Question: Robert, I just discovered water on my fireplace hearth. We are in older Valencia with a concrete pre-fab chimney, still in good condition. I looked and the water is coming down the chimney from the inside, and landing on the hearth. Who do I call, and what could the issue be? Could I fix this, if I can safely get up on the roof?
— Derrick N.
Answer: Derrick, you can give it a shot, and see if you can get a visual on anything failed. Get some Henry’s 208 roofing mastic from a big-box store. Use disposable gloves and either paint brush or a rag. Now, be sure you have a ladder that will safely reach at least 3 feet above the roof line where you’ll access. You need the extra so that you have something to hold onto, while accessing and descending the roof.
Be sure the roof has dried enough and is not slippery. Once you have access to your roof, look at the penetration areas around your chimney — this is where you start. Look at the flashing and roof tiles against the chimney and see if everything looks intact. Check the existing mastic (usually black, tar-like sealant) for cracks and failed areas. If you see any possible failures, seal them with mastic.
If everything looks in top shape, now you’ll move up the roof and to the side in both directions, looking for nearby penetrations such as vent pipes. Water will take the path of least resistance, so it could be that it is entering from a failure at a penetration like that, and moving toward the chimney via below the roofing tiles.
Also, while you’re up there investigating, check the tiles to be sure they are all in place and in good condition. Apply mastics to any areas in question, and once the weather is clear for a bit, it may be time to get a roofing contractor out for repairs or replacement. You should be successful with this, preventing further intrusions this season.
If it works, you know one of the repaired areas is the source. You can point this out to a roofer. Best of luck.
Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].
