Blog>Questions>Why is there water leaking down my chimney breast?
Last updated: 12 April 2021
Why is there water leaking down my chimney breast?
When it's windy and rains in a certain direction the rain runs down chimney breasts in bedrooms where would it be from?
Question: When it's windy and rains in a certain direction the rain runs down chimney breasts in bedrooms where would it be from?
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Answer(s):
Ryan Poole, RP Roofing & Building Services, Cranbrook
It could be one of many things i.e. the lead flashing behind the chimney breast (back gutter), soakers underneath the lead flashing, the lead flashing itself or it could even be that the chimney needs repointing.
Gareth Styles, GJS Roofing and Building Maintenance Ltd, Salisbury
It will be your flashings, they are mostly wind-driven and the water drives behind the lead skirt around the chimney. 99% of leaks around the chimney area show below in the nearest room. To fix it, you will need new flashings or re-sealed with a lead seal.
Paul Fearns, Roofing Services Edinburgh, Edinburgh
This could be a number of things. Getting up there and having a look in the loft if possible and up on the roof is the only way to diagnose this leak. It could be the flashings themselves, or it could be missing cement pointing from the chase, allowing water to run down the chimney and running into and behind flashings. Or, if it's roughcasted, it could be cracked and allowing water in behind the roughcasting, or it could be the valleys on each side of the chimney depending on how it's constructed and positioned on the roof. Your best bet is to contact a company that provides free quotes and get up there and have a look also in the loft. I am sure it will be pretty obvious to an experienced roofer once up there.
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