Why do so many roof leaks start at the chimney?

The chimney is the largest opening in the roof and it moves differently from the structure around it. When its flashing fails, it becomes the most common point of water entry we find.

Can you fix the leak without repairing the masonry?

Sometimes, but often not. New flashing on failing masonry frequently leaves the leak in place, so we find the actual entry point before recommending a fix.

What is chimney repointing?

We grind out failing mortar to the correct depth and replace it with mortar matched for color, texture and strength. It stops freeze-thaw cycles from widening the joints.

What does the chimney crown do?

It's the concrete cap at the top of the chimney. Cracks in it let water into the chimney's core, where damage stays hidden until it's expensive.

Do I need a chimney cap?

A cap keeps rain, leaves, birds and squirrels out of the flue. It's inexpensive and prevents a long list of costlier problems.

How quickly should I act on stains near the chimney?

Right away. A stain means water is already inside the structure, and the longer it runs, the more framing and finishes it affects.

Chimney Repair & Flashing in Maryland

Weathered brick chimney with stained, crumbling mortar and an old crown before repair

Most roof leaks start at the chimney

Your chimney is the largest opening in the roof, and it moves differently than the structure around it. Its flashing is the most common failure we find.

Because we're roofers first, we treat the chimney as part of the roof system. Fixing the masonry without correcting the flashing, or the reverse, leaves the leak in place.

Signs to watch for

Water stains near the chimney
White chalky residue on the brick
Crumbling or missing mortar
Cracks in the crown
Rusted or lifting flashing
Stains after wind-driven rain

Brick chimney with new step flashing on a shingle roof

Flashing repair and replacement

Proper step and counter-flashing, cut into the mortar joint the way it should be, not surface-caulked and hoped for.

We trace where water actually enters, which is often several feet from the stain inside. Then we tie the new flashing correctly into the surrounding shingles.

What's included

Step flashing at every course
Counter-flashing cut into mortar
Water path traced to the source
Tied into the surrounding shingles

New concrete chimney crown poured in a wood form around the flue

Repointing and crown repair

Freeze-thaw cycles open hairline joints a little more every winter, and a cracked crown lets water into the chimney's core.

We grind out failing mortar to the correct depth and replace it with a mix matched for color, texture and strength. Cracked crowns are sealed, or rebuilt with a proper overhang and drip edge when they're past repair.

What we offer

Mortar ground out to correct depth
Color, texture and strength matched
Crown crack sealing
Full crown rebuilds

Rebuilt brick chimney with a new crown, flue liners and chimney caps

Caps, dampers and waterproofing

Small upgrades that keep out rain, debris and animals, and prevent much costlier problems.

A chimney cap keeps rain, leaves, birds and squirrels out of the flue. Our breathable waterproofing sheds water but lets trapped moisture escape. The wrong sealer traps it and speeds up the damage.

What we install

Chimney caps
Breathable waterproofing
Damper installation
Follow-up after the next heavy rain

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Reviews

Hear it from our customers

5.022 Google reviews

“We are so please with Pineda's! They walked us through the entire process and worked hand and hand with my insurance company to make the process go quickly and smoothly…”
Joseph Besler · Google
“I want to thoroughly recommend Pineda's Roofing. My experience with them was exceptional. I had a few roof shingles blown off in a storm, as did one of my neighbors. I asked my neighbor who she got to do her repair job and she, thankfully, gave me the name and number for Pineda's Roofing…”
R David Marcus · Google
“Fair prices, quick response time, professional job. Highly recommend!”
Alex Shushan · Google
“I called upon Pineda's Roofing for siding work and everything went extremely well. I was impressed with the customer service/communication, professionalism, and quality of work. I highly recommend them for your siding work (in addition to roofing work).”
V. Nguyen · Google

FAQ

Chimneys questions

The chimney is the largest opening in the roof and it moves differently from the structure around it. When its flashing fails, it becomes the most common point of water entry we find.
Sometimes, but often not. New flashing on failing masonry frequently leaves the leak in place, so we find the actual entry point before recommending a fix.
We grind out failing mortar to the correct depth and replace it with mortar matched for color, texture and strength. It stops freeze-thaw cycles from widening the joints.
It's the concrete cap at the top of the chimney. Cracks in it let water into the chimney's core, where damage stays hidden until it's expensive.
A cap keeps rain, leaves, birds and squirrels out of the flue. It's inexpensive and prevents a long list of costlier problems.
Right away. A stain means water is already inside the structure, and the longer it runs, the more framing and finishes it affects.

Related services

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(301) 921-6333
info@pinedasroofing.com
Serving Maryland, D.C. & Northern Virginia
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PMSunday: ClosedEmergencies: 24/7

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Chimney repair that stops roof leaks