Why Chimneys Leak in Seattle
Cracked or Worn Chimney Crown
A worn or cracked chimney crown allows rain to seep deep into your chimney stack and leak into your home. We repair and waterproof your chimney crown using breathable mortar and a silicone-based sealer.
Failed Flashing Where the Chimney Meets the Roof
Loose or failing flashing where the chimney meets the roof allows water to get into your home. Cyclops Masonry replaces chimney flashing and seals it with a silicone-based caulk to keep water out.
Missing or Damaged Chimney Cap
Protect your chimney from costly damage with a secure cap. A quality chimney cap efficiently blocks moisture, keeps pests out, and optimizes airflow to keep your home safe.
Porous Brick or Mortar Soaking up the Rain
When masonry absorbs moisture, it creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew that can spread to your home's framing and drywall. We apply a silicone-based sealer that locks moisture out for good.
Signs You Have A Chimney Leak
Water or Damp in the Firebox
Water or dampness in the firebox is a major sign that water has saturated the masonry in your chimney.
Stains on the Wall or Ceiling by Chimney
Water can saturate the masonry in your chimney, causing moisture to seep through the chimney stack into the areas around your chimney inside.
White Staining on Brick Outside
Moisture migrating through masonry brings dissolved salts to the surface, called efflorescence.
Mortar Falling Out
When saturated masonry endures cold winter temperatures, the trapped water in the masonry expands, leading to cracks and mortar falling out.
A Musty Smell After it Rains
Damp masonry creates a wet environment for mold or mildew to grow and feed on organic material like framing or drywall.
How We Find & Fix The Leak
01
Inspection
Inspect the chimney from top to bottom
02
Search
Second, we find the source of the water intrusion
03
Repair
Next, we repair the masonry. This could include repointing, rebuilding the chimney crown, or replacing brick.
04
Waterproof
Fourth, our team will seal your chimney using a silicone-based sealer.
05
Double-Check
Lastly, we will come out again after the next rain to ensure the leak is fixed.
Chimney Waterproofing & Brick Sealing
A breathable masonry sealer soaks into the porous matrix of brick and stone to create a water-repellent barrier while leaving the pores open. Breathability is essential because trapped moisture must be allowed to evaporate before it expands and freezes, damaging the masonry from the inside out. The resulting internal pressure causes a fracturing process known as spalling.
Because sealers soak microscopic pores rather than filling cracks, applying them over damaged mortar allows water to bypass the water-repellent barrier entirely. Therefore, damaged joints require complete tuckpointing prior to waterproofing.
Depending on how much the brick or stone absorbs and the environmental exposure, a penetrating sealer will typically last 5 to 10 years.
Recent Leak Repairs
Chimney Leak Repair I West Seattle
"Basil did a wonderful job repairing my chimney. He was very thorough in explaining what was involved to resolve the water leak I was having down into my fireplace."
Karen D., Google review, February 2024
Chimney Leak Repair | White Center
Chimney Repair Questions
