Not only does it fail to do its job, but other parts of the roof suffer because water has an easier time entering.
Chimneys around the base are a key area of concern for leaks in most roofs, but it’s not necessarily with bricks leaking; it may be flashing at first.
Flashings are the waterproof material, often lead, laid to seal the finish or join. It weathers and bends, and, over time, it splits, raises, or loosens. For Roofers Bristol, visit mogfordprescott.co.uk/roofers-bristol/
Notice of chimney flashing problems
Damp patches upstairs. Staining on or around the chimney breast to ceilings/walls – particularly after heavy rain.
Drips or wet loft timbers. Dry loft rafters, wet area near the chimney with dark marks and mould.
Loose or lifted lead. On the ground, you can probably see buckling lead flashing or notice how it flaps in your wall.
Mortar cracked on the flashing line. Water can seep behind the flashing where it meets the chimney if that mortar (or seal) is falling apart.
Wind-driven rain leaks. Failure to flash-in against horizontal rain. For failures, not only are the steady showers recognised.
Grains of lead or trowel-slime. If there is debris, this should clue you in that something up above it is starting to break down, so fix it before someone gets hurt!
The sooner it is fixed, the less likely you are to need larger repair work in the future.
For suspect flashing issues, do not resort to the quick sealant patch. Typically, a good repair will include resecuring or new sections being put back together properly and ensuring that everything is sealed up.