Chimney Leak -- Potential Masonry Work

[icyappraiser]

I have a leak coming from near my chimney. No signs of water on first floor ceilings (ranch home) but the water is dripping into my basement coming from near the chimney. Figured it was probably the flashing and had a roofing guy come to look at it. He said it was probably not the flashing as that looked tight. He said the grout between the chimney bricks looked to have some gaps and suspected water might be getting in through there and suggested calling a mason.

Anyone know anything about this kind of work? I'm a pretty new first time homeowner and still learning/not very handy. Is this possible to DIY or not worth it? Any idea of what I should expect to pay?

Thanks!!

[Papa bear]

What the roofer recommends is that you have a mason inspect your mortar and that you may need to have it repointed.

The process is basically to scrape out the old crumbly mortar, and replace it with new.

A picture would be immensely helpful here.  I don’t think any of us can make any recommendations without seeing this.


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[Jon Bon]

Do you have a chimney cap?

Also check the concrete around the cap, often can get water seepage in there if is not pitched enough. I climbed up there with some mason mix and completely redid mine, cost about $5......

[Dave1442397]

We had our chimney cleaned and they said the mortar around the top of the chimney was cracked (it was, they took pics), and it was easily fixed. We still get a little water coming in when we have really heavy rain, but I'd say it took care of 90% of the problem.

[Adam Zapple]

In addition to what others have said, bricks can become porous over time.  You can try just painting on a stone sealer.  A simple google search will bring up several products.  Very simple DIY project.  Repointing is not rocket science either.  Youtube can teach you in a few minutes.