Close up of chimney exterior
How to repair leaking chimney made of porous stone?
by
Bill Russell
+7
We had a roofer come to inspect a roof leak on a house we are buying. Here is what he said:
I went into the attic after seeing the stain on the ceiling on the 3rd floor. I found the spot on the attic floor above. I don't think this is a flashing issue. I believe the rocks used on the chimneys are porous. I examined the bricks on the chimneys. There's excessive efflorescence on the upper courses of brick. This indicates water is consistently getting into the masonry and leaching out chlorides. The brick was measured with a moisture meter to be actively wet. I believe the drywall ceiling showed the leak because the water is dripping off the bricks as they are tiered outwards rather than straight down. It also appears that the bricks were replaced at one point at the tops of the chimneys (beneath the roofline) indicating a long term problem.
You can see from the ground that the stones used from the chimney are quite attractive but also unusual. With binoculars you can see that some of them look to be somewhat 'hollow' in a way. Once I was on the roof, I verified this. The rocks look very porous. I took some pics that i'll send over. I've never seen a chimney built with these types of rocks. They look like what I'd call lava rocks, but I'm neither a mason or geologist. So what I believe to be happening is the rock is weeping water that completely bypasses the flashing and soaks the brick foundation in the attic.
I went into the attic after seeing the stain on the ceiling on the 3rd floor. I found the spot on the attic floor above. I don't think this is a flashing issue. I believe the rocks used on the chimneys are porous. I examined the bricks on the chimneys. There's excessive efflorescence on the upper courses of brick. This indicates water is consistently getting into the masonry and leaching out chlorides. The brick was measured with a moisture meter to be actively wet. I believe the drywall ceiling showed the leak because the water is dripping off the bricks as they are tiered outwards rather than straight down. It also appears that the bricks were replaced at one point at the tops of the chimneys (beneath the roofline) indicating a long term problem.
You can see from the ground that the stones used from the chimney are quite attractive but also unusual. With binoculars you can see that some of them look to be somewhat 'hollow' in a way. Once I was on the roof, I verified this. The rocks look very porous. I took some pics that i'll send over. I've never seen a chimney built with these types of rocks. They look like what I'd call lava rocks, but I'm neither a mason or geologist. So what I believe to be happening is the rock is weeping water that completely bypasses the flashing and soaks the brick foundation in the attic.
Exterior chimney view
Interior chimney view
Here's a post that might help - http://www.andersonchimney.com/our-services/leaking-chimney-problems/
I've included a link that talks about water-proofing products, but you also may want to consult with a professional mason.
https://www.homebuilderassist.com/types-of-chimneys.html
I do not think this is a DYI job. You need to get in contact with a Mason, so it can be done correctly.
You’d be far better off contacting a pro for this, a mason or a chimney specialist.
Definitely contact a pro. You may need new flashing and maybe tuck pointing in addition to the stone work
Does your purchase contract give you the option of cancelling your contract over such an issue? You are most likely looking at a costly repair, where the chimney may require a tear down below roof level. You need to immediately contact skilled masonry and carpentry experts for professional advice and complete details of involved work, all associated costs, time needed to effect repairs and length of warranty.
If you then really want this house, you may be able to renegotiate cost with the seller.
I would be concerned about a chimney fire. Be safe!
I think it's a flashing problem and not the stone. The stone above the roof line is decorative and attached to the brick chimney itself. Appears to be fake man made stone like Z Brick. Maybe not a good choice. I also notice what looks like two chimney liners coming off the top of the chimney so it seems safe. You can see the shingles are raised around the outside of the chimney and what I would assume the sheathing is warped. I would get a roofer out there to assess the damage and repair. If you haven't completed the home purchase you can have the seller repair or give some kind of compensation as a contingency to the closing of the deal.
re point all over again ..there is no quick fix when it comes to chimney
Here's a post that might help: https://www.andersonchimney.com/leaking-chimney