is designed to prevent water from getting into the chimney where the chimney meets the roof. If the flashing is damaged, worn, or not installed properly, rain and moisture can easily enter your home through that gap.
  • Missing or damaged chase cover. Hopefully, your chimney isn’t missing a chase cover, but sometimes that’s the case! Most chimney chase covers end up rusting out and need replacing. A missing or damaged chase cover can allow rain to easily enter your home due to a lack of protection.
  • Cracked or missing mortar joints. Mortar is located between the joints of the bricks or stones on your chimney, bonding everything together. Mortar is very porous, and through constant freezing and thawing can become prone to leakage.

How to Prevent and Fix Chimney Leaks

  • Chimney Waterproofing. Waterproofing your chimney is an effective way to minimize damage and help prevent leaks. As professional chimney sweeps, we’ve tried a number of products and find that ChimneySaver™ works the best.
  • Replacing the chase cover. Many homeowners in the western suburbs of Chicago choose Valley Chimney to repair or replace their chase covers. Chase covers are installed from one piece of metal, and it’s important to ensure that they are installed strong and tight, with no low spots so water won’t pool and puddle on top.
  • Regular chimney inspection. Regular chimney inspections with a qualified chimney professional is the best way to prevent and fix chimney leaks. Certified professionals will be able to notice an issue that you, as a homeowner, might not have noticed. They also have the right knowledge, skills, tools, and equipment to repair and restore the parts of your chimney causing the leak.

At Valley Chimney Sweep and Restoration, we have a team of knowledgeable, highly-skilled certified chimney sweep professionals who have the right skills and equipment needed to fix your chimney leaking issues. We have restored several chimneys over the years for homeowners throughout the western Chicago suburbs, and gotten their chimney working good as new!

Want to see proof for yourself? View some of the before and after photos below of chimney leaks we’ve taken care of for our suburban Chicago homeowners:


Chimney Leak Before and After Photos

Before and After

This chimney transformation was completed for a homeowner in Plainfield, IL who was experiencing re-occuring water leaks on their masonry chimney. How did we fix it? We installed a custom chase top and waterproofed the masonry with our handy-dandy ChimneySaver!

Chimney Transformation

During a routine inspection, Valley Chimney discovered the source of some chimney leaking issues for a homeowner in Warrenville, IL. This chimney was in very bad shape. The solution? We replaced the chase top, installed a rain cover, and added two standing flue and storm collars. Wah-lah!
Chimney Project Before and After

This homeowner in Aurora, IL was experiencing leaking in their home that was coming from their chimney. When Valley Chimney came out to inspect it, we noticed that rust stains from the chase top were leaking into the chimney and siding. How did we resolve the issue? We installed a new-and-improved chimney chase top. Good as new!


To view more before and after photos of our work, feel free to visit our gallery! And if you’re concerned that your chimney may be leaking, contact Valley Chimney Sweep today and we can help you resolve the issue – saving you time and money!

Back To Blog