I have a relatively newly built brick chimney (about 4 years old),
and I get water into my attic during sustained rains.
I've also had the roof & flashing just redone, and my roofer believes
the problem is with the chimney or crown. The chimney is large (about 3' x 6' x 3' high).
The brick/mortar & crown all seem to be in excellent shape, and there are caps
over the 2 flues. But the crown is very level; there is no flashing between the
crown & the brick; and the crown does NOT extend beyond the brick.
I'm thinking of putting a new crown on top of the existing one, such that it does slope
down from the top, and extends beyond the brick. Does that sound doable?
Can I put a new crown on top of an existing one (there are no cracks or anything;
and it's sealed with a product called 'Crown Saver')? Will it hold?
What kind of cement should I use to build it, and what kind of mortar should I use
to attach it to the existing one? Also, anyone have experience with brick sealants,
like DEFY Masonry Crack & Joint sealant? The chimney was supposedly sealed with
Chimney Saver when it was built, but now I wondering if some of the water is getting
in through the brick & joints. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks very much.
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If you are getting a good deal of water in the attic it sounds more likely the flashing is at fault. Is the flashing a step flashing with counter flashing that is cut into the mortar joints? If not I would have the flashing redone.
Brick sealer would help if you are experiencing only a minor amount of water and it should be noticeable in the attic by wet brick.
If the cap is not cracked I do not believe the problem is with the cap. A rain guard over the chimney would also help with the problem.
Glenn
Moderator: Construction Systems, Foundations, and Masonry & Stone
For more information about me, my qualifications, and/or home inspections please visit my website at:
www.consultationdirect.com
Brick sealer would help if you are experiencing only a minor amount of water and it should be noticeable in the attic by wet brick.
If the cap is not cracked I do not believe the problem is with the cap. A rain guard over the chimney would also help with the problem.
Glenn
Moderator: Construction Systems, Foundations, and Masonry & Stone
For more information about me, my qualifications, and/or home inspections please visit my website at:
www.consultationdirect.com
Thanks Glenn.
It's not a lot of water ... just enough to be annoying. Yes, there is water on the masonry in the attic - it's concrete block up there, and then brick starting at the roof line. There is step flashing (copper) all around the chimney, and counter flashing over that embedded in the mortar. The step flashing is only 2 1/2 inches out from the chimney though. Is that enough? It's interlaced with the shingles. The slope of the roof is 5/12. I just sealed the brick with DEFY Chimney Saver brick water repellent, and after 2 moderate rains, no water has some it yet. So I'm hoping that's it!! Thanks again.
It's not a lot of water ... just enough to be annoying. Yes, there is water on the masonry in the attic - it's concrete block up there, and then brick starting at the roof line. There is step flashing (copper) all around the chimney, and counter flashing over that embedded in the mortar. The step flashing is only 2 1/2 inches out from the chimney though. Is that enough? It's interlaced with the shingles. The slope of the roof is 5/12. I just sealed the brick with DEFY Chimney Saver brick water repellent, and after 2 moderate rains, no water has some it yet. So I'm hoping that's it!! Thanks again.
