When the roof leaks, homeowners often ask us whether they should fix the chimney or the roof first. Honestly, the answer isn’t always apparent from the homeowner’s perspective. Over our decades of experience as one of Northern Virginia’s top roofing contractors, we’ve seen cases where our client was sure they had a roof leak, only to find the chimney was the real problem. That’s why we always recommend a professional inspection before choosing when and in what order to tackle repairs.
Do Roof and Chimney Issues Look The Same?
Your chimney is an integral part of your roof, but it’s also (obviously) its own thing. Adding a vertical element to the roof makes it vulnerable to leaks. Think about it: a chimney requires an extra hole in the roof. Your builder covers the attachment point where the roof and chimney meet with metal sheeting called flashing. Flashing keeps water from getting into your house, but like the masonry and chimney crown, it’s vulnerable to leaks. Another note: many of today’s chimneys are not brick or stone masonry. Instead, they are insulated metal tubing, along with framing that supports siding, brick, or stone veneer. For all these reasons, as weather conditions affect your chimney and flashing, leaks become more likely. Another reason it’s hard to tell the difference is that the symptoms of a chimney leak are the same as a roof leak, including water stains, leaks, musty smells, and interior damage in your home.
Why Does a Good Roofer Inspect Your Chimney Too?
Reputable roofing companies like DryHome always evaluate your chimney during roof inspections. We know that it creates value for our clients when we find the true source of the problem. A correct diagnosis can mean significant savings. Some of the chimney-related issues we look for include:
- Deteriorated flashing.
- Cracked or missing mortar
- Cracks in the chimney crown, the top part of your chimney, usually made of stone, concrete or metal
- Improper slope of counter flashing, the top metal layer of the flashing that attaches your chimney to the roof.
- Water seeping in pathways that mimic roof leaks
A DryHome Case Study: The Chimney Was the Real Problem
DryHome’s owner, Steve Gotschi, has seen many leaks over the years. A few years ago, Steve responded to a call from a client who believed their roof was leaking. Instead, Steve found that the home’s chimney crown had deteriorated and that water was entering the house through defective flashing. Much to the client’s relief, the roof shingles were still in good shape—instead, the chimney needed repair.
“We completed the chimney repairs before the roofing work began, resulting in significant cost savings for our client,” Steve said. “That’s the rewarding part of doing our homework in our clients’ best interest: completing a thorough inspection and tackling the job in the right order matters.”
Should I Fix The Chimney or The Roof First?
Sometimes it makes sense to repair the chimney first. This can prevent roof damage and save you money.
Some of the red flags for chimney repair include:
- A cracked crown
- Failing mortar joints
- Damaged or improperly installed flashing
- A leaning or settling chimney
- Visible brick spalling occurs when your masonry starts to crumble and disintegrate.
On the other hand, sometimes the roof is clearly the issue. That’s why it’s essential to have a trusted partner who can give you an honest and accurate diagnosis. Some of the most common roof issues include:
- Aging or damaged shingles
- Failed underlayment
- Damaged flashing elsewhere on the roof
- Worn valleys or ridges: these sensitive areas, where rooflines meet, are essential for proper water runoff.
Roof and Chimney Repair: How Do I Make The Right Decision?
Getting your chimney and roof repaired can be complementary, but it’s essential to get the work done in the correct order. Taking a comprehensive view can prevent repeated leaks and avoid wasting money on roof repairs by addressing the real source. You can also integrate the flashing around your chimney with flashing elsewhere on the roof, improving your home’s appearance and long-term resale value. At DryHome, our experienced team takes a comprehensive diagnostic approach. Our inspections include the entire roof and the exterior of your chimney, allowing us to diagnose the root cause rather than upsell unnecessary (and expensive) repairs.
The right roofer will give you a clear answer about what to fix first and explain why in language you can understand. After more than four decades in business, the DryHome team has honed its diagnostic process through experienced teams and owner oversight on every job. We always recommend a professional inspection before deciding what to fix first, and we’re committed to an honest assessment that brings clarity and supports decision-making.
