Why Is My Chimney Leaking?

You’re sitting inside on a gray Tacoma afternoon, and you notice it — that faint drip or dark stain near the fireplace. You look up, sigh, and think, Great, another leak. From the ground, the chimney looks fine. The bricks seem solid. But somehow, water’s still finding a way in.

At Robb’s Roofing, we’ve seen this story play out more times than we can count. Chimney leaks don’t usually start with something dramatic. It’s not a hole or missing brick — it’s small stuff that builds up after years of rain, wind, and cold nights. By the time you see a stain inside, the water’s already been there for a while, working its way in drop by drop.

What’s Actually Going On

A chimney may look simple, but there are plenty of spots where water can sneak through. Here are the most common ones we see around Tacoma:

• Cracked crown: That’s the cement top that keeps rain out. Over time, it starts to crack, letting water seep in through hairline gaps.
• Bad flashing: This is the thin metal around the base of the chimney. When it rusts or pulls away, rain runs right through the seams.
• Soaking masonry: Tacoma’s constant damp air turns brick and mortar into sponges if they’re not sealed right. Once they soak up water, leaks aren’t far behind.

Quick Guide

Quick answer: Cracked crown, bad flashing, or porous bricks are the usual culprits.

Try this: Seal small cracks with chimney caulk and check flashing for rust or gaps.

Stop signs: Crumbling mortar, dark stains, or water inside the firebox.

Typical cost: Flashing repairs run $400–$900; crown work $1,000–$2,500, depending on size.

Why It’s So Common in Tacoma

It’s really about the weather. Tacoma’s rain doesn’t come and go — it sticks around. That steady drizzle, mixed with cool nights, means chimneys rarely get a chance to dry out. Water seeps into tiny cracks, then freezes on colder nights, making the cracks even wider. After a few winters of that, you’ve got a leak.

Moss is another culprit. It traps moisture against the bricks and slowly breaks down the mortar. It’s small, but it does damage you don’t see until it’s too late.

How to Stay Ahead of It

You don’t have to do anything fancy — just a few small steps:

• Seal cracks before they get worse.
• Keep an eye on the flashing after every big storm.
• Brush moss off gently — no pressure washers.
• Install a chimney cap if you don’t have one yet. It’s cheap protection that keeps out both rain and debris.

How Robb’s Roofing Handles It

When we check a chimney, we go top to bottom — crown, bricks, mortar, flashing, and roofline. If something’s loose or cracked, we fix it right. We seal what needs sealing, replace what’s too far gone, and waterproof everything so it stands up to Tacoma’s long, wet seasons.

Call Robb’s Roofing at (253) 820-2163 for a chimney inspection. We’ll find where the leak’s coming from, fix it right, and keep your home dry through every rainy Tacoma day.